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Crispy Air Fryer Patty Pan Squash with Paprika & Garlic

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This delightful dish features golden and crispy patty pan squash, seasoned with smoky paprika and fragrant garlic. It’s a quick and healthy side that brings vibrant summer flavors to your table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium patty pan squashes (approximately 1 pound)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a crispy finish.
  2. While the air fryer is heating, rinse the patty pan squashes under cold water and pat them dry with a towel. Look for any imperfections and cut off any blemished spots.
  3. Slice the squashes into ½-inch thick wedges. Try to keep the pieces uniform for even cooking. If they’re too thick, they won’t cook through properly, leading to a mushy texture.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to create a marinade.
  5. Add the patty pan squash wedges to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the spice mixture. This should take about 1-2 minutes; make sure every wedge gets its fair share!
  6. Once coated, place the squash wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; you want them to crisp up nicely. If necessary, cook in batches.
  7. Air fry the squash at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Halfway through, around the 5-minute mark, shake the basket or flip the wedges to ensure they cook evenly. They should be golden-brown and slightly crisp at the edges.
  8. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the squash during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This will allow it to melt and create a deliciously cheesy crust.
  9. Once cooked, remove the patty pan squash from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Don’t skip preheating the air fryer! It’s crucial for achieving that crispy texture. If you add the squash to a cold air fryer, they’ll steam instead of crisp. For a vegan option, simply omit the Parmesan cheese.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/crispy-air-fryer-patty-pan-squash-with-paprika-garlic/