These Crispy Delicata Squash Rings deliver real crunch without the deep fryer!
Crispy delicata squash rings have become a staple in my kitchen because they are a perfect crunchy side dish with wholesome ingredients. After testing multiple methods, baking consistently produces the best balance of browning and crunch without the need for frying.
Unlike other winter squash like Butternut, delicata has thin, edible skin which means no peeling and wasted time. The natural sugars in the squash caramelize in the oven helping to create crisp edges and create an incredible sweet and salty flavor profile. With a handful of ingredients, this recipe proves how little you ned to get reliable, repeatable results. If you want a simple method that works every time and fits naturally into a gluten free diet, these rings check every box.
reasons you'll love this crispy squash
- No Peeling - Delicata's edible skin makes prep fast and eliminates the toughest part of cooking winter squash.
- Crispy without frying - The rings bake up with real crunch using minimal ingredients and no frying.
- Minimal ingredients - You don't need loads of ingredients for this, it is fast and simple!
What is delicata squash?
Delicata squash is the striped yellow-green squash you often see in fall produce bins. This one is smaller than butternut and a completely different shape than acorn squash. It is much easier to slice, has a mildly sweet flavor that pairs well with almost any dish. The skin is also edible which makes it super quick to prepare.
Ingredients for Delicata Squash Rings
- Delicata Squash: see the section above for a more detailed description.
- Eggs: size large eggs, you need them to help the breading stick to the rings.
- Parmesan: grated parmesan, helps make the rings super crispy.
- Prepared Breading: I tried this recipe *so* many different ways and the absolute best breading that produces a super crispy exterior and is never soggy is Zatarain's Fish Breading. I know that sounds wild, but it is simply the best product to use. If you don't have it on hand you can sub fine cornmeal.
- All purpose seasoning: use your favorite all purpose seasoning blend. I enjoy this one, but you can go cajun, garlic herb, herb blend, etc.
- Neutral oil: for spraying or brushing. You can use avocado oil, vegetable oil, whatever your personal preference is.
What about the dip?
Dip pictured: Pesto Aioli (equal parts pesto and mayonnaise)
How to Make Crispy Squash Rings
- Slice the Squash: Slicing the squash in rings approximately ¾ inch thick, like you would onion rings. Discard the ends and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds so the center is completely empty.
- Bread the Squash: Prepare two separate bowls. In the first bowl add the beaten eggs. In the second bowl combine the parmesan, breading and seasoning. To bread the squash, first dip into the beaten egg, making sure it is completely coated. Then press into the breading mix, turning and making sure it is completely coated.
- Oil and Bake: Lay the breaded squash ring on a greased baking sheet. Spray, or brush the squash with oil. Cook the squash for 10 minutes at 400 degrees F. Flip and 5-8 more minutes until the squash is tender and the breading is super crisp.
Storage
- Fridge: store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat: warm in a skillet or air fryer until crisp. Avoid microwaving, as they will not be crispy.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Parmesan Squash
- Choose Wisely: look for a delicata squash that feels heavy for its size and has no soft spots.
- Slice evenly: to ensure the cooking time works be sure to slice the squash as evenly as possible.
- Remove the seeds and pulp: the seeds and pulp have a lot of moisture, so they will not get crispy like the rest of the squash. After you slice the rings be sure to remove the seeds.
- Flip: be sure to flip once during baking to make sure both sides are extra crispy.
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Crispy Delicata Squash Rings
Video
Ingredients
- 2 delicata squash cut into rings and seeds removed
- 2 eggs beaten
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cup fish fry breading , note below
- 2 teaspoons all purpose seasoning
- 1-2 tablespoons neutral oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Prepare two separate bowls for breading. In the first bowl add the eggs and beat well. In the second bowl combine the parmesan, breading and seasoning.
- Prepare the squash by washing and slicing the squash in rings approximately ¾ inch thick. (think onion things) Discard the ends and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds.
- To bread the squash dip the squash ring into the egg, making sure it is completely coated. Then add to the breading mix, turning and making sure it is completely coated.
- Lay the breaded squash ring on a greased baking sheet. Repeat until all the squash is breaded.
- Lastly, spray, or brush the squash with oil.
- Cook the squash for 10 minutes, flip and 5-8 more minutes until the squash is tender and the breading is super crisp.
Tips:
Nutrition Information
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Hi, I'm Annie. With a Bachelor of Science degree, a minor in nutrition and nearly 20 year of both classical training, and self-taught experience, I've spent my career proving that home cooking can be practical, delicious and inspiring. What started in 2013 as one food blog has grown into a full-time business. Today, my husband Clayton and I run five food websites that connect with millions of home cooks every month.
When I'm not in the kitchen or behind the camera, I'm using fueling my love of travel, or chasing down new ideas that keep food fun and fresh.
