• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 20–22 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

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Ingredients

• 2 medium yellow squash
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Fresh lemon wedges for serving (optional)

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Kitchen Equipment

• Air fryer
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Squash

Wash the squash thoroughly under cold water and dry with paper towels.

Trim off both ends.

Slice the squash into rounds approximately ¼-inch thick. Uniform slices help ensure even cooking.

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Step 2: Season

Place the sliced squash into a large mixing bowl.

Add:

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix well until every slice is lightly coated.

Add the grated Parmesan cheese and gently toss again so the cheese sticks evenly to the squash.

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Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Preheating helps create crispier edges immediately when the squash begins cooking.

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Step 4: Arrange in Basket

Place the squash slices into the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Avoid overcrowding.

Cook in batches if necessary.

Good airflow is the secret to crispy vegetables.

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Step 5: Air Fry

Cook at:

Temperature: 400°F (200°C)

Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes

Shake the basket or flip the squash halfway through cooking.

The Parmesan should become golden brown while the squash becomes fork tender.

If you enjoy extra crispy vegetables, cook an additional 2–3 minutes.

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Step 6: Finish

Transfer the cooked squash to a serving platter.

Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges if desired.

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Cooking Tips

Choose squash that feels firm with smooth skin.

Smaller squash are sweeter and contain fewer seeds.

Freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns much better than pre-packaged varieties.

Avoid slicing the squash too thin, or it may become overly soft.

For maximum crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

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Flavor Variations

Spicy Version

Add:

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Crushed red pepper flakes

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Herb Parmesan

Mix in:

• Fresh thyme
• Basil
• Oregano
• Rosemary

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Garlic Lovers

Increase garlic powder to 2 teaspoons or add minced fresh garlic during the last few minutes of cooking.

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Italian Style

Add:

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan
• Italian herbs
• Marinara dipping sauce

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Keto Version

This recipe is naturally keto-friendly.

Simply ensure your Parmesan cheese contains no added starches.

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Best Dipping Sauces

Serve alongside:

• Ranch dressing
• Garlic aioli
• Marinara sauce
• Honey mustard
• Chipotle mayo
• Greek yogurt herb dip
• Lemon garlic butter

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What to Serve with Air Fryer Squash

This side dish pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled chicken
• Steak
• Pork chops
• Baked salmon
• Shrimp
• Meatballs
• Pasta
• Rice dishes
• Burgers
• Sandwiches

It also works wonderfully as a healthy appetizer.

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Storage Instructions

Allow leftovers to cool completely.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Although best enjoyed fresh, leftovers remain delicious.

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Reheating

Air Fryer

• 375°F (190°C)
• 3–4 minutes

This method restores the crispy Parmesan coating.

Oven

Bake at 375°F for about 6–8 minutes.

Microwave

Heat for 45–60 seconds.

The squash will remain tasty but slightly softer.

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Freezing

Freezing is not recommended because squash contains a high amount of water.

Once thawed, it may become mushy and lose its crispy texture.

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Recipe Success Tips

• Slice squash evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket.
• Preheat the air fryer.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan.
• Toss with oil before adding cheese.
• Flip halfway through cooking.
• Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use zucchini?

Absolutely.

Zucchini cooks almost identically and makes an excellent substitute.

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Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes.

Simply omit the Parmesan or use your favorite dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

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Do I have to peel the squash?

No.

The skin becomes tender during cooking and provides additional nutrients and texture.

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Can I prepare it ahead?

You can slice and season the squash a few hours ahead of time. For the best texture, cook it just before serving.

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Why isn’t my squash crispy?

Overcrowding the basket or skipping the preheating step can trap steam and prevent browning. Cook in a single layer and allow hot air to circulate around each slice.

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Nutritional Benefits

Yellow squash is naturally low in calories while providing vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and fiber. Air frying requires very little oil compared to traditional frying, making this recipe a lighter option. Parmesan cheese adds protein, calcium, and rich savory flavor without overwhelming the fresh taste of the squash.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values.

• Calories: 145
• Protein: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugars: 3 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Potassium: 360 mg
• Vitamin A: 12% DV
• Vitamin C: 30% DV
• Calcium: 18% DV
• Iron: 4% DV