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Crispy Maple Thyme Delicata Squash Rings: Best Easy Side

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These Crispy Maple Thyme Delicata Squash Rings are a perfect recreation of a farm-to-table starter, featuring a sweet maple and earthy thyme flavor with a shatteringly crispy panko coating. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re an easy, impressive side dish or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium delicata squash (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more for finishing
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Avocado oil or vegetable oil, for frying (about 1/2 inch deep)

Instructions

  1. Prep the squash: Wash delicata squash, cut off both ends, and slice crosswise into 1/2-inch thick rings. Remove seeds with a spoon or finger. Pat rings dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  2. Set up dredging station: In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and garlic powder. In a second bowl, whisk eggs and maple syrup until smooth. In a third bowl, combine panko, chopped thyme, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
  3. Coat the rings: Working one at a time, dredge each ring in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into maple-egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Press into panko mixture to coat both sides evenly. Place coated rings on a baking sheet without stacking.
  4. Heat oil: Pour about 1/2 inch of oil into a large skillet. Heat over medium-high heat to 350°F (oil should shimmer; a panko crumb dropped in should sizzle immediately).
  5. Fry in batches: Carefully lower 4-5 rings into hot oil using tongs. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Flip gently.
  6. Drain and season: Transfer fried rings to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still hot.
  7. Repeat with remaining rings: Let oil return to temperature between batches.
  8. Serve immediately: Best within 10 minutes of frying.

Notes

Don’t skip the flour dredge—it helps the coating stick. Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F. Use one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet to avoid clumping. Season immediately after frying for best salt adhesion. For a baked version, arrange coated rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. For an air fryer method, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash rings, crispy squash, maple thyme, easy side dish, fall recipe, vegetarian, dairy-free

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/crispy-maple-thyme-delicata-squash-rings-best-easy-side/