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Crispy Fried Yellow Squash Recipe with Easy Creamy Ranch Dip

crispy fried yellow squash - featured image

A quick and easy snack featuring crispy fried yellow squash slices paired with a creamy homemade ranch dip. Perfect for casual snacking, parties, or a flavorful appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium yellow squashes, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill a skillet 1 inch deep)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup buttermilk (or milk for thinner consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the yellow squash. Slice into ¼-inch thick rounds, keeping them uniform for even cooking.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until evenly mixed.
  3. Pour 1 cup buttermilk into another bowl. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Dredge each squash slice in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip it into the buttermilk batter, letting the excess drip off. Return the slice to the flour mixture for a second light coating.
  5. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to about 1 inch deep. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  6. Carefully place the coated squash slices in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp. Use tongs to flip gently. Work in batches to keep the oil temperature steady.
  7. Transfer fried squash to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a minute to firm up but serve while still warm.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, chives, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt coating. Dry squash slices well before coating. Double coating with flour and batter ensures extra crispiness. Serve immediately for best texture. Reheat leftovers in oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness. Ranch dip tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried yellow squash, crispy squash, ranch dip, snack recipe, easy appetizer, fried vegetables, creamy ranch dip