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

Units Scale

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)

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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.

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[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

Keywords: squash rings, acorn squash rings, delicata squash rings