Air Fryer Squash Rings
Air Fryer Squash Rings are a healthier alternative to traditional fried onion rings. Made with squash, breadcrumbs, spices, and crisped in the air fryer. Reliable fried food circle.
When it comes to fast-food onion rings, we're a sucker for Sonic. That, and their ice.
We don’t know how they do their onion rings, but they’re always evenly fried and never soggy. Now, we don’t like to mess with perfection, but y’all know us and we love to mix things up. We figured since squash was in season right now, why not make a squash ring?
The version we're sharing today is delightful, crisp and made with delicata squash. If you are in the mood for squash recipes we’v a few that you need to try Burrito Honeynut Squash Boats, Hasselback Butternut Squash, Cheesy Bacon Summer Squash and now, these Air Fryer Squash Rings.
You can certainly use any kind of squash you desire, but delicata already comes in a cylinder form. Can you say winning?!
What are Air Fryer Squash Rings?
Air fryer squash rings are a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional fried onion rings. They are made by coating sliced squash in a seasoned mixture and then cooking them in an air fryer. Here’s how they are typically prepared:
Squash Selection: Start by choosing fresh squash, often zucchini or yellow summer squash.
Preparation: Wash and dry the squash, then cut it into uniform rings or slices. You can peel the squash if you prefer or leave the skin on for added texture and color.
Coating: To achieve the crispy texture, the squash rings are coated with a mixture that typically includes flour, breadcrumbs, or a similar coating material. This coating can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.
Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer and arrange the coated squash rings in a single layer in the air fryer basket. The hot air in the air fryer will cook the rings, giving them a crispy exterior while maintaining the tender interior. Some recipes may suggest flipping or shaking the rings during cooking for even browning.
Serving: Once the air fryer squash rings are cooked to perfection, they are served hot and can be paired with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or tzatziki, depending on your preference.
How to Cook Air Fryer Squash Rings
Cooking squash rings is a simple and savory process. This recipe combines the sweetness of squash with a crispy texture achieved through air frying. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare air fryer squash rings:
- In a large bowl, combine the squash rings, buttermilk, eggs and hot sauce. Allow the squash to rest in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. In another bowl, combine the panko, flour, herbs de provence, onion powder, garlic powder, baking powder, kosher salt and ground pepper.
- Using a pair of tongs, grab one of the squash rings, shake off the excess batter and dip it into the panko. Once it is coated, add the squash rings to a baking sheet. Repeat the process until you have about 5 to 6 rings.
- Preheat the air fryer 380 degrees for about 5 minutes. Once preheated, add the squash rings to the basket and cook on the first side for about 5 to 7 minutes. Flip, and continue to cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on the other side. If the rings aren’t crispy keep cooking until done to desired consistency.
- Remove the rings and place on a plate. Garnish with more salt and pepper, if desired. Repeat the process to make the remaining rings.
