The Best Summer Squash Recipe You Can Make in the Air Fryer

Is summer squash good in the air fryer?

Summer is around the corner which means that summer squashes like yellow squash and zucchini are about to be planted!

Summer squash is a delicious side to make in the air fryer this summer because, not only will this vegetable be in abundance, but it is the best fresh and light side to your BBQs and other favorite summertime dishes!

Have an abundance of squash? Learn how to freeze zucchini in these simple and easy steps!

What is summer squash?

Summer squash are the zucchini and other squash vegetables that are planted and harvested in the warm summer months.

Zucchini and squash, although different in color, are a essentially the same vegetable. As such, they are a summertime power couple when it comes to cooking!

Check out this awesome article from The Kitchn to learn more about the different varieties of summer squash that you can easily substitute the summer squash I am using in this recipe with. 

How do I cook squash in my air fryer?

Yellow squash is so easy to make in the air fryer. Here is what you need to make air fryer yellow squash.

Ingredients

• 1-2 yellow squash (or however much you’d like)
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes.
2. Trim the ends of the yellow squash. Then, dice it into bite sized pieces.
3. Toss the yellow squash with oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until vegetables are tender to your liking. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or just sprinkle on and enjoy as is.

How do I cook zucchini in my air fryer?

Because zucchini and yellow squash are in the same squash family and have very similar tastes, cooking time will be the exact same! Here’s how you make air fryer zucchini:

Ingredients

• 1-2 small zucchini (or however much you’d like)
• 1/2 tablespoonolive oil or avocado oil
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes.
2. Trim the ends of the zucchini. Then, dice it into bite sized pieces.
3. Toss the zucchini with oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 6-8 minutes or until vegetables are tender to your liking. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or just sprinkle on and enjoy as is.

Can you cook squash and zucchini in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook yellow squash and zucchini together in the air fryer! Not only is this a power move with your air fryer, it is also a quick and easy side that you can whip up in minutes. I like to top my summer squash with a little fresh parmesan to make the best air fryer side dish!

Ingredients

• ½-1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil (or any high smoke point oil)
• 2 small zucchini
• 2 small to medium yellow crookneck squash
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional but yummy)

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C for 5 minutes.
2. Trim the ends of the zucchini and yellow squash. Then, dice it into bite sized pieces.
3. Toss the zucchini and squash with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Air fry for 6-8 minutes or until vegetables are tender to your liking. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or just sprinkle on and enjoy as is.

Topping & Seasoning Ideas

There are many different ways you can top and season your summer squash to make these sautéed vegetables a hit. Check out a few of my favorite ways.

• Zucchini and squash taste great with freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. You can even add the parmesan cheese during the last minute or two of cooking.
• While you are adding oil, salt, and pepper to the squash, add Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence. Don’t have Italian seasoning? Check out this homemade Italian Seasoning Blend. 
• Before cooking the veggies in the air fryer, combine the squash with freshly minced garlic and finely diced sweet onions (or garlic powder and onion powder). And then, top with fresh parsley before enjoying!
• Serve the squash with fresh grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes to add new flavors!
• Brighten the flavor profile with a freshly grated lemon zest and finely minced basil leaves garnish.

Serving Suggestions

Just like how you can top this air fryer side differently, there are so many great foods you can serve this one with. Check out our top 10!

1. Honey Garlic Pork Chops
2. Balsamic Honey Chicken
3. Brown Sugar Spiced Pork Tenderloin
4. Honey Mustard Salmon Recipe
5. Air Fryer Turkey Breast or Moist Fall-off-the-Bone Thanksgiving Turkey
6. The Best Meatloaf
7. Air Fryer Hamburgers
8. Perfect Every Time Air Fryer Steak
9. Honey Garlic Shrimp or Instant Pot Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Recipe
10. Korean Fried Cauliflower

Final Thoughts

Air fryer squash and zucchini is a simple, delicious, and great side dish that is so easy to make! This simple air fryer recipe is the best side in the summertime when zucchini and squash are in abundance! Plus, air fried summer squash is a perfect keto side dish because it is low-carb!

This recipe will be a hit for Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July BBQ, or next Sunday Dinner. Share with us in the comments below how this recipe went for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep squash and zucchini from getting soggy?

If your zucchini and squash are turning out soggy in the air fryer, you can try this baking method that works great for the oven.

You will want to elevate the zucchini and squash by placing it on an air fryer rack or another rack of some sort. This will allow the air to circulate a little better and keep the the zucchini and squash from baking in its juices.

Should yellow squash be refrigerated?

Squash is best if stored between 41-50°F. Squash will last for about two weeks in this conditions. Here are a few other things you should know about squash. (source).

• Store squash ideally between 41 to 50°F (5-10°C) with a relative humidity of 95%. Under these conditions, squash is acceptable for up to 2 weeks.
• Squash stored at refrigeration temperatures of 41°F (5°C) should have a shelf life of 4 days.
• Summer squash is subject to chilling injury if held at temperatures below 41 °F for more than 2 days.
• Do not store squash in dry storage areas.
• Cover, date, and refrigerate sliced summer squash immediately. Use within 24 hours for optimum quality and freshness.
• Slice the squash, blanch for two minutes, quickly cool to 41°F (5°C), package, and freeze for up to three months.

Get more information about handling summer squash.

More Air Fryer Recipes You Will Love

• Easy Salmon Air Fryer Sheet Pan Dinner with Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts
• Easy Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
• Air Fried Asparagus with Bacon
• Paprika Chicken with Fries
• Grilled Bacon, Avocado, Tomato Cheese Sandwich in the Air Fryer

Need more air fryer recipe inspiration? Check out my air fryer cookbook with more than 150 air fryer recipes!

Air Fryer Tips and Tricks You Don’t Want to Miss!

• Air Fryer 101
• Learn these common Air Fryer Mistakes!
• All about the Best and Worst Air Fryer Accessories
• How to Clean Your Air Fryer
• How to Cook Any Recipe in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Summer Squash Recipe

Top this perfectly roasted zucchini and yellow squash with a little parmesan to make the best air fryer summer squash side dish this summer!

4.75 / 5 ( 8 Reviews )

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Serves: 2

Adjust Servings: 2

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 1/2-1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil or a different high smoke point oil
• 2 small zucchini ends trimmed and diced
• 2 small-medium yellow crookneck squash ends trimmed and diced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese to taste; optional, see recipe notes for additional garnishes

Instructions

• Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F for 5 minutes.
• Toss the zucchini and squash with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
• Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 6-8 minutes or until vegetables are tender to your liking.
• Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or remove from air fryer basket and sprinkle on parmesan cheese. Or, enjoy the squash with no cheese!

Recipe Notes

Topping & Seasoning Ideas

There are many different ways you can top and season your summer squash to make these roasted vegetables a hit. Check out a few of my favorite ways. 

Seasoning Ideas

• Add Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence while you season with salt and pepper. Don't have Italian seasoning? Check out this homemade Italian Seasoning Blend. 
• Or, add freshly minced garlic and finely diced sweet onions. (or garlic powder and onion powder). Cook, then top with fresh parsley before enjoying! 

Topping Ideas

• Add freshly grated parmesan cheese on top during the last minute or two of cooking. 
• Serve the squash with fresh grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes to add new flavors.
• Brighten the flavor profile with a freshly grated lemon zest and finely minced basil leaves garnish.

Nutrition

Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Sodium: 13mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g

Recipe Adapted From: Mel's Kitchen Cafe