This Easy Crispy Oven Fried Squash is a tasty treat made with fresh squash, breadcrumbs, and a sprinkle of spices. It’s simple to prepare and gets nice and golden in the oven!
I’m always amazed at how crunchy this dish turns out without all the frying mess. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch it disappear at dinner! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Squash: Fresh yellow squash is key for this recipe. If you’re in a pinch, zucchini works as a great substitute! It’s crunchy and mild in flavor, just like yellow squash.
Breadcrumbs: This recipe calls for seasoned breadcrumbs, but you can easily use panko for extra crispiness. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free bread crumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Regular grated Parmesan is perfect here, but you can swap it for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. It gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Garlic and Onion Powder: These spices add a nice flavor, but feel free to use fresh garlic or onion if you prefer. Just adjust the amounts to your taste!
How Do You Ensure Crispy Oven Fried Squash?
The secret to getting your squash perfectly crispy lies in the coating and baking method. Make sure each slice is well-coated with breadcrumbs and oil. Here’s how:
- Start with dry squash slices; pat them with a paper towel if needed.
- Coat in flour first, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Press firmly to help the crumbs stick.
- Spacing is key! Lay the slices in a single layer on your baking sheet without overcrowding. This allows hot air to circulate and crisp them up.
- A light spray of cooking oil helps them brown beautifully. Don’t skip this step!
Remember to flip them halfway through baking for even crispness on both sides. Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful squash!
Easy Crispy Oven Fried Squash
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium yellow squash, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll be looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick side dish or a tasty snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your squash will get nice and crispy! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or simply grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Get three shallow bowls ready. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until they’re smooth. In the third bowl, mix together the seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, adding half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture. This will be your crispy coating!
3. Coat the Squash:
Take each slice of squash and dip it into the flour first, making sure it’s coated lightly. Then, move it to the egg bowl and coat it there. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture so every surface is covered well. This is what gives the squash its crispy texture.
4. Arrange and Spray:
Place the coated squash slices onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they’re not touching each other too much to allow air to circulate. Give the tops a light spray with cooking spray or olive oil spray to help them brown nicely in the oven.
5. Bake Until Golden:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. After that, carefully flip each slice over and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the coating is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn!
6. Add the Finishing Touch:
Once done, take the baking sheet out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the hot squash slices. This adds a delightful cheesy flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy oven-fried squash immediately with your favorite dipping sauce on the side. They’re perfect as a snack, side dish, or even as a party appetizer. Enjoy your tasty treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Squash?
Absolutely! While yellow squash works great in this recipe, you can also use zucchini or even pattypan squash. Just make sure they are sliced evenly for consistent cooking.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this oven-fried squash gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also try crushed cornflakes for added crunch!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the squash slices and coat them in the breadcrumbs up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap. Just bake them right before serving for the best crispiness!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and re-crispy.
