Fried Squash

In this recipe, you’ll learn exactly how to create a crispy, golden fried squash dish that’s quick, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress.

What can you expect from this post? We’ll walk you through a brief history of fried squash, share all the ingredients you’ll need, and provide a simple, step-by-step guide to achieve golden perfection. Plus, we’ll answer common questions, like “What type of squash works best?” and “Can I make it healthier?” Let’s get cooking! 🧑‍🍳

A Quick Look at the History of Fried Squash 🌱

Fried squash has been a staple in southern kitchens for decades—especially during the summer months when squash is abundant. Traditionally, families would dip fresh, garden-grown squash in buttermilk, dredge it in cornmeal, and fry it to a golden crisp in a cast iron skillet.
Today, it’s evolved into a must-try comfort classic enjoyed across the nation.

But enough history—let’s talk about what you’ll need to recreate this magic in your kitchen. 👇👩‍🍳

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

Here’s what you’ll want to grab for the perfect fried squash recipe:

• Fresh squash (yellow summer squash or zucchini works great) – 2 medium-sized
• Buttermilk or egg wash – ½ cup buttermilk (or 2 eggs, beaten)
• Cornmeal mix or breadcrumbs – 1 cup (for extra crunch, go with Panko crumbs!)
• All-purpose flour – ½ cup
• Salt and pepper – To taste
• Optional seasonings – Garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne for a little kick 🔥
• Oil for frying – Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil (enough to submerge the squash)

That’s it—just a few pantry staples and some fresh squash, and you’re ready to go. Now for the fun part!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fry Squash

1. Slice the Squash

Wash your squash thoroughly and pat it dry. Slice into thin rounds, about ¼ inch thick. The thinner the slice, the crispier the fried squash!

Pro Tip: If you’re using zucchini, you can cut them into sticks or discs depending on your preferred shape.

2. Prepare Your Breading Station

Set up three bowls:

• Bowl 1: Flour (season with salt, pepper, and optional seasoning mix)
• Bowl 2: Buttermilk or beaten eggs
• Bowl 3: Cornmeal or breadcrumbs

3. Coat the Slices

Dip each piece of squash into the flour, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Next, dip it into the buttermilk (or egg wash), and finally press it into the cornmeal or breadcrumb mix. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks.

Tip: Keep one hand “wet” (for dipping in buttermilk) and the other “dry” (for coating in cornmeal) to avoid a sticky mess.

4. Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat your oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat (around 350°F). Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of breading—if it bubbles and sizzles, it’s ready! Fry the squash in batches to prevent overcrowding, cooking each side for about 2–3 minutes or until golden brown.

5. Drain and Sprinkle

Use tongs to transfer the fried squash to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle a little extra salt while they’re hot for maximum flavor.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve warm with a side of ranch dressing, aioli, or spicy dipping sauce for added flair. Warning: These tend to disappear fast, so make plenty! 😉

Bonus Tip: Try pairing fried squash with grilled chicken or a fresh summer salad for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions 🤔

1. What type of squash works best for frying?

Yellow squash and zucchini are ideal thanks to their mild flavor and tender texture. However, you can experiment with other varieties like pattypan squash for a unique twist!

2. Can I make fried squash without frying?

Absolutely! For a healthier spin, you can bake or air fry your squash. Simply follow the same breading steps, then bake at 425°F for 20 minutes (flipping halfway) or air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes.

3. How do I prevent the breading from falling off?

Two key tricks:

• Pat the squash dry with a paper towel before breading.
• Press the breading firmly into the squash during the final coating step.

4. Can fried squash be made ahead of time?

Fried squash tastes best fresh, but you can make it ahead of time and keep it warm in the oven (set to 200°F) for up to 30 minutes. Freezing, however, isn’t recommended as the texture can become soggy.

5. What sauces go well with fried squash?

Ranch dressing, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or a tangy barbecue dip are crowd favorites. Feeling adventurous? Try a honey drizzle for a sweet-savory twist. 🍯

Share Your Fried Squash Creations! 🌟

There you have it—crispy, golden fried squash that’s guaranteed to impress your family, friends, and even yourself! 🏆 Now it’s time to give it a try and make it your own. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, we’d love to see how yours turns out.

Snap a photo of your fried squash and tag us on Instagram (@so.many.recipes) or use the hashtag #GoldenSquashCreations. We might feature your dish on our page!

Happy frying, and don’t forget to enjoy the crunch! 🍽️✨