Crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful inside, Fried Yellow Squash is an easy Southern-style side dish. Thin slices of fresh yellow squash are coated in a seasoned cornmeal mixture and fried until beautifully golden.
🥒 Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow squash
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk or regular milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Slice the Squash
Wash and dry the yellow squash. Cut off both ends and slice into rounds about ¼-inch thick.
If the squash is particularly watery, lightly sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine:
- Cornmeal
- Flour
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
3. Coat the Squash
Dip each squash slice into the egg mixture, making sure it is coated well.
Then transfer it to the cornmeal mixture and press gently so the coating sticks.
Place the coated slices on a plate while you finish the remaining squash.
4. Heat the Oil
Pour about ½ inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet.
Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches approximately 350°F (175°C).
You can test it by dropping a tiny amount of coating into the oil. It should sizzle immediately.
5. Fry the Squash
Carefully place the coated squash slices into the hot oil in a single layer.
Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and make the squash greasy.
6. Drain and Serve
Transfer the fried squash to a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack.
Sprinkle with a little extra salt while they’re still hot.
Serve immediately.
⭐ Tips for Extra Crispy Squash
- Slice the squash evenly so everything cooks at the same rate.
- Pat the squash dry before coating it.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the squash.
- A mixture of cornmeal and flour gives you a crispier, more flavorful crust.
- For a little heat, add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the coating.
🍽️ What to Serve With Fried Yellow Squash
Fried squash pairs especially well with:
- Fried chicken
- Grilled or roasted chicken
- Meatloaf
- BBQ ribs
- Mashed potatoes and gravy
- Cornbread
- Green beans
- Coleslaw
⏱️ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Cuisine: Southern American
Method: Pan-fried