How to Air Fry Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Which vegetable side dish would be perfect during the summer? During the hot season, a lot of fluids and electrolytes come out of our bodies with sweat. There is no substitute for protein and vitamin C foods to compensate for this. Undoubtedly, zucchini and yellow squash are some of the best sources of protein and vitamins. They take very little time to make it through the air fryer. So how to air fry zucchini and yellow squash?
This is a super easy and kid-friendly recipe. Everyone wants to use it for a side dish, just for a busy weekend meal, or for a Sunday dinner side dish. You may have some zucchini or yellow squash in your garden. And this is a great way to use this up. The purpose of this article is to learn how to make zucchini and yellow squash easily and in less time with the help of an air fryer device. Keep reading the following part of the article to know the detailed guideline of the recipe.
How to Air Fry Zucchini and Yellow Squash
There are different ways to make zucchini and yellow squash. However, air fryers can make them in half of the time from other ways. Additionally, the air fryer does not contain any oil, and no need to flip repeatedly again as you would when cooking in a normal pan. Before moving on to processing, you need to take note of what ingredients are needed.
Ingredients You Will Need:
- Zucchini: Try to use some long and thin zucchini variety. Choose zucchini that is fresh and not bruised.
- Yellow squash: Pick yellow squash with a mature and narrow neck. Make sure it is not too small or ripe.
- Garlic: The amount of ginger will depend on your choice. So add ginger according to your taste
- Olive oil: It will take a little oil for a nice golden finish
- Salt and pepper: Toss lightly with seasonings such as salt and pepper
Making Process
After taking the ingredients, let’s go through the process of the original recipe.
Step 1
The first step you need to do is cut the edges of the zucchini and yellow squash. Then cut to length. However, when cutting, shape them like a half-moon. Now toss them in a bowl with the garlic, salt, pepper, and light olive oil.
Step 2
The next thing you need to do is to prepare your air fryer. Position the device in your heat-resistant kitchen area. Then connect it to the nearest electric source. Now if you want, you can preheat or skip it and go to the next step. However, the advantage of preheating is that it will give you a crispy texture and flavor.
Step 3
Now take out the air fryer basket from the machine and transfer the vegetables to it. If your air fryers are small, consider cooking them in the second batch. Because setting one on top of the other at random will lead to uneven cooking.
Step 4
If you require to press any sort of button on/off for cooking purposes you can do it also. After that, it will be necessary to fix the right cooking duration and temperature. So, set the cooking time for 15 minutes and the temperature at 400F. The cooking time may vary a bit based on the air fryer and ingredient. Make sure to check the food frequently while cooking to prevent burning and overcooking.
Once you adjusted the settings, begin the cooking. After cooking the halftime like 7.5 minutes, flip them. It will assure better consistency and crispiness. But if you want to keep it light and soft instead of crisp, then there is no need to flip.
Step 5
Once they are complete, carefully, take off the air fryer basket by holding it from the handle and putting it on a heat-resistant surface like your kitchen’s countertop. Never touch the zucchini and yellow squash or the basket directly as they will be very hot and burn your finger.
You should wait a few minutes for the ingredients to cool down and then transfer them to the serving plate with non-stick tongs. That’s it; you have completed everything successfully.
What are Their Health Benefits?
This wonderful side dish has many health benefits that you may not be aware of. Take a look at them:
High in Nutritional Value
In terms of nutritional value, zucchini and yellow squash do not compromise. 200 grams of zucchini contains 2.42 grams of protein, 32 grams of calories, 0.38 grams of fat, and 6.8 grams of carbs. On the other hand, yellow squash also contains the same amount of nutritional facts. It also contains Vitamin C and A which will help you to grow your immune system.
Rich in Antioxidants
They are extremely rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are beneficial to plant additives that will protect the body from free radicals. Moreover beneficial for the eyes and skin. Additionally, it is beneficial as a prostate cancer inhibitor. Yellow squash contains antioxidants at higher levels than green ones.
Beneficial for Healthy Digestion System
You may be surprised to know that they promote a healthy digestion system in different ways. Zucchini contains both soluble and insoluble fibers. As a result, it plays a role in reducing constipation. Soluble removes bacteria from your stomach and insoluble helps move through your gut more easily.
Reduce Blood Pressure
Zucchini and yellow squash lower blood pressure levels, especially for those with type 2 diabetes. The fiber in them stabilizes blood sugar and increases insulin sensitivity. So those who want to control the risk of type 2 diabetes, try this recipe regularly. Also, if the blood pressure is low, it is possible to be free from various heart diseases
Weight Loss
Last but not the least, zucchini and yellow squash will help you lose weight in fancy ways. Because they contain low-calorie density and plenty of water. Its fiber will allow you to reduce hunger and keep your appetite bay. So it can be taken as a potential weight-loss drug.
Conclusion
Since Zucchini and yellow squash are versatile, simple to prepare, and quick to make, so it is everyone’s choice as a side dish. With an air fryer, you can make this recipe in the most comfortable and nutritious way in the shortest possible time. If you haven’t tried this amazing vegetable dish yet, you should try it at least once. Hopefully, this article will help you to air fry zucchini and yellow squash.