Tired of the same old side dishes? Craving something healthy, quick, and bursting with flavor? Then look no further! This air fryer yellow squash recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a simple yet elegant addition to any meal. It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and the results are unbelievably tender and delicious. Get ready to experience the magic of air-fried yellow squash!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Squash
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it's heating up, wash and slice the yellow squash into even rounds. This ensures even cooking. Try to get them roughly the same thickness for consistent results.
Step 2: Season the Squash
In a large bowl, toss the yellow squash slices with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure each slice is nicely coated with the seasoning mixture. This step is crucial for a flavorful outcome.
Step 3: Air Fry the Squash
Arrange the seasoned squash slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; if necessary, cook in batches. Air frying works best when there's good air circulation around each piece.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is tender and slightly browned. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the squash slices. Check for doneness by piercing a slice with a fork; it should easily slide through.
Cooking Tips for Air Fryer Yellow Squash:
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Overcrowding will result in uneven cooking and steaming instead of air frying.
- Flip halfway: Flipping ensures even browning and cooking on both sides.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker slices will require slightly longer cooking time. Always check for doneness before removing.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! Italian seasoning, paprika, cumin, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese would all be delicious additions.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Yellow Squash: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the seasoning mixture for a bright and zesty flavor.
- Spicy Yellow Squash: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a touch of heat.
- Garlic Parmesan Yellow Squash: Toss the cooked squash with grated parmesan cheese and minced fresh garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 50-60 Fat: 3-4g Carbohydrates: 8-10g Protein: 1-2g
This air fryer yellow squash recipe is a fantastic example of how easy it is to prepare delicious and healthy meals with minimal effort. It's perfect as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or even vegetarian burgers. Enjoy!