Use this method for cooking squash in the air fryer. It comes out nice and browned in places without being too mushy in the middle. And, it only takes 8 minutes!
This air fryer squash recipe is such an easy and delicious side dish. Slice up some yellow squash, add a bit of oil and seasonings, and then it’s in the air fryer for just 5-8 minutes. Keep it simple like in my recipe below, or add extra flavor to complement your dinner perfectly.
Scroll down to read more about how it all comes together or click here to jump straight down to the recipe.
Video: Making Air Fryer Veggies
Why Cook Squash In The Air Fryer?
I’m not a fan of squash when it gets too mushy, which sometimes happens with yellow squash and zucchini. But when it comes to cooking these veggies in the air fryer, I’m in luck because they brown nicely in spots on the outside and get tender in the middle, without that squishy mushiness.
The reason this works so well is because the squash don’t need much time to start browning in the intense heat of the air fryer.
You can cook zucchini in the air fryer this way as well. Even winter squashes can be cooked in the air fryer, though as those are bigger and firmer, you’ll want to check the instructions. I’ve perfected air fryer acorn squash and butternut squash cubes in the air fryer.
If you want a crunchy coating on your summer squash, try this Air Fryer Southern Fried Squash recipe. It’s so good! Or, if you want to cook the squash in the oven instead, try this Delicious Roasted Summer Squash or Taco-Stuffed Yellow Squash.
How to Cut Yellow Squash For The Air Fryer
But small-to-medium sized squash. Once they’re sliced, you’ll be able to fit at least 2 squashes worth in most air fryers. (Note that you can instead cook the squashes whole without slicing first. You’ll oil and season them up on the outside and then put them straight into the air fryer. You can fit up to 4 whole yellow squash in there. But 2-3 will be better because they brown better when they’re less crowded. Then you just cook them at 400°F until they’re browned and fork tender.) Back to sliced squash…
To cut the squash, cut off the two ends. Then slice it lengthwise, end to end, right down the middle. Finally, cut each half into 3/4-inch slices.
Bigger pieces are fine if you don’t like it to get mushy, but I find that this size works well for my preference and gets the perfect amount of tenderness without being too soft in the middle.
Seasonings For Squash
For the recipe below, I kept things simple. The squash slices get put into a bowl and I toss them with cooking oil (like olive oil), salt, and black pepper. But you can use whatever spices you’d like to make the flavor perfect for you. Garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning are all great options. You can even add in some grated Parmesan cheese in the last couple minutes of cooking. If you want to use fresh herbs, I recommend adding those after cooking.
Note that you could season and oil the squash right in the air fryer basket instead of dirtying a bowl. However, I find that some of the oil and seasoning drops straight through the holes in the basket when I do that. Using a bowl ensures more of it sticks to the squash. But this is really not a huge deal. I’m just a perfectionist sometimes.
Time and Temperature
While I don’t always think it’s necessary to preheat the air fryer, I do highly recommend it for this recipe. That’s because I don’t really like it when the squash insides are mushy, so getting it right into that high heat is wonderful.
You want to heat the air fryer to 400°F and cook your squash slices for 5 minutes. At that point, check to see if they are browned outside and slightly softened in the middle. If not, give the air fryer basket a toss and put them back in for a couple more minutes.
More Vegetables In The Air Fryer
You can browse my full collection of air fryer recipes, or try to air fry these tasty veggies (plus, a fruit!).
Podcast Episode: Making Air Fryer Squash
Listen to me explain briefly about how to make this recipe, with some great tips along the way, by clicking the play button below:
Listen to more Recipe of the Day episodes here.
Print
Air Fryer Yellow Squash Recipe
I love yellow squash cooked in the air fryer. It comes out nice and browned in places without being too mushy in the middle, and it only takes 8 minutes.
- Prep Time: 2 Minutes
- Cook Time: 8 Minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 small-to-medium yellow squash
- 2 tsp. olive oil
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Trim the two ends off each squash. Slice them in half lengthwise, end to end. Slice into 3/4-inch slices.
- Put the yellow squash slices in a medium bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Transfer to the air fryer basket and toss to get them into a single layer.
- Cook for 5 minutes. Check and see if they’re browned and slightly softened in the middle. If not, toss and then cook another 2-3 minutes.
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This post originally appeared in January 2020 and was revised and republished in May 2025.