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Crispy Maple-Glazed Delicata Squash Rings: Easy Fall Side

crispy maple-glazed delicata squash rings - featured image

These crispy maple-glazed delicata squash rings are a perfect fall side dish, featuring a crunchy panko coating and a sweet-savory maple glaze. Quick to make in under 30 minutes, they’re a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and flavor to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large delicata squash (about 1 pound)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C). Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and set aside.
  2. Wash the delicata squash thoroughly, trim off both ends, and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch thick rings. Scoop out seeds and stringy pulp from the center of each ring.
  3. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl or on a plate.
  4. Working one ring at a time, dredge in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, letting extra drip off. Press into panko breadcrumbs, coating both sides. Place on prepared wire rack. Repeat with all rings.
  5. Lightly brush or spray both sides of each coated ring with olive oil.
  6. Bake for 12 minutes. Carefully flip each ring using tongs, then bake for another 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  7. While rings bake, combine maple syrup, melted butter, and cinnamon (if using) in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth. Remove from heat.
  8. Let rings cool on rack for 2 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with warm maple glaze, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the 2-minute cooling step before glazing to prevent the glaze from sliding off. For extra crispiness, use an air fryer at 375Β°F for 8 minutes, flip, then 5-7 more minutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a 375Β°F oven or air fryer for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash, maple glaze, crispy squash rings, fall side dish, easy recipe, vegetarian, baked squash rings