This Crispy Oven Fried Squash recipe is a fun and tasty way to enjoy this veggie! With a crunchy coating and a tender inside, it’s a great side dish everyone will love.
If you think healthy can’t be crunchy, think again! I often serve this with dipping sauce—makes it a hit at dinner time. Yum! Who knew squash could be this much fun to eat?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: This recipe uses medium-sized yellow squash, bringing a nice, mild flavor. If you’re struggling to find yellow squash, zucchini makes a perfect substitute. It will give you a similar texture and taste.
Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko gives that extra crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can work, but they won’t be quite as crispy. You can even crush some cornflakes or crackers as a fun alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Adding Parmesan boosts the flavor and crispiness. If you want a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast instead. It has a cheesy flavor and is a great substitute!
Eggs: Eggs help the coating stick. For a vegan version, replace them with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before using.
How Do I Achieve Extra Crispy Squash?
To get your squash perfectly crispy, it’s important to follow a few key steps during preparation. First, make sure your squash slices are uniform for even cooking. Here’s how:
- Start with drying the squash slices with a paper towel after slicing; this removes excess moisture.
- Coat each slice well in flour, then in egg, and make sure to press into the panko mixture firmly.
- Arrange them in a single layer on your baking sheet, ensuring they’re not crowded. This helps them brown evenly.
- Don’t skip the cooking spray! Giving the tops a light spray adds more crunch.
These steps will set you up for crispy and delicious oven-fried squash that everyone will want to grab! Enjoy your cooking!
Crispy Oven Fried Squash Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Squash:
- 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious crispy oven-fried squash takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you can enjoy this tasty dish in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it so your squash doesn’t stick.
2. Setting Up Your Dipping Stations:
Grab three shallow bowls for the coating process: in the first bowl, put the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed. In the final bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coating the Squash:
Take each slice of squash and dip it into the flour first, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the squash slice into the panko mixture to make sure it’s fully coated on all sides. This step gives it that satisfying crunch!
4. Arranging on the Baking Sheet:
Now, place the coated squash slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This is important to ensure they cook evenly. Once they’re all laid out, lightly spray the tops of the coated squash with cooking spray or olive oil spray to help them crisp up nicely during baking.
5. Baking the Squash:
Bake the squash in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through so they get golden brown and crispy on both sides.
6. Serving:
Once they are perfectly golden and crispy, remove the squash from the oven. Serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or marinara. Enjoy your tasty, healthier oven-fried squash!
Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Squash?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses yellow squash, zucchini is a fantastic substitute, and you can even mix different varieties for added flavor and texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Squash?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness or warm them in the microwave, but note they may lose some crunch.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The results will still be crunchy and delicious!
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with This Dish?
This crispy squash is delicious with a variety of dipping sauces! Classic options include ranch dressing, marinara, or even a zesty yogurt dip. Feel free to get creative with flavors that you love!
