Air fryer butternut squash is such a treat, and it’s super easy to make! This dish brings out the natural sweetness of the squash, making it a perfectly cozy side or snack.
Cures uneven cooking, long preparation time, and soggy texture by air frying butternut squash quickly with simple seasonings, crisp edges, and easy cleanup.
I know it can be a bit tricky to peel and chop butternut squash. That’s why I love using pre-cut squash to save time and avoid extra mess. No more wrestling with slippery peels!
This recipe is a breeze. It takes just 15 minutes to prep and only 25 minutes to cook, so you’ll have a healthy, warm dish on your table in no time. Plus, the air fryer gives it a wonderful tender texture without the need for a lot of oil.
If you want to add a little sweetness, you can toss in some brown sugar for a delicious kick. If you’re looking for more fun recipes, check out my Squash Casserole with Ritz Crackers.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Texture: The air fryer delivers that tender inside we love while still giving a little crispiness on the outside. It’s satisfying with every bite.
- Flavor: You can easily adjust the seasonings to match your mood, with options ranging from savory to sweet. Each flavor just pops through the tender squash.
- Convenience: Cooking in the air fryer cuts down on time significantly, making it a great option for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stashed away in the fridge for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy this dish again without any extra work.
Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Method: Air Frying
- Diet: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan
Description
This Air Fryer Butternut Squash is a delicious, healthy side dish that is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
Ingredients
- 24 ounces butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 1/21/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/21/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/21/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/81/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/21/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 11/2 teaspoon brown sugar, optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the Squash: Start by peeling and cutting the butternut squash into bite-sized cubes. It should feel smooth but firm under your hands. Getting consistent sizes helps them cook evenly, so do not skip this part. Be careful with your knife; the squash can be a bit tricky to handle!
- Toss with Oil: Put the diced squash in a mixing bowl and drizzle the olive oil over the top. You will want to see a light sheen on the cubes. This step helps the spices stick later. If the squash looks too dry, you might end up with unevenly seasoned bites, so make sure to coat it nicely.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and brown sugar over the oiled squash and give it a good toss until everything is well coated. If you notice the spices are not sticking, just add a little more olive oil to help them adhere.
- Air Fry the Squash: Place the seasoned squash cubes in the air fryer basket, spreading them out so they are not overcrowded. The squash will sizzle as it starts cooking, which is a good sign. Remember to shake the basket a couple of times to promote even browning and avoid any mushiness.
- Check for Doneness: After about 20 minutes, peek inside the air fryer. The squash should be tender with a nice roasted color. If it is not browning like you hoped, give the basket a shake and let it go a little longer. Do not let it get too mushy; keep an eye on it!
- Serve Warm: Once it is looking golden and smelling incredible, take the squash out and let it cool for a minute. The warmth brings out the flavors of the spices! Enjoy it right away, as it is best served fresh from the fryer, or toss it into a salad or bowl.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If your air fryer basket is small, consider cooking in batches for optimal browning and texture.
- When the squash is not browning evenly, a gentle shake of the basket halfway through cooking can help achieve the desired look.
- For squash that turns out too soft, checking for doneness a few minutes earlier can prevent mushiness.
- If the spices struggle to stick, adding an extra half tablespoon of olive oil can make a difference in adherence.
- When preparing for guests, consider adding cinnamon to the spice mix for a lovely seasonal twist that pleases everyone.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 5 to 7 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy.
- Serve warm as a side dish with roasted chicken, or mix with greens for a hearty salad. It pairs well with breakfast burritos for extra flavor.
- Consider substitute brown sugar with maple syrup for different sweetener flavor.
- You can also skip cayenne pepper if you prefer non-spicy.
- Ensure even layering when placing the squash in the air fryer for best results.
Nutrition
- Calories: 113
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 148.5mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21.5g
- Fiber: 3.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: N/A
Find it online: https://bakeitwell.com/air-fryer-butternut-squash
Recipe Tips
- If your air fryer basket is small, consider cooking in batches for optimal browning and texture.
- When the squash isn’t browning evenly, a gentle shake of the basket halfway through cooking can help achieve that desired look.
- For squash that turns out too soft, checking for doneness a few minutes earlier can prevent mushiness.
- If the spices struggle to stick, adding an extra half tablespoon of olive oil can make a difference in adherence.
- When preparing for guests, consider adding cinnamon to the spice mix for a lovely seasonal twist that pleases everyone.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm as a side dish with roasted chicken or mix into breakfast burritos for an added layer of flavor. You can also combine the squash with fresh greens to create a hearty salad.
This butternut squash fits well in various dishes like grain bowls or as an ingredient in soups. It can also be featured in holiday meals or Sunday dinners for a seasonal touch.
Consider drizzling the roasted squash with balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of your favorite seasoning blend. A dash of chili flakes or fresh herbs can also add extra depth to the dish.
Recipe variations
- You can use diced sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash for a different texture and flavor.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg for a sweet twist that complements the squash.
- Either include bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition in your dish.
- If you’re making a larger batch, use 36 ounces of butternut squash and adjust seasonings accordingly while maintaining the same ratios.
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How to Store?
To keep your air fryer butternut squash fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Place the squash in a freezer bag, squeeze out air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the squash in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
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