Oven Fried Squash

$To make crispy oven-fried squash, gather these items: - 2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten until smooth - 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for an additional kick) - Salt and pepper, to taste - Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil You will need some basic kitchen tools to get started: - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - 3 shallow bowls - Whisk - Knife - Cutting board - Tongs or fork for flipping Selecting the right squash makes a big difference. Here’s what to look for: - Color: Choose squash with bright, even color. Look for a rich yellow hue. - Firmness: Pick squash that feels firm. Avoid any that have soft spots or blemishes. - Size: Smaller squash often taste better. Aim for medium-sized ones, about 6-8 inches long. - Skin: Fresh squash has smooth skin that should not be wrinkled or dull. When you pick fresh squash, you set the stage for a tasty dish. This is key for your oven-fried squash to shine in flavor and texture. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps achieve that perfect crunch. While the oven heats, grab a large baking sheet. Line the sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps prevent sticking. Grab your two medium yellow squash. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. The thickness helps them cook evenly. Next, set up your breading station. Use three shallow bowls. 1. In the first bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. 2. In the second bowl, pour in 2 beaten eggs. Whisk until smooth. 3. In the third bowl, add 1 1/2 cups of seasoned breadcrumbs. If you like spice, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Now, bread each squash slice. First, coat it in the seasoned flour. Shake off any extra flour. Next, dip it into the egg mixture. Let any excess egg drip back into the bowl. Finally, press the slice into the breadcrumbs. Make sure the crumbs stick well. Arrange the breaded squash slices on your prepared baking sheet. Place them in a single layer, leaving space between each slice. This helps them cook evenly. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. This step boosts the crispiness. Now, place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip the slices halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. Look for a lovely golden color when they are done. After baking, take the pan out and let the squash cool for a few moments. This helps them stay crunchy. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Enjoy your perfectly crispy oven-fried squash! To get your squash super crispy, follow these steps. First, dry the squash well with a paper towel. Any moisture can make them soggy. Next, use a good quality seasoned breadcrumb. These have more flavor and crunch. Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil on top before baking. This helps the squash brown nicely. Remember to flip the slices halfway through baking for even crispiness. Avoid these common mistakes. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave space between the slices. This lets the hot air circulate and crisp up each piece. Another mistake is not preheating the oven. Always preheat it to 425°F (220°C) for best results. Finally, don’t skip the seasoning. Season your flour and breadcrumbs well for extra flavor. Oven fried squash is perfect as a snack or side. Serve it hot on a nice platter. Pair it with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. For a fun twist, add a sprinkle of grated cheese right before serving. Enjoy it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. {{image_4}} You can change the breading for more fun. Try panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. They provide a light and airy texture. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a sweeter taste. For a spicy twist, use crushed tortilla chips. These options offer great variety while keeping the flavor fresh. Want to jazz it up? Add herbs and spices to your breading mix. Try dried oregano, thyme, or basil for a herbal kick. You could also mix in grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory touch. A splash of lemon juice or zest can brighten the flavors too. Experiment with your favorites for a unique taste. While yellow squash is great, you can use other types too. Zucchini works well and has a mild flavor. Acorn squash adds a sweet, nutty taste. Butternut squash can make for a heartier dish. Each variety brings its own unique flavor and texture to the table, so don’t hesitate to try them! To keep your oven-fried squash fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, avoid stacking the slices. This prevents sogginess. To reheat your leftover squash, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the squash on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker option. Set it to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes. If you want to save your squash longer, freezing is a great option. Let the cooked squash cool completely. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can make Oven Fried Squash gluten-free. To do this, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs. These changes will keep your dish crispy and tasty without gluten. Oven Fried Squash lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you reheat it, the squash may lose some crispiness, but it will still taste great. Oven Fried Squash goes well with many dips. Here are some tasty options: - Marinara sauce - Ranch dressing - Garlic aioli - Honey mustard - Spicy sriracha mayo For extra flavor, you can mix and match these dips. Enjoy testing different flavors! For the full recipe, check the details above. Oven-fried squash is a tasty and healthy treat. We covered the right ingredients, tools, and tips for picking fresh squash. I shared simple steps for baking until crispy and included helpful tricks to avoid common errors. You also learned about variations and how to store leftovers. Keep these ideas in mind, and enjoy your crispy squash snack! It’s easy to make, delicious, and fun to share.$

Discover the ultimate crispy oven-fried squash delight that will transform your snack time! This easy recipe features thinly sliced yellow squash coated in seasoned flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, resulting in a crunchy, flavorful treat. Perfect for a healthy appetizer or side dish, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Click through to explore how to make this delicious dish and add a crispy twist to your meals today!

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Ingredients

2 medium yellow squash, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten until smooth

1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for an additional kick)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to facilitate easy cleanup after baking.

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour with a generous pinch of salt, freshly ground pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Whisk the mixture until thoroughly blended.

In another bowl, pour in the beaten eggs, whisking them until well combined and slightly frothy.

In a third bowl, pour in the seasoned breadcrumbs and, if desired, the cayenne pepper. Stir the mixture to ensure an even distribution of the spice.

To bread the squash slices, take one slice and first coat it in the seasoned flour mixture, gently shaking off any excess flour.

Next, dip the floured squash slice into the beaten eggs, allowing any surplus to drip back into the bowl.

Finally, transfer the slice to the bowl with seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well to the surface.

Arrange the breaded squash slices neatly on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, being careful to leave space between each slice to promote even cooking.

Lightly spray the tops of the squash slices with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to enhance crisping.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through the cooking time for even browning and crispiness. The squash should turn a lovely golden brown.

Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven and let the crispy squash cool for a few moments before serving to help retain their crunch.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For an enticing display, serve the crispy oven-fried squash on a beautiful serving platter. Accompany the dish with a small bowl of marinara or ranch dressing for dipping. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor!