Ever get a craving for fried squirrel? Yeah, I do too, and surprisingly often. But frying squirrel means breaking out the cast iron, heating up oil or lard, splatters all over the stove and a general mess left behind once it’s ready to eat. All that is fine if you are doing a big batch for a full meal, but what if you just bagged a squirrel or two after an evening hunt and want it cooked up quickly without all the mess? That’s when you break out the trusty air fryer.

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You can nearly match the flavor of fried squirrel without all the work and hassle if you use your air fryer. All images by Michael Pendley

Does air-fried squirrel taste exactly like pan-fried squirrel? No, but it is pretty danged close. Plus, the mess is minimum and you can have them on the plate in less than a half hour. To be sure, this recipe works best with young squirrels. Trying it with an old, grizzled fox squirrel is going to feel like you are chewing on a fried boot. Save those for the stew pot.

But assuming you have a couple young squirrels, start by seasoning their cleaned quarters. I really like Greek herb flavors for this one. Try Cavender’s brand seasoning. Just give it a good shake on both sides.

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Season the squirrel well on both sides with your choice of Greek style seasoning blend.

To get the nice, crunchy coating of pan fried, double dredge the squirrel in seasoned flour. I use Kentucky Kernel brand because it is local to me and tastes really good on fried foods, but use whatever brand you like or season your own flour with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning and whatever spices you prefer.

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Use your favorite pre-seasoned flour or season your own to your liking.

Next, dip the squirrel into an egg wash made from beaten egg and a bit of milk, then back into the flour for a second coating.

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Double dredge your squirrel in seasoned flour, then egg wash, then back into the seasoned flour for a thick and crispy coating.

This makes a nice, thick batter on the squirrel and gives you that classic fried bite feel. After you have double breaded your squirrel, move the pieces over to your air fryer, leaving just a bit of space between them for optimum browning. Once you have the fryer loaded, give the squirrel a light coating of butter flavored non-stick cooking spray. This adds to the flavor and helps the coating to reach that rich, golden brown you are looking for.

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Leave a bit of space between the pieces in the air fryer for good air flow, then spritz the squirrel with butter flavored non-stick cooking spray.

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees and add the squirrel. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the pieces, give them another light coat of the butter flavored spray, and back in for another 10-15 minutes or until done.