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Easy Crispy Parmesan Delicata Squash Rings Recipe

crispy parmesan delicata squash rings - featured image

Golden, crunchy, and salty with parmesan, these crispy delicata squash rings are a simple yet impressive appetizer or side dish. With a tender, sweet center and no peeling required, they’re perfect for fall gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 1 to 1.5 pounds total)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for finishing)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Flaky sea salt (for finishing, optional)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
  • Ranch dressing or marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and brush it lightly with olive oil. If you don’t have a rack, line the baking sheet with parchment paper and brush that with oil instead.
  2. Wash the delicata squash thoroughly. Trim off the very ends of each squash (about 1/4 inch from each tip). Slice the squash crosswise into rings about 1/2-inch thick. Use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the center of each ring.
  3. In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk the two eggs until uniform and slightly frothy. In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix together with a fork until evenly distributed.
  4. Working one ring at a time, dip each squash ring into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Then place it in the parmesan-panko mixture and press the coating gently onto both sides, including the inner edge. Place the breaded ring on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Repeat with all rings.
  5. Lightly brush or spray the tops of the breaded rings with olive oil. Bake for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each ring using tongs. Brush the other side with a little more oil. Bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the rings are golden brown and crispy and the squash is tender when pierced with a fork.
  6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the hot rings with flaky sea salt and chopped fresh parsley while still warm. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a serving platter. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce.

Notes

For maximum crispiness, use a wire rack on the baking sheet. Don’t skip brushing the rings with olive oil before baking. Serve immediately for best texture. To reheat, use a 400°F oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko. For a dairy-free version, replace parmesan with nutritional yeast mixed with cornstarch.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash rings, crispy squash rings, parmesan squash rings, baked squash rings, fall appetizer, vegetarian appetizer, easy squash recipe