If you’re looking for a quick and tasty side dish, fried squash is a must-try! With its golden, crispy coating and tender center, this dish is easy to make and is perfect for summer squash like zucchini or yellow squash. It’s a classic Southern recipe that pairs beautifully with almost any meal, whether you’re grilling, frying up chicken, or just want a satisfying veggie dish with a crunch.
Crispy Southern-Style Fried Squash Recipe
Course: SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings
4
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
10
minutesCalories
223
kcalTotal time
20
minutes
Cook Mode
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
2 2 medium yellow squash or zucchini
120 g 1 cup all-purpose flour
120 g 1 cup cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
240 ml 1 cup buttermilk
1 1 egg
500 ml 2 cup Vegetable oil or canola oil
Equipment
Large skillet- Bowls
- Tongs
- Paper towels
Directions
- Step 1: Prep the Squash
- Rinse and dry the squash, then slice it into thin, even rounds
- Lay the squash slices on a paper towel and lightly pat to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick better.
- Step 2: Prepare Breading Stations
- In one shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
- In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth.
- Step 3: Bread the Squash
- Dip each squash slice first into the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess drip off.
- Dredge the slices in the flour-cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating on both sides.
- Place coated slices on a clean plate and continue with the remaining slices.
- Step 4: Fry the Squash
- In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking (about 350°F/175°C).
- Carefully place the breaded squash slices in the hot oil in a single layer. Fry in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip.
- Once golden, transfer fried squash to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Lightly sprinkle with salt while hot.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the fried squash hot with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or spicy mayo.
- Enjoy as a side dish, appetizer, or snack!
