How to Make Air-Fried Yellow Squash: A Delicious Southern Summer Side

Hello everyone! Today, I’m excited to share my favorite summer side dish: air-fried yellow squash. This recipe is a classic Southern favorite, perfect for those warm summer days. It's also incredibly easy to make! You can find the full fried yellow squash recipe on my blog at GritsAndGoody.com. It's one of the most popular recipes on the site, and since I use my air fryer almost daily, I wanted to show you how to make this dish using it.

Ingredients:

• 5-6 small to medium yellow squash (straight-neck or crook-neck, or even zucchini)
• 1/3 cup cornmeal (you can also use cornbread mix)
• 1/4 teaspoon table salt (or kosher salt, with a bit more for seasoning)
• Optional: a tablespoon of flour for extra crispiness
• Optional: black pepper, Creole seasoning, or your favorite spices

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Squash:

   • Slice the yellow squash into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If you prefer them extra crispy, slice them thinner.
   • Sprinkle a small amount of salt on the squash to help the moisture rise and make the cornmeal stick better.

2. Preheat Your Air Fryer:

   • Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and let it preheat.

3. Coat the Squash:

   • In a bowl, mix the cornmeal (and optional flour) with the salt. You can also add spices if desired.
   • Toss the squash slices in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure they are coated well. For a larger batch, consider using a Ziploc bag to shake and coat the squash.

4. Prepare the Air Fryer:

   • Spray the air fryer rack with vegetable oil or olive oil. Avoid using non-stick sprays like Pam as they contain butane.

5. Air Fry the Squash:

   • Arrange the coated squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for about 4 minutes, then check for doneness.
   • Turn the squash slices and spray with a little more oil if needed. Continue air frying for an additional 3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve:

   • Once done, remove the squash and place it on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Tips:

• For best results, use non-metal tongs to avoid scratching the air fryer basket.
• If you prefer a different flavor profile, try adding Creole seasoning or your favorite spices to the cornmeal mixture.

Enjoy your crispy, air-fried yellow squash! This recipe is a fantastic addition to your summer meals and perfect for those who love Southern cuisine. For more air fryer recipes, visit GritsAndGoody.com.