Air fryer Butternut Squash Recipe

Air fryer Butternut Squash is an easy side dish filled with Fall flavors.

Really easy to prepare with a sweet tone given by cinnamon, which goes so well with this kind of pumpkin.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Ingredients
• Step-by-Step Instructions + Tips
• Variations
• FAQ’s
• Full Recipe Card (printable)

Why You Will Love This Butternut Recipe

Crispy exterior, soft interior. The circulating hot air of your air fryer creates a crispy exterior on the squash without drying it out.

The inside stays moist and tender.

Time-Saving: Compared to regular oven methods, the air fryer significantly reduces cooking time. 

Minimal effort: Cutting the squash, tossing it with seasoning, and putting it in the air fryer is so easy.

Cleanup is a breeze too.

Kid-friendly: With its crispy texture and sweet flavor, this butternut squash is a great way to introduce kids to this nutritious vegetable.

Ingredients To Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe

Very simple ingredients for the perfect side dish.

Butternut: Choose a medium-sized butternut squash that is firm and free from bruises.

You can also use the pre-cut butternut you find at the grocery store 

Extra virgin olive oil: It will help us make crispy, roasted squash. I use olive oil, but avocado oil works well too.

Spices: I used a mix of salt, black pepper, and cinnamon for this recipe.  

These basic seasonings bring out the natural taste of butternut squash.

How to Make Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for a few minutes while you prepare the butternut squash.

Prepare the Butternut Squash: Start by slicing off the stem and base of the squash. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully cut it in half lengthwise.

Scoop out the seeds and discard them. Finally, peel off the skin using a vegetable peeler or a knife, and proceed to cut the squash into your desired shape.

Cut the Squash: Cut the butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. The cubes should be relatively uniform in size to ensure even cooking.

Season the Squash: In a large bowl, drizzle olive oil or use cooking spray to coat the diced butternut lightly. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cinnamon.

Toss the cubes to evenly distribute the seasoning.

Air Fry the Squash: Place the seasoned butternut squash cubes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.

Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

The squash should be golden brown and fork tender when done.

Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the butternut squash from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving dish.

Serve it as a side dish, use it in salads, or get creative with various recipes like this Butternut Squash Bruschetta.

Tips For the best results

• Cut the cubes all the same size, so you won’t run the risk that some cubed butternut won’t be cooked.
• Always preheat the air fryer, this will ensure you cook evenly.
• Choose a good butternut, a fresh product will ensure the success of the dish.
• Don’t Overcook, keep an eye on the butternut squash as it cooks in the air fryer. Overcooking can result in mushy squash, 

Variations

Add more veggies: You can add other vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes or onions to the air fryer along with the butternut squash for a more colorful and flavorful dish.

Halved Butternut Squash: Instead of cubing the butternut squash, you can also cook it in the air fryer as a half, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

This makes for a beautiful and impressive side dish.

More seasoning options: Experiment with different seasoning options, consider rubbing the squash cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, curry powder, or Italian seasoning before air frying.

What to Serve with Butternut Squash

Butternut is a great side dish for many mains: we love to serve them with these crispy chicken cutlets, this breaded pork chops, or with lighter dishes like this pasta with broccoli.

Another idea for using these air fryer squash pieces is to add them to your salads or to this pumpkin risotto for a nice garnish.

How to store leftover squash

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to restore the crispiness.

FAQ’s

Can you use frozen butternut squash in this recipe?

For this recipe I do not recommend it, the result would be mushy and harder to make pumpkin crisp. Frozen squash is recommended for making butternut squash soup.

Can I make a sweet version instead of a savory one?

Yes. Use 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter and add a tablespoon of brown sugar or natural sugars, then air fry. 

Do I need to peel butternut squash before roasting?

Peeling is optional. Many recipes recommend peeling, but you can certainly roast butternut squash unpeeled if you don’t mind the textural changes or prefer the flavor with the skin on. Just scrub the squash well before roasting if leaving the skin on.

How do I know when the butternut squash is cooked?

The butternut squash is cooked when it is golden brown on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork. Keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust as needed based on the size and thickness of the cubes.

Roasted Butternut Squash In The Air Fry

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More Air Fryer Recipes You Will Love: Side Dishes Version

• Air Fryer Sweet Potato, it’s a healthier alternative to deep frying sweet potatoes.
• Air Fryer Potato Wedges, they turn out crispy and tasty.
• Air Fryer Onion Rings Recipe, the air fryer cooks the onion rings to a golden brown without being greasy.
• Beet Chips, make a colorful and nutritious snack.