Oven-Fried Squash

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 4 | Calories per Serving: ~120

Description

This Oven-Fried Squash recipe delivers crispy, golden slices of squash with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying. Perfect as a side dish or a healthy snack, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients while being simple to prepare.

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Ingredients

• 2 medium yellow squash or zucchini (about 1 lb)

• 1 large egg

• 2 tbsp milk (or unsweetened almond milk)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crispiness)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Cooking spray or 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Squash

• Wash and dry the squash thoroughly.

• Slice into ¼-inch thick rounds (for crispier results) or ½-inch thick (for softer texture).

3. Set Up the Breading Station

• In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.

• In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. Coat the Squash

• Dip each squash slice into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.

• Then, coat evenly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.

• Place the coated slices in a single layer on the baking sheet.

5. Bake Until Crispy

• Lightly spray the squash with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for extra crispiness.

• Bake for 10 minutes, then flip each slice.

• Bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve & Enjoy!

• Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.

• Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days (reheat in the oven for best texture).

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

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Tips & Variations

✅ For Extra Crispiness: Use panko breadcrumbs and increase baking time by 3-5 minutes.
✅ Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
✅ Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko.
✅ Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli for extra flavor.

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Final Thoughts

This Oven-Fried Squash is a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions, offering a satisfying crunch without excess oil. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack.