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. Perfect fried food circle. 

When it comes to fast-food onion rings, I’m a sucker for Sonic. That, and their ice. 

I don’t know how they do their onion rings, but they’re always perfectly fried and never soggy. Now, I don’t like to mess with perfection, but y’all know me and I love to mix things up. I figured since squash was in season right now, why not make a squash ring? 

The version I’m sharing today is delightful, crunchy and made with delicata squash. If you are in the mood for squash recipes I’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.

Ingredients Used to Make Air Fryer Squash Rings

This dish is perfect as a side, appetizer, or snack and is a great way to enjoy the deliciousness of fried squash. For this recipe you will need:

• Delicata squash – depending on what’s in season you could substitute in with acorn squash, butternut, summer squash, or zucchini
• Buttermilk 
• Eggs
• Hot sauce – I like to add a bit of heat to the batter to give it a little somethin’ somethin’, you can definitely omit or add more if you want more heat
• Panko breadcrumbs
• All-purpose flour
• Herbs de provence
• Ground onion powder
• Ground garlic powder
• Baking powder
• Kosher salt and pepper 

How to Cook Air Fryer Squash Rings

Cooking squash rings is a simple and delicious 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: 

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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. 
4. Remove the rings and place on a plate. Garnish with more salt and pepper, if desired. Repeat the process to make the remaining rings. 

Easy Variations for Air Fryer Squash Rings

Air fryer squash rings are versatile and can be customized with various seasonings and coatings. Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Parmesan Herb Squash Rings: add grated Parmesan cheese to the coating mixture and season with herbs like dried basil, oregano, and thyme. 
• Spicy Squash Rings: add some heat by seasoning the coating with cayenne pepper, paprika, and chili powder. 
• Garlic and Herb Squash Rings: infuse the coating with minced garlic and a combination of fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
• Ranch-Flavored Squash Rings: mix ranch dressing seasoning with the breadcrumbs to create a ranch-flavored coating. Serve the rings with a side of ranch dressing for dipping.

Proper Storing

If you have leftover air fryer squash rings that you’d like to store for later consumption, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure they remain fresh and enjoyable. Here’s how to store air fryer squash rings properly:

Cool the Squash Rings:

• Allow the air-fried squash rings to cool to room temperature on a wire rack or a plate. Transfer the cooled squash rings to an airtight container. 

Layering and Separation:

• If you need to stack the rings, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between the layers. This helps prevent the rings from sticking together and preserves their texture.

Refrigeration:

• Store the airtight container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the squash rings within a few days. 

Freezing: 

• If you want to store the squash rings for an extended period, consider freezing them. Place the rings on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 1-2 hours or until they are firm. This will prevent them from sticking together. After they are frozen individually, transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating:

• When you’re ready to enjoy the stored squash rings, preheat your air fryer to 375°F and reheat them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.