This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.
With tasty seasonings and this simple recipe, you can cook flavorful summer squash in the air fryer in less than 15 minutes!
Summer Squash in the Air Fryer
I use my air fryer for everything all year round- from pancakes to chicken breasts - but I have to admit that on hot summer days, I let the oven take a break and make my favorite roasted summer vegetables in my beloved air fryer.
When cooked in the air fryer, summer squash turns out slightly crispy and cooks more evenly than when it’s baked, yielding a nutritious side dish that pairs amazingly well with pasta and protein, all of this quickly and effortlessly. You’re welcome!
How to Prep the Squash
To prepare your summer squash for cooking in the air fryer, simply wash them, trim the ends, and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds or half-moons. Then, season it with oil, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, and it's ready to place in the basket.
How to Air Fry Summer Squash
Place the summer squash slices in a single layer in the basket of the preheated air fryer and cook at 380°F for 7 to 9 minutes, shaking the basket after 5 minutes. If your air fryer is too crowded or the slices are too thick, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Getting Perfectly Tender Cooked Squash
Follow these tips to cook summer squash in the air fryer like a pro and enjoy this veggie perfectly cooked every time:
Cut even pieces
For even cooking, cut the summer squash into rounds or half-moons of the same size.
Make them thick
½-inch thick is the sweet spot for summer squash rounds that are not too thick to take too long to cook or too thin to lose their shape.
Place them in a single layer
Place the summer squash rounds in the air fryer tray in a single layer, with just a slight overlap. If you overcrowd them or place them at the very bottom, the air won’t circulate as well and they won’t be evenly browned and cooked.
Shake
Again, for the sake of even cooking, open the air fryer after 5 minutes and gently shake the squash.
What To Serve With This Recipe
Summer squash is a tasty and healthy side for any protein. I usually serve it with pan-seared chicken breasts or air fryer salmon. I also like to mix it with Alfredo pasta for added nutrition and flavor. Thinking about using it as a salad topping? Absolutely yes!
Air Fryer Summer Squash
Watch how it’s made:
Ingredients
- 2 medium summer squash
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
Prep:
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 380F.
- Wash, trim the ends, and slice your summer squash into ½-inch-thick rounds or half-moons.
- Season the sliced summer squash by adding it to a bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the top, season with salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss to combine and distribute the seasonings. If using Parmesan cheese, add it now, and toss to combine.
Cook:
- Place the summer squash inside the air fryer basket with the tray inside. This allows the hot air to circulate around the squash. Arrange it in a single layer with some overlap.
- Cook it for a total of 7 to 9 minutes, opening the basket after 5 minutes to gently shake the contents, and then finish cooking. Add a minute or two more if your basket is a bit crowded or if your squash rounds are on the thick side.
- Remove it from the air fryer and serve.
Carrie says
This air fryer summer squash was a delicious side! My whole family loved it!
Kathy says
I tried this last night and I loved it. I’ll use the air fryer to cook summer squash more often!!
Darla says
This summer squash was so easy to pop in the air fryer! It turned out so great!