I’m a big fan of fried food and I feel like I need to confess that, although the previous statement is true, I haven’t been to a state fair in probably 15+ years.
Why does that matter? Because, sweet friend, state fairs are the mecca of fried food and yet nary a massive greasy mustard-covered corndog has crossed my lips in over a decade. And now I feel old. Let’s just forget that “over a decade” part, mmmmk?
Seriously though, fried food is phenomenal but it’s not part of every day life for us. Veggies are. And my new convection oven that my parents got us for our anniversary (thanks Mom & Dad!)? Yeah, obsession central. It makes everything taste better!
Oven-frying is pretty simple and can be done with any normal oven. All you need is a baking sheet and an oven-safe rack that fits into the baking sheet to get air around the food. It’s half the battle to making something that will taste unabashedly like fried spicy onion rings minus the onion and minus the frying. And for the kiddos? Yeah, they won’t know the difference.
Promises.
OVEN-FRIED DELICATA RINGS
Inspired by Jessica’s Acorn Squash Rounds
- 1 delicata squash, washed (you don’t even have to peel because the skin is so tender!)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Preheat your oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe rack in the baking sheet. Set aside. In a bowl whisk the egg into submission for about 30 seconds, set aside. Cut the delicata squash into 1/4-inch slices and remove the seeds (you can use a paring knife or a biscuit cutter to cleanly remove it all). Toss the squash rings with the egg and let sit for a few minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and peppers. Heavily spray the rack with nonstick spray, or brush with olive oil. Going just a few at a time, shake the excess egg off of a couple of rings and toss in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Place on the rack. Repeat until they are all done and spray with nonstick spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 400, then carefully flip them over and bake for another 15-20 minutes until completely crisp and golden brown. Sprinkle with a little extra salt immediately after removing from the oven. Serve with ketchup, bbq sauce, or just down them plain – I won’t judge!
I mean really, who needs a fair corndog when you have a convection oven anyway?!
These rings look awesome! Once again, I feel compelled to feature you in my Friday Food Fetish roundup and on Pinterest. Let me know if you have any objections and keep the amazing food coming…
What a fun way to eat delicata squash!! Brilliant 🙂
Ugh – fried food is a cruel trick. It tastes so good but once it hits your stomach, you immediately regret it. Never mind all the health stuff.
These look gorgeous and full of crispy fun!
i haven’t been to a state fair in FOREVER either. we should find like 40 of them this summer and go together.
Now *that* is a great idea. I love all things squash and fried. Growing up we never fried anything except during the month of September (when the local fair took place). We always fried these German meat pies, so delicious but just so oily!
I’ve never seen delicata squash. Is it similar to yellow squash in flavor? Where I live has such a limited selection of produce 🙁
I have a feeling those wouldn’t even make it to the table. They look incredible.
Looks delish!
I love fried food and I’ve never been to a state fair. Or a county fair. I am missing out on things like deep fried butter. Oven fried delicata rings are something I can do at home. And I will. Very, very soon.
Heather, I absolutely love delicata squash. I sprinkle mine with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil, bake @ 350 for 35 minutes. They seriously taste like french fries! Love it!
MANGIA!!!
What an amazing idea!! These look delicious!
: ))
Jen
Mmm I love a good squash on my plate!
March marks two years living in Tx. I think this year I need to finally hit up the Dallas state fair for some fried food glory:)
Yum! I made a version of Jessica’s acorn squash rings too that were absolutely delicious. Love your take on them.
Don’t worry; you’re not missing anything with the fair anyway. The last couple of fairs we’ve been to have been pretty gross. Better to just make these squash rings and stay home 🙂
I agree convection oven before corn dogs!:)
Your squash recipes lately are killing me. I need to get myself some squash and ring it, chip it, fry it all and eat it with ketchup. Major yum.
I never fry anything in oil, and I love oven “frying” potatoes, chicken and just about anything else you can think of! I have never oven-fried squash, though. I must remedy that immediately!
I agree! Fantastic looking dish, btw!