Ever tried air fryer patty pan squash and thought, “Where have you been all my life?” That was my reaction the first time I crisped up these golden little beauties. Patty pan squash, often overlooked at farmers markets, became my seasonal obsession after a visit to my grandmother’s kitchen one summer. She’d toss sliced squash in flour and pan-fry them till just browned. Nostalgic and delicious, sure—but the air fryer? That’s where the magic happens. Now I get the same crunchy bite with none of the grease, and the garlic parmesan combo makes it downright addictive. This crispy air fryer patty pan squash with garlic parmesan recipe will be your go-to side all summer long.
It’s perfect for weeknights, impresses at gatherings, and—bonus—you can use the same technique on zucchini. If you love crispy veggies, you’ll probably enjoy Crispy Zucchini Fries: 5-Min Air Fryer Snack too.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Air Fryer Patty Pan Squash So Special
Crispy Texture Without Frying
What sets this dish apart is how the air fryer locks in the moisture while achieving that golden crust. Unlike oven roasting, where squash can go soft, the hot air circulation crisps up the exterior perfectly. The garlic parmesan coating clings tightly, adding flavor with every bite.
Another perk? It takes just under 15 minutes in the air fryer. Quick, minimal cleanup, and the crunch is better than pan-fried versions—just like you’d expect from a solid summer side. If you’re short on time but want something snacky and wholesome, it’s a winner.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
The ingredient list stays humble—just patty pan squash, garlic, parmesan, breadcrumbs, olive oil, and a few spices. You don’t need exotic ingredients or even much prep time. Slice, season, toss, and fry.
Pro tip: Grate your own parmesan for a sharper bite and better texture. Pre-shredded varieties often contain fillers that interfere with melting and browning.
Love how ingredients come together with flavor? Try it in a sweet dish like Rustic Fresh Fig Cake with Almond Crumble, where the texture does all the talking.
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Crispy Air Fryer Patty Pan Squash with Garlic Parmesan
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden crisp on the outside, tender inside—this air fryer patty pan squash with garlic parmesan is your new favorite summer side.
Ingredients
2 cups patty pan squash (sliced into ½-inch rounds)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
¼ cup grated parmesan
½ cup breadcrumbs
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp paprika
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F.
2. Toss squash slices with salt and let sit 5 minutes. Pat dry.
3. In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, and parmesan.
4. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning and paprika.
5. Dip squash slices in garlic-parmesan oil, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
6. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
7. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
8. Serve immediately with dipping sauce of choice.
Notes
Use small patty pan squash for best texture.
Substitute almond flour for breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly version.
Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Sides
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
Keywords: air fryer patty pan squash, crispy squash, garlic parmesan squash
Preparing Patty Pan Squash Like a Pro
Choosing the Right Squash
When selecting squash, smaller patty pans are your best bet—they’re tender, sweet, and cook evenly. Look for firm skins, no bruising, and sizes under 4 inches. While yellow and green varieties both work, yellow tends to be slightly sweeter and pairs beautifully with garlic.
Don’t peel them. Just trim the ends, slice into half-inch disks, and you’re ready to roll. The skin adds a nice chew and holds everything together during frying.
Seasoning & Coating Tips
Seasoning is everything. Start with salt to draw moisture from the squash—let them sit for 5 minutes and then pat dry. This quick step ensures a crisper finish. Toss slices in olive oil, minced garlic, and grated parmesan. Then dip in a breadcrumb mix seasoned with Italian herbs and a touch of paprika.
For gluten-free variation, swap breadcrumbs with crushed rice crackers or almond flour. They still crisp well in the fryer and keep that lovely golden edge.
Need a full meal? Pair these with Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breast One‑Pan for a fast, flavor-packed dinner.
Cooking and Serving for Best Results
Air Fryer Settings & Timing
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Arrange the coated squash in a single layer—no overlapping! Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Depending on your air fryer model and slice thickness, you might need to add a minute or two.
The result? Crisp edges, gooey cheese, and a soft interior. The smell of parmesan and roasted garlic fills the kitchen like a dream.
Don’t overcrowd the basket. Fry in batches for the best texture. If you stack them, you’ll get soft patches instead of that satisfying crunch.
How to Serve It Right
These golden bites shine as a side, snack, or even appetizer. Serve them hot with a side of marinara or garlic aioli. They also work great in a veggie platter alongside cucumber spears and cherry tomatoes.
Trying brunch? Add these to your morning plate with Zucchini Bread Pancakes: The Perfect Morning Treat for a surprising twist.
Make it a Mediterranean plate with hummus, olives, and pita bread, or add to salads for texture.
FAQ Section
Can I use zucchini instead of patty pan squash?
Yes! The method works just as well for zucchini or yellow squash. Adjust timing based on slice thickness.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
It’s recommended. A preheated air fryer gives better crisping and avoids uneven cooking.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Technically, yes—but texture suffers. It’s best eaten fresh. If reheating, use the air fryer again for 3–4 minutes.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or pork panko, and you’re good to go.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Sure. Replace parmesan with nutritional yeast and use your favorite dairy-free dipping sauce.
Conclusion
Crispy Air Fryer Patty Pan Squash with Garlic Parmesan delivers everything you want in a summer recipe: ease, flavor, and major crunch. Whether you serve it with mains or munch on it as a snack, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. So next time you spot those adorable UFO-shaped squashes at the market, grab a bunch. Then plug in your air fryer, and you’ll have something as satisfying as your favorite comfort food—minus the guilt.
If this recipe made your mouth water, don’t miss the quick veggie sides like Crispy Zucchini Fries: 5-Min Air Fryer Snack. Happy frying!