This easy Air Fryer Squash recipe is made with zucchini and yellow squash lightly seasoned and tossed in garlic to create a golden brown side dish in minutes!
Summer squash is abundant during the months of June, July, and August. Every time I visit the grocery store, or the Farmer’s Market, I pick up a few zucchini and yellow squash.
I slice them thin, toss them in some oil, and seasoning, and cook the squash in the air fryer.
It’s a simple side dish that comes together in minutes. While you can prepare squash on the stovetop, or roast it in the oven, my favorite way to prepare squash is in the air fryer!
We use the air fryer to prepare our favorite veggie side dishes like Air Fryer Potato Wedges, Zucchini Chips, Carrots, and Asparagus. This Air Fryer Squash recipe is by far my summer favorite! The flavor of the squash shines through.
💗 Why You’ll Love this Air Fryer Squash Recipe…
- 4 ingredients
- Takes minutes to make
- Easy prep
- Roasts to a golden brown
- Simple side dish
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- Healthy and nutrient-rich
- Keto, Paleo, and Whole 30 friendly!
🥣 Ingredients and Notes
- Zucchini-I used the long and thin zucchini variety. Look for ones that are fresh and not bruised.
- Yellow Squash-This is the squash that has a narrow neck that widens at the bottom.
- Garlic-Add more or less depending on how much garlic you like.
- Olive Oil-A a small amount of oil helps to achieve a nice golden brown finish.
- Salt and Pepper-Season lightly with salt and pepper. You’ll need half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of pepper.
👩🏻🍳 Substitutions
- You can use this recipe with all zucchini or all yellow squash.
- Instead of oil, try using vegetable broth, soy sauce, or tamari. If you choose to use soy sauce or tamari, reduce or eliminate any added salt.
- Change up the spices! This recipe calls for garlic, salt, and pepper. But feel free to get creative when it comes to herbs and spices. A teaspoon of dried basil, dried dill, oregano, rosemary, Italian seasoning, or thyme would all add a nice bit of herbal flavor to this dish. Or add a dash of red pepper flakes before serving if you like to add a bit of heat.
- Top with fresh herbs. I suggest parsley, basil, cilantro, or dill.
📋 Step by Step Instructions for Air Fryer Squash
Step 1: Cut the ends off the zucchini and yellow squash. Then slice lengthwise, and into small half-moon shapes. In a large bowl toss the zucchini and yellow squash in olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Transfer the squash to your air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400 F, and set the time to 15 minutes.
Toss halfway at about 7.5 minutes. (If your air fryer is small, you’ll need to make it in two batches.)
Step 4: Transfer the squash to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with fresh herbs.
❓ FAQS
Squash refers to all types of gourd vegetables. It’s then divided into two main types, summer squash and winter squash. Summer squash refers to zucchini, yellow squash, and other types of squash that grow in the summer. Summer squash can also refer exclusively to the yellow squash variety. Winter squash refers to butternut squash, acorn squash, and other types of gourd vegetables that are harvested in the fall. The main difference between zucchini and summer squash (yellow squash) is the color and the shape. Zucchini is green, while summer squash is yellow. Zucchinis have a long straight shape, while summer squash is slightly curved and has a fatter, and rounder bottom.
Both zucchini and yellow squash are in season during the summer months between June and August. If you live in the United States you can usually find both zucchini and yellow squash year-round in your grocery store. Although, it may be imported from another country or grown in a greenhouse.
Yes! Squash is delicious in the air fryer! It’s a simple way to prepare both zucchini, yellow squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, and any other type of squash you enjoy! This is because the air fryer allows the squash to be cooked evenly on all sides with a limited amount of oil which results in a crispy finish.
If you want to fry summer squash in the air fryer with a breaded coating, I suggest trying my recipe for air fryer zucchini chips. They have a light and crispy coating, and a crisp finish. The flavor of the squash is not compromised. All you need to do is thinly slice the zucchini, dip in a wash, coat it in breading, and fry in a single layer.
Squash has a lot of water. That is why it can become soggy when cooked. To avoid your squash from becoming soggy slice it then. Then line a plate with a paper towel. Place the slices on the paper towel, and then place another paper towel on top of it. Gently but firmly press your hands down on the squash so that the paper towels absorb the excess water.
💭 Expert Tips
- You only need a small amount of olive oil. I use 1 tsp. This helps to achieve that golden brown color. Or opt for vegetable stock, soy sauce, or tamari to eliminate the oil altogether.
- Be sure to toss the squash halfway through cooking time. This will ensure that all the veggies are cooked evenly.
- If you have a small air fryer (like me) you’ll need to make this recipe in two batches so as not to overcrowd the basket and ensure all pieces cook evenly and brown.
- Cook the squash at high heat. Summer squash contains a lot of water, so cooking it at a high temperature will achieve a golden brown finish without making it soggy.
- Slice the squash in thick rounds. This will help it retain its shape while cooking.
- Serve the squash in a single layer. This will keep the squash on the bottom from becoming soggy from the heat of the squash on top.
👩🏻🍳 Serving Suggestions
This squash side dish pairs nicely with a variety of vegan main dishes such as black bean burgers or vegan Sloppy Joes. You can also serve it alongside your favorite pasta recipe.
Pair this recipe with other fresh veggie side dishes such as roasted soy sauce Brussel sprouts, or sweet potato saute.
If you have loads of zucchini to unload, try these Vegan Zucchini Muffins! They’re moist, light, naturally sweetened, and oil-free! If you have large zucchinis try my stuffed zucchini recipe!
❄️ How to Store and Keep
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, warm in the microwave.
😋 More Air Fryer Recipes and Tips!
Recipe
Air Fryer Squash and Zucchini
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the ends off the zucchini and yellow squash. Then slice lengthwise, and into small half moon shapes. In a large bowl toss the zucchini and yellow squash in olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper.
- Transfer to air fryer basket. Set temperature to 400 F, and set the time to 15 minutes. Toss half way at about 7.5 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with fresh herbs.
Video
Notes
- You only need a small amount of olive oil. I use 1 tsp. This helps to achieve that golden brown color. Or opt for vegetable stock, soy sauce, or tamari to eliminate the oil altogether.
- Be sure to toss the squash halfway through cooking time. This will ensure that all the veggies are cooked evenly.
- If you have a small air fryer (like me) you’ll need to make this recipe in two batches so as not to overcrowd the basket and ensure all pieces cook evenly and brown.
- Cook the squash at high heat. Summer squash contains a lot of water, so cooking it at a high temperature will achieve a golden brown finish without making it soggy.
- Slice the squash in thick rounds. This will help it retain its shape while cooking.
- Serve the squash in a single layer. This will keep the squash on the bottom from becoming soggy from the heat of the squash on top.
- You can use this recipe with all zucchini or all yellow squash.
- Instead of oil, try using vegetable broth, soy sauce, or tamari. If you choose to use soy sauce or tamari, reduce or eliminate any added salt.
- Change up the spices! This recipe calls for garlic, salt, and pepper. But feel free to get creative when it comes to herbs and spices. A teaspoon of dried basil, dried dill, oregano, rosemary, Italian seasoning, or thyme would all add a nice bit of herbal flavor to this dish. Or add a dash of red pepper flakes before serving if you like to add a bit of heat.
- Top with fresh herbs. I suggest parsley, basil, cilantro, or dill.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
What a great way to prep and serve all the season’s zucchini! This looks amazing – gimme the air fryer foods! 🙂
Amy
So easy, yummy, and healthy! We are going to add some chiffonaded basil to ours since we have a bunch growing in the garden.
Andrea
This summer duo of veggies look amazing! I like how easy it is to make and that it’s lightly seasoned.
Tavo
I loved how simple and delicious this squash recipe was! I am making it again as my contribution to a potluck today!
Sue
I had no idea the air fryer could do a side dish like this ~ genius!
GUNJAN
This is such a great way to enjoy squash. So easy and quick. I make it frequently because we love your recipe.
Karen Hopkins
Made this for supper tonight. Super easy and delicious.
mo
like it alot
Amanda
It’s amazing
Alison Corey
Hi Amanda! Thanks for trying the recipe! Glad you loved it!
Donna Telech
I used half the zucchini, only had green! It was very good, definitely a favorite!
Alison Corey
Glad you love the recipe! It’s such a great way to enjoy squash!
Lizet
This looks super easy for me to make this weekend. I love summer veggies.
Toni
This recipe seriously could not be easier! I have trouble getting my crew to eat zucchini but this is a total hit!
Jill
So many reasons to love the air fryer. I hadn’t tried zucchini in mine yet. Now I will!
Cathleen
This is definitely convincing me to buy an air fryer. This looks amazing!! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Erica
The squash in my garden is just beginning to produce, and this recipe look like the perfect one to try out. Thanks!