Air fryer Parmesan Squash Rings Crispy-crusted squash rings are a delightful, low-carb, and gluten-free snack, crafted with just a handful of ingredients.
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About Air Fryer Parmesan Squash Rings Crispy
Indulge in the irresistible charm of Parmesan Crusted Squash Rings – a revamped, low-carb, and gluten-free treat that will tantalize your taste buds. With minimal ingredients, this dish offers a delightful combination of flavors, making it a perfect guilt-free snack or side dish for any occasion.
The memory of the squash I prepared a few weeks ago, encrusted with grated Parmesan are air fried to perfection, has lingered in my thoughts. Lately, I’ve developed an insatiable craving for snacks that deliver a satisfying crunch, a tantalizing saltiness, and a hint of garlic.
Usually, I succumb to the temptation of regretful choices from my cupboard. However, the joy of having nutritious, homemade snacks readily accessible amplifies my love for them even further.
With the arrival of autumn, my anticipation for any squash or delicata squash grows exponentially. Its delightful sweetness when cooked, coupled with its thin skin that eliminates the need for peeling, makes it truly irresistible.
What’s more, its versatility truly captivates me. Whether I’m savoring it as a delectable appetizer like these Parmesan-crusted delights, incorporating it into a morning egg sauté, or roasting it alongside salmon for a wholesome dinner, the possibilities are endless. The sheer abundance of culinary options is truly remarkable.
Ingredients
- 2 – small squash (or delicata squash) rinsed, deseeded, and sliced
- 1/4 cup – Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp – Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper powder
- 1/2 tsp – Crushed Red Pepper
- 1/2 tsp – Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp – Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp – Salt to taste
- 1/4 Cup – Chopped Parsley or dry parsley
- 1 Cup – Grated Parm/ Vegan Parm (Note: Grated works best here because the small pieces are best at sticking and coating the squash)
Check out the Air Fryer Parmesan Squash Rings Crispy Video:
How To Make Air Fryer Parmesan Squash Rings Crispy Step By Step With Photo:
- Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature (usually around 400°F/200°C). Cut the farm fresh squash or delicata squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Then, slice the squash into thin rounds, aiming for consistent thickness.
- Here as my squash were small in size I first sliced them in ring round shape then, with the help of a knife cut a round shape in the middle and took out the seed part.
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, dried or fresh parsley, and other seasonings mentioned in the ingredient section.
- Mix well to create a flavorful coating
- Dip each squash ring into the mixture.
- Ensuring it’s evenly coated on both sides.
- Place the coated rings on a plate or tray. Now coat all the squash rings one by one in grated parmesan cheese. If you are vegan take vegan grated cheese.
- Carefully transfer the coated squash rings to the preheated air fryer basket or oven tray, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. My squash rings were big enough so I can adjust only 2 rings in my round air fryer basket.
- You can spray or brush the butter paper with some oil before placing the squash rings. I have adjusted 4 rings in my large air fryer oven tray. And sprinkle or spray little olive oil on top of the rings.
- Cook the squash rings in the air fryer for about 20-25 minutes if it’s a round basket and if it is an oven air fryer like mine it will take 25 to 30 minutes depending on the quantity of the rings keep an eye till golden brown.., flipping them halfway through to achieve an evenly golden and crispy exterior.
- Once cooked to perfection, remove the Air Fryer Parmesan Squash Rings from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. Serve these delightful, crispy treats as a standalone snack or as a tasty side dish. They pair exceptionally well with a tangy dip or a refreshing yogurt-based sauce.
How To Bake These Squash Rings:
- Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature.
- Slice the squash into rings of similar thickness.
- In a shallow bowl, combine grated Parmesan cheese with your preferred seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs.
- Dip each squash ring into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated on both sides.
- Place the coated rings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each ring.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the squash rings turn golden brown and crispy, typically around 20 minutes at 400 Degrees F.
- Once baked to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the squash rings cool slightly before serving.
Why Consume These Baked Or Air Fry Squash Rings
Baked Parmesan Squash Rings offer a delightful combination of crunch, flavor, and health benefits. This simple and nutritious snack is a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed guilt-free. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a creative side dish, these crispy rings will undoubtedly satisfy your taste buds. So, give this recipe a try and indulge in a healthier and flavorful treat that will leave you wanting more.
Important Suggestion To Keep In Mind
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating Parmesan squash rings with a satisfyingly crispy exterior. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite!
- Slice the squash evenly you can use acorn squash rings also: To ensure even cooking, aim for uniform thickness when slicing the squash rings. This will help them cook at the same rate and result in consistent crispiness.
- Pat dry the squash: Before coating the squash rings with Parmesan cheese, make sure to pat them dry using a paper towel. This will remove excess moisture, allowing the Parmesan coating to adhere better and promote crispiness.
- Use finely grated Parmesan cheese: Opt for finely grated Parmesan cheese rather than coarser varieties. Finely grated cheese will create a smoother coating that sticks better to the squash, resulting in a more even and crispy texture.
- Preheat the baking sheet or air fryer: For an extra crisp exterior, preheat your baking sheet or air fryer before placing the coated squash rings on it. This initial burst of heat will help the rings start cooking immediately and encourage better browning and crispiness.
- Use parchment paper or a non-stick surface: Line your baking sheet or air fryer basket with parchment paper or a non-stick mat to prevent the squash rings from sticking. This will allow them to cook evenly without any part getting stuck and potentially losing its crispness.
- Avoid overcrowding: Give each squash ring enough space on the baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Crowding can lead to uneven cooking and hinder crispiness. If necessary, bake or air fry the rings in batches to ensure they have ample room for airflow.
- Optimize cooking time and temperature: Follow the recipe guidelines for cooking time and temperature, but keep an eye on the squash rings as they cook. Adjust the time or temperature slightly if needed to achieve the desired level of crispiness. Remember, every oven or air fryer may have slight variations, so use visual cues to determine doneness.
- Flip halfway through: For even browning and crispiness, flip the squash rings halfway through the cooking process. This will allow both sides to crisp up evenly.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the Parmesan squash rings while they are fresh and hot. Crispiness can diminish over time as they cool down, so serve them promptly for the best texture.
Storage Suggestion
- Cool the squash rings: Allow the Parmesan squash rings to cool completely at room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
- Use an airtight container: Transfer the cooled squash rings to an airtight container. Ensure that the container is large enough to accommodate the rings without crushing them.
- Layer with parchment paper: To prevent the squash rings from sticking together or becoming soggy, you can layer them with parchment paper or place them in a single layer, with each ring separated.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Place the airtight container in a cool and dry location, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing them near sources of heat or humidity, as this can compromise their crispness.
- Consume within a few days: While the Parmesan squash rings are best enjoyed fresh, they can be stored for a few days. However, their crispiness may gradually diminish over time. Aim to consume them within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
- Reheat if desired: If you find that the squash rings have lost some of their crispiness after storage, you can reheat them in an oven or an air fryer for a few minutes at a moderate temperature. This can help revive some of the crunchiness before serving.
- Remember, while storing Parmesan squash rings is possible, they are at their best when enjoyed immediately after air frying or baking. So, try to savor them as soon as they’re ready for the ultimate crispy experience.
Serving Suggestion
Snack time delight: Parmesan squash rings make an excellent snack on their own. Arrange them on a platter or in a serving bowl and place them at the center of a gathering or party. They are sure to be a hit among your guests, offering a satisfying and flavorful alternative to traditional snack options.
Dipping sauces: Elevate your Parmesan squash rings by serving them with a variety of dipping sauces. Classic marinara sauce, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or even a tangy balsamic glaze can complement the crispy texture and savory flavors. Arrange a selection of sauces in small bowls alongside the squash rings, allowing your guests to mix and match to their liking.
Some other air fryer recipes you will like on my blog are – Corn Broccoli Cheese Balls Air Fryer Recipe, Cheesy hash browns recipe- Air Fryer Hash Browns, Stuffed Air fryer onion rings recipe, Salmon Healthy Recipes – Air Fryer Salmon & Veggies.
Note: A rough estimate of nutrition is provided.
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Recipe Card
Air fryer Parmesan Squash Rings Crispy
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Description
Air fryer Parmesan Squash Rings Crispy-crusted squash rings are a delightful, low-carb, and gluten-free snack, crafted with just a handful of ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 – small squash (or delicata squash) rinsed, deseeded, and sliced
- 1/4 cup – Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp – Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper powder
- 1/2 tsp – Crushed Red Pepper
- 1/2 tsp – Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp – Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp – Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup – Chopped Parsley or dry parsley
- 1 cup – Grated Parm/ Vegan Parm (Note: Grated works best here because the small pieces are best at sticking and coating the squash)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature (usually around 400°F/200°C). Cut the farm fresh squash or delicata squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Then, slice the squash into thin rounds, aiming for consistent thickness.
- Here as my squash were small in size I first sliced them in ring round shape then, with the help of a knife cut a round shape in the middle and took out the seed part.
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, dried or fresh parsley, and other seasonings mentioned in the ingredient section.
- Mix well to create a flavorful coating
- Dip each squash ring into the mixture.
- Ensuring it’s evenly coated on both sides.
- Place the coated rings on a plate or tray. Now coat all the squash rings one by one in grated parmesan cheese. If you are vegan take vegan grated cheese.
- Carefully transfer the coated squash rings to the preheated air fryer basket or oven tray, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. My squash rings were big enough so I can adjust only 2 rings in my round air fryer basket.
- You can spray or brush the butter paper with some oil before placing the squash rings. I have adjusted 4 rings in my large air fryer oven tray. And sprinkle or spray little olive oil on top of the rings.
- Cook the squash rings in the air fryer for about 20 – 25 minutes if it’s a round basket and if it is an oven air fryer like mine it will take 25 – 30 minutes., flipping them halfway through to achieve an evenly golden and crispy exterior.
- Once cooked to perfection, remove the Air Fryer Parmesan Squash Rings from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. Serve these delightful, crispy treats as a standalone snack or as a tasty side dish. They pair exceptionally well with a tangy dip or a refreshing yogurt-based sauce.
Notes
- Slice the squash evenly: To ensure even cooking, aim for uniform thickness when slicing the squash rings. This will help them cook at the same rate and result in consistent crispiness.
- Pat dry the squash: Before coating the squash rings with Parmesan cheese, make sure to pat them dry using a paper towel. This will remove excess moisture, allowing the Parmesan coating to adhere better and promote crispiness.
- Use finely grated Parmesan cheese: Opt for finely grated Parmesan cheese rather than coarser varieties. Finely grated cheese will create a smoother coating that sticks better to the squash, resulting in a more even and crispy texture.
- Preheat the baking sheet or air fryer: For an extra crisp exterior, preheat your baking sheet or air fryer before placing the coated squash rings on it. This initial burst of heat will help the rings start cooking immediately and encourage better browning and crispiness.
- Use parchment paper or a non-stick surface: Line your baking sheet or air fryer basket with parchment paper or a non-stick mat to prevent the squash rings from sticking. This will allow them to cook evenly without any part getting stuck and potentially losing its crispness.
- Avoid overcrowding: Give each squash ring enough space on the baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Crowding can lead to uneven cooking and hinder crispiness. If necessary, bake or air fry the rings in batches to ensure they have ample room for airflow.
- Optimize cooking time and temperature: Follow the recipe guidelines for cooking time and temperature, but keep an eye on the squash rings as they cook. Adjust the time or temperature slightly if needed to achieve the desired level of crispiness. Remember, every oven or air fryer may have slight variations, so use visual cues to determine doneness.
- Flip halfway through: For even browning and crispiness, flip the squash rings halfway through the cooking process. This will allow both sides to crisp up evenly.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the Parmesan squash rings while they are fresh and hot. Crispiness can diminish over time as they cool down, so serve them promptly for the best texture.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Just click on the below images to purchase.
[caption id="attachment_13663" align="alignnone" width="150"]
Chefman 6.3-Qt 4-In-1 Digital Air Fryer[/caption]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 people
- Calories: 250Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Note: A rough estimate of nutrition is provided.
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