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Crispy Delicata Squash Rings with Easy Maple Drizzle

crispy delicata squash rings with easy maple drizzle - featured image

Thinly sliced delicata squash rings are coated in a light, crispy batter and baked until golden, then drizzled with a sweet and salty maple glaze. A fun, addictive side dish or appetizer that even squash skeptics will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium delicata squash (about 1 pound)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup rice flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup ice-cold water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil spray
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (e.g., Maldon)
  • Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Place a cooling rack on top if available.
  2. Wash the delicata squash. Trim off stem and blossom ends. Slice crosswise into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) thick rings. Scoop out seeds and stringy bits from the center. You should get about 12-14 rings.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, rice flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a small bowl, whisk egg and cold water until combined. Pour wet into dry and whisk until smooth. Batter should be thin enough to coat a spoon but thick enough to cling.
  4. Dip each squash ring into the batter, letting excess drip off. Place on prepared baking sheet, spacing about 1 inch apart.
  5. Brush the top of each ring lightly with olive oil or avocado oil.
  6. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven, carefully flip each ring, and brush the other side with more oil. Return to oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, until golden brown and crispy around the edges.
  7. While rings bake, make the maple drizzle: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine maple syrup, butter, and cinnamon (if using). Stir until butter is melted and mixture is warm. Remove from heat and stir in flaky sea salt.
  8. Remove rings from oven. Let cool on baking sheet for 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate, drizzle generously with warm maple mixture, and sprinkle with extra flaky salt if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use ice-cold water and don’t overcrowd the pan. Serve immediately for best texture. Leftovers can be reheated in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes; do not microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: delicata squash rings, crispy squash rings, maple drizzle, baked squash rings, fall appetizer, vegetarian, gluten-free option