Few things capture the essence of summer like a plate of crispy fried squash fresh out of the skillet. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood meals at your grandmother’s house or simply looking for a quick and satisfying side dish, this fried squash recipe will bring you the ultimate crispy, golden goodness.
Picture this: tender slices of yellow squash, lightly coated in a flavorful batter, fried to a perfect golden brown. Each bite is a delightful combination of a crispy exterior and a soft, almost buttery inside. The result? A dish that’s comforting, nostalgic, and perfect for any occasion.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. It can be served as a delicious appetizer, a crunchy side dish, or even as a satisfying snack on its own. Plus, it pairs beautifully with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or a zesty homemade remoulade.
But what truly sets this fried squash recipe apart? It’s the perfect balance between crispy and tender, with just the right seasoning to enhance the natural sweetness of the squash. Whether you’re using yellow squash or zucchini, this method guarantees the best texture and flavor.
If you’ve never fried squash before, don’t worry! This step-by-step guide will walk you through every detail, from choosing the best squash to achieving the crispiest coating.
Table of contents
Recipe Card
Fried Squash
Difficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes200
kcalA simple and crispy fried squash recipe that’s perfect as a side dish or a snack. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness and flavor of the squash.
Ingredients
2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds (You can use green squash or zucchini if available)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
Vegetable oil for frying
Directions
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Coat the Squash: Dip each squash slice into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and back into the flour mixture, ensuring each slice is well-coated.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Fry the Squash: Fry the squash slices in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried squash from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and cornmeal.
- You can use zucchini instead of yellow squash if preferred.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Why This Recipe Works
This fried squash recipe isn’t just any recipe—it’s a game-changer. Here’s why:
1. Achieves the Perfect Crunch
The key to great fried squash is getting that crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender. This recipe uses a double-coating method—a combination of flour and cornmeal—to create an irresistible crunch that holds up even after cooling.
2. Uses Simple, Readily Available Ingredients
You won’t need to run to a specialty store for this recipe. All the ingredients—flour, cornmeal, eggs, and seasoning—are likely already in your pantry. This makes it a great last-minute dish when you want something delicious but don’t have time for an elaborate meal.
3. Customizable to Your Preferences
This recipe is flexible! Whether you prefer a light, tempura-style coating or a thicker, Southern-style breading, you can easily adjust the flour-to-liquid ratio to achieve your desired texture. Plus, you can season it to match your taste, adding spices like paprika, cayenne, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra punch of flavor.
4. Works with Various Cooking Methods
While deep frying gives the crispiest result, you can also make air-fried or oven-baked versions for a lighter alternative. The choice is yours!
5. A Perfect Way to Use Up Fresh Squash
Summer gardens often overflow with squash, and this is one of the tastiest ways to enjoy it. Whether you grow your own or pick some up from a local farmers’ market, this recipe helps make the most of this seasonal favorite.
Additional Tips for the best Fried Squash Recipe
- Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture. If the oil is too cool, the squash will absorb more oil and become soggy.
- Uniform Slices: Slice the squash uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Batch Frying: Fry in batches to keep the oil hot and get a crispy squash.
- Seasoning: Feel free to add other spices like cayenne pepper for a bit of heat. You can also try Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara for added flavor.
Variants of the Fried Squash Recipe
Looking to change things up? Here are some delicious variations of this fried squash recipe that you can try:
1. Air-Fried Squash
For a healthier alternative, use an air fryer! Instead of deep-frying, spray the breaded squash slices with cooking spray and air-fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get a crispy exterior with much less oil.
2. Parmesan-Crusted Fried Squash
Enhance the crunch and flavor by adding grated Parmesan cheese to the breading mixture. The cheese adds a savory, nutty taste that pairs beautifully with the crispy coating.
3. Spicy Cajun Fried Squash
For a Southern kick, mix Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper into the flour mixture. Serve it with a spicy remoulade sauce or ranch dressing for extra heat.
4. Beer-Battered Fried Squash
For a light and airy coating, try a beer batter. Combine flour with a cold, fizzy beer to create a tempura-style batter. Dip the squash into the beer batter, then fry for an extra crispy texture.
5. Panko-Crusted Squash
For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal. The larger flakes create a light, crispy texture that holds up well even after frying.
6. Oven-Baked Squash
If you want to avoid frying altogether, bake the breaded squash slices at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a wire rack on a baking sheet to ensure even crisping.
FAQ
Yes, you can use a variety of squash types, such as yellow squash, zucchini, or pattypan squash. Each type will have a slightly different flavor and texture, but they all work well for frying.
Yes, you can air-fry squash! Coat, spray with oil, and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway for a crispy texture with less oil.
Soggy fried squash is usually caused by excess moisture or incorrect frying techniques. To prevent this:
– Pat the squash slices dry before breading.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in small batches.
– Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (350-375°F / 175-190°C) before adding the squash.
– After frying, place the squash on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent steaming.
Yes! If you need an egg-free alternative, try these options:
– Use buttermilk or milk as a binding agent.
– Make a vegan batter using plant-based milk mixed with a little cornstarch to help the coating stick.
Absolutely! Zucchini works just as well in this recipe. The frying method remains the same, and you’ll get a similar crispy texture with a slightly milder flavor.
Fried squash is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep ahead:
– Slice and bread the squash, then store in the fridge for up to 4 hours before frying.
– If you need to reheat leftovers, use an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness (avoid microwaving).
Final Thoughts
This fried squash recipe is more than just a side dish—it’s a crispy, golden treat that brings comfort and nostalgia to any meal. Whether you’re frying up a batch for a backyard barbecue, a cozy family dinner, or a quick snack, this recipe guarantees the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness every time.
What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. You can enjoy it with a range of dips, add it to sandwiches, or even use it as a crunchy topping for salads and casseroles. With easy customization options like air-frying, Parmesan-crusted variations, or a spicy Cajun twist, there’s a version of fried squash for everyone.
If you loved this fried squash recipe, you might also enjoy these other delicious dishes:
- Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe – A Simple and Tasty Treat – A Southern favorite with a crispy bite.
- Cracker Barrel Squash Casserole Recipe – A cheesy and comforting way to enjoy squash.
- Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe – A warm and flavorful twist on squash.
- Benihana Fried Rice Recipe – A perfect side to pair with your crispy fried squash.
No matter how you choose to serve it, fried squash is an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings out the best in summer’s favorite vegetable. So go ahead, grab some fresh squash, heat up the skillet, and enjoy the crispy, golden perfection of this Southern classic!
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