Crispy Air Fryer Squash is my new go-to for a quick and easy side dish, and it's ready in less than 15 minutes! The outside gets amazing crispy and golden brown, while the inside stays soft and tender - just how I like it!
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I love this easy recipe for air-fried squash. My kids even like it better than Air Fryer French Fries!
For more delicious squash recipes, check out Oven-Roasted Buttercup Squash and Buttercup Squash Soup.
Serve this crispy winter squash with Air Fryer Salmon Teriyaki, Air Fryer Halibut, or Air Fryer Chicken Thighs for a meal your whole family will love.
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Why You'll Love This Air-Fried Squash
- It's quick and easy to make using simple ingredients.
- The squash is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Kids love this delicious side dish - even the picky ones!
- It's the perfect side dish for pretty much any meal - Smoked Whole Chicken, Air Fryer Tilapia, Smoked Burgers, you name it!
Reader 5 ⭐ Review
Recipe came out delicious. I did your regular recipe and then added the spices you suggested ginger, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup. The best I have ever made. Yum yum! 😋
- our reader, Paula
Ingredient Notes
This simple recipe uses a handful of ingredients that are easily found at your local grocery store.
- Squash. You can use any type of squash you like, including summer squash such as pattypan squash, yellow squash, or round zucchini. You can also use winter squash such as acorn squash, kabocha squash, or buttercup squash.
- Avocado oil. You can also any type of oil, including olive oil.
- Italian seasoning. You can also use Greek seasoning.
- Oregano.
- Paprika. You can also use smoked paprika.
- Garlic powder. You can also use minced garlic or garlic flakes.
- Onion powder. You can also use minced onion or onion flakes.
- Seasoning salt. You can also use table salt or sea salt.
- Black pepper. You can use freshly cracked black pepper to taste or white pepper.
See the printable recipe card for quantities and a complete list of ingredients.
How To Make Crispy Air Fryer Squash
- Place the squash on a cutting board and slice it in half with a sharp knife. Remove the seeds with a large spoon.
- Slice the squash into equal-sized half-moon slices, about 1-inch thick.
- Add the seasonings to a small bowl, and mix until well combined.
- Place the squash pieces into a large mixing bowl. Add the avocado oil and toss until each piece of squash is coated in oil.
- Sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture over the squash, and mix with a large spoon or tongs. Add the rest of the seasoning mixture and toss until the squash slices are coated evenly in the spice mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F. Once preheated, spread the squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry squash for 14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. If you want it crispier, air fry for a couple of minutes extra.
- Remove the squash from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Tip: If you are cooking the next batch of air-fried squash right away, you do not need to preheat the air fryer again.
Variations
- Extra-crispy: Spray the squash with a bit of avocado oil cooking spray halfway through the cooking time.
- Sweet: Toss the cooked squash with a bit of maple syrup, cinnamon, and powdered ginger.
- Savory: Toss the cooked squash with Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Spicy: To add a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the squash before cooking.
- Fresh herbs: Instead of dried herbs, sprinkle on fresh herbs for fantastic fresh flavor.
Storage
This squash is best eaten immediately after cooking.
However, if you have leftover air fryer squash, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the air fryer until warm and crisp.
These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing; they will get mushy in the freezer. However, you could place leftover squash in a freezer bag and store it in the freezer to add to Buttercup Squash Soup or Instant Pot Venison Stew in the future.
Recipe Tips
- Cut the squash into similar size pieces so that they cook evenly.
- Thinner slices will be crispier than thick slices.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the squash in batches
- Ensure the pieces are not touching - otherwise, they'll steam instead of crisp up.
FAQ's
No, you don't need to peel a squash before roasting it. After the squash is air fried, the peel is easy to pull off, or eat the squash like you would a watermelon.
No, squash is not a high-carb food. A 1-cup serving of cooked winter squash has about 7 grams of carbohydrates, while a 1-cup serving of cooked summer squash has about 5 grams of carbohydrates.
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Printable Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Squash
Ingredients
- 1 squash acorn squash or kabocha squash
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or avocado spray
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Slice the squash: Wash and dry your squash. Place the squash on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the squash in half and remove the seeds. Slice the squash into half-moon slices, about 1-inch thick.
- Season: Add the Italian seasoning, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt, and black pepper to a small bowl, and mix until well combined. Add the squash slices to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the squash with the avocado oil and toss to coat. Add ½ of the seasoning mixture to the squash pieces and toss to coat the slices evenly. Add the rest of the seasoning mixture and toss again. You want all of the squash slices to be evenly coated.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375℉. Place the squash pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Air fry for 14 minutes at 375℉, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. The squash is done when it is crispy and brown on the outside, and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Serve the crispy squash immediately as a snack or side dish.
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Notes
- Cut the squash into similar size pieces so that they cook evenly.
- Thinner slices will be crispier than thick slices.
- Coat the squash in a light layer of oil before cooking. This will help it to crisp up.
- Cook the squash in batches if necessary. Make sure that the pieces are not touching each other - otherwise, they'll steam instead of crisp up.
- Serve immediately. These are best when they're fresh out of the air fryer.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
Paula says
Recipe came out delicious. I did you regular recipe and then added the spices you suggested ginger, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup. The best I have ever made. Yum yum 😋
Jeri Walker says
Hi Paula! I'm thrilled to hear that you liked the squash and that you enjoyed the addition of ginger, cinnamon, and maple syrup! It's always great to hear when someone enjoys a recipe! Thanks for taking the time to leave a rating and comment! Happy cooking 🙂