vegetables

Air Fryer Savory Yellow Squash with Panko

This quick and crispy air-fried yellow squash brings out the best of Southern summer produce. Thin squash rounds are lightly seasoned, brushed with olive oil, coated in panko, and air-fried until golden and crunchy. The result is a savory, tender-in-the-center, crisp-on-the-edges side dish that works with weeknight dinners, grilled meats, or summertime spreads. It delivers the flavor of pan-fried squash with a much lighter finish and almost no oil.

Servings: 2–4 servings
Total Time: 20 min
Pan: air fryer basket

Ingredients

Savory Squash
  • 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Olive oil spray
Air Fryer Savory Yellow Squash with Panko

Instructions

  1. Slice 2 medium yellow squash into even 1/4-inch rounds and pat dry with a paper towel to remove moisture.
  2. Toss the squash slices with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika until evenly coated.
  3. In a shallow bowl, mix 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional).
  4. Press each seasoned squash slice into the panko mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray and arrange the coated squash slices in a single layer.
  6. Air fry at 380°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the squash is tender and the panko is golden and crisp.
  7. Spray lightly with additional olive oil spray at the halfway point if you want extra crispiness.
  8. Serve immediately while the coating is crunchy.

Notes

  • Slice squash evenly so all pieces cook at the same rate.
  • For extra crunch, chill the coated squash slices for 10 minutes before air frying.
  • Add cayenne or chili flakes for heat.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket — cook in batches for best crisping.
  • This method also works beautifully with zucchini.