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Author:
Franco Salzillo
Fried squash is the new French fries. They’re even better because they’re more nutritious and have much fewer carbs. Squash is more versatile than you think. It can become a perfect appetizer or snack, side dish or ingredient in a more complex recipe, especially when cut into slices and fried.
If we’re substituting the ubiquitous potatoes for a healthier veggie, doesn’t it make sense to use a more beneficial cooking method as well? That’s why we’re air frying these bad boys.
As you know, when using an air fryer, you only need a few sprays of cooking oil, and not half a cup, like what you’d use frying these conventionally. That’s healthier already, and your heart will thank you.
Now for our ingredients. For these crispy squash slices, you’ll need squash; I use three medium ones and the famous trio of ingredients used to coat stuff with bread: flour, eggs and breadcrumbs, the courser, the better (look for panko).
Breading your squash slices is easy, especially if you place the flour, eggs and breadcrumbs in subsequent bowls and work in an orderly fashion. Then, it’s just a matter of frying these one-biters for eight minutes.
For starters, enjoy them as is. They’re a great snack; both served warm and cold. You can also top your squash slices with tomato sauce and cheese for a healthy bruschetta or serve them as a side dish with roast chicken or steak. They’re compatible with all kinds of food.
Here’s another tip. If you cut your squash in wedges, you get yourself the healthier version of potato wedges, and they’re fantastic for substituting fries at a backyard grilling party. Think of a juicy char-grilled burger with a side of wedge squash fries. That’s an Instagrammable meal!
Slice your squash in 1/2 inch thick slices.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg. Season with salt and pepper. You can add some oregano or any other seasoning in this step.
In a second bowl, add the flour.
In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
Preheat the air fryer to 360°
Dip the squash in the flour, then in the egg and finally in the breadcrumbs
Place the squash on a plate and spray with cooking oil on both sides.
Place the slices in the air fryer basket without overcrowding (you can repeat this process as many times as needed).
Fry for 5 minutes. Carefully flip and fry for 3 more minutes.
Serve and enjoy!
