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Crispy Maple Brown Butter Delicata Squash Rings: Easy 20-Min Recipe

crispy maple brown butter delicata squash rings - featured image

These crispy, sweet, and nutty squash rings are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, and drizzled with a brown butter maple glaze. Ready in just 20 minutes, they make an irresistible fall appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium delicata squash (about 1 pound)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt (for finishing)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable oil, for frying)

Instructions

  1. Wash the delicata squash, trim off both ends, and cut crosswise into ½-inch thick rings. Scoop out seeds and stringy pulp. Pat rings dry with paper towels.
  2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together egg and milk. In another shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  3. Dredge each squash ring in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Return to the flour mixture and dredge again, pressing gently to adhere. Place coated rings in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom. Once shimmering, cook squash rings in batches (without overcrowding) for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot.
  5. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until it foams, subsides, and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately. Let cool for 1 minute, then whisk in maple syrup.
  6. Arrange crispy rings on a platter, drizzle with the brown butter maple glaze, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the squash—moisture makes the coating fall off. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Watch the brown butter closely; it can burn quickly. Serve immediately for best crispiness. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and non-dairy milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash rings, crispy squash, brown butter maple, fall appetizer, easy snack, 20-minute recipe