Vegan Air Fryer Squash

Summer squash is such a healthy vegetable that I love to use it in many meals in our house. 

It cooks so nicely in soups, sautéed, or baked in the oven. Recently, I’ve enjoyed taking just a few minutes to bread it and crisp it up in the air fryer.

These southern fried squash rounds are perfect for dipping into vegan ranch or this Cherry Tomato Sauce. 

And if you like squash as much as I do, you will also love this vegan Breaded Squash recipe where I use crackers and applesauce as breading!

Reasons To Love This Recipe

• It’s quick & easy
• Uses just a few Ingredients
• No eggs or dairy are needed

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Ingredients and Substitutions

• Yellow Squash – Also called summer squash or crookneck. Zucchini can work as well!
• Flax Meal – Use flaxseeds that are ground up, also called flax meal. This works as an egg-like binder for the breading when it’s mixed with warm water. 
• Flour – All-purpose flour or a 1-to-1 gluten-free replacement is used for the breading. 
• Panko Breadcrumbs – This ingredient helps make the squash rounds nice and crunchy. 
• Nutritional Yeast – Gives a hint of cheesiness, almost like parmesan. 
• Salt & Pepper – Feel free to use more or less depending on your preferences. 
• Seasoning – Mix in some garlic and onion powder for a lovely flavor. 
• Cooking Spray – Just a bit of this helps keep the squash from sticking. Use one that is chemical-free to prevent any damage to your air fryer.
• Parsley – Garnish with fresh parsley or dried. Feel free to sprinkle on any of your favorite herbs!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Here are some quick visual steps. Find the full recipe with exact measurements on the recipe card below.

Make the flax egg by mixing the flax meal with the hot water in a shallow bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow time for it to thicken. 

Slice the squash into 1/4 inch rounds and discard the ends. No need to peel the squash. Pat the slices dry with a kitchen towel.

Combine the remaining ingredients except for the fresh parsley in a separate, shallow bowl. At this point, you should have one wet bowl and one dry bowl. 

Heat the air fryer to 350°F and spray the bottom of it with a thin layer of cooking spray. 

One at a time, coat the slices in the flax mixture and then transfer them to the dry breading bowl. I like to use a fork here to keep my hands clean but hands would probably be faster!

Gently cover the slices with the dry breading and then place them in the air fryer in a single layer. There should be a small amount of space between each slice. Spray the tops of them with a bit more oil. 

Cook the squash for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. It’s not necessary to flip them halfway through. 

Prepare the next batch while one is cooking to save time. 

Garnish the rounds with fresh parsley, dip them in vegan ranch or Cherry Tomato Sauce, and enjoy!

Oven Instructions 

Bread the squash slices. Grease a baking sheet and place them in a single layer with some space between them. Spray the top of the slices with a little cooking oil. Bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until they are a light golden color. Flip them halfway through.

Recipe Variation Ideas

• Add a dash or two of cayenne for spiciness.
• Sprinkle on some vegan parmesan for a cheesier flavor.

No Waste Ideas

• Make this Breaded Squash if you have lots of squash or zucchini to eat through.
• Use leftover parsley on Fettuccine Alfredo or Stuffed Shells.

I hope you loved this recipe! If you try it, please let me know what you think with a rating and comment below. Your feedback really supports my blog and is helpful to other readers! 🙂 You can stay updated on my latest recipes by following me on Pinterest and joining my Email List.