We love the sweet, buttery flavors of squash crisped up and caramelized in the air fryer! Whether its butternut, delicata, or acorn…this is one of our favorite easy and healthy side dishes. Bonus points for not requiring any stove or oven space. Youll love this easy air fryer butternut squash recipe for any day of the week!
Making squash in your air fryer is one of the simplest and most irresistible ways to transform basic winter squash into a sweet, roasty, caramelized veggie side dish that everyone will love. We even use it as the base for bowl recipes packed with other veggies, protein (frequently with these no-breadcrumb baked turkey meatballs), and whatever delicious sauce we can whip up (like homemade parsley pesto or a drizzle of basil vinaigrette).
Some of our favorite squashes to air fry are delicata, butternut, and acorn squash, though youll see butternut squash primarily featured here. If you dont have an air fryer, dont worry–Ive got an oven-roasted butternut squash recipe for you. Now, lets get some squash on the table![feast_advanced_jump_to]
Veggies for dessert? Okay, real quick, here is a DELISH butter and brown sugar variation you can try. Once the butternut squash is done air frying, transfer it to a bowl while still hot. Place a ½-1 tablespoon pat of butter into the bowl and stir to coat, then sprinkle with a bit of brown sugar (I usually use a tablespoon or less). You could also use honey or maple syrup here! YUM.
Hey there food lovers! If y’all are lookin’ for a way to whip up somethin’ delicious healthy, and downright cozy for the fall season, then lemme introduce you to air fryer butternut squash. Trust me, this ain’t just another veggie side dish—it’s a total game-changer. With that sweet, caramelized goodness and a crispy edge that’ll make your taste buds dance, this recipe is gonna be your go-to whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fancy holiday spread. At our lil’ kitchen, we’re obsessed with how quick and easy this is, so let’s dive right in and get cookin’!
Why Air Fryer Butternut Squash is the Bee’s Knees
Before we get to the nitty-gritty, let’s chat about why you should even bother with air fryer butternut squash. I mean, there’s a gazillion ways to cook this veggie, so what makes this method so darn special? Here’s the deal:
- Quick as a Flash: Unlike roasting in the oven, which can take forever and a day, the air fryer cuts cookin’ time down to about 20-30 minutes. Perfect for when you’re starvin’ and don’t wanna wait.
- Healthier Vibes: You use way less oil compared to traditional frying or even oven roasting. It’s a win for your waistline without skimpin’ on flavor.
- Texture Heaven: You get that crispy, golden outside and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth inside. It’s like magic, I swear!
- Fall Flavor Bomb: Butternut squash already got that natural sweetness goin’ on, and when it caramelizes in the air fryer, it’s like autumn in every bite. Pair it with some cozy spices, and you’re golden.
So, whether you’re new to the air fryer game or you’ve been at it for ages, this dish is gonna rock your world Let’s break down how to make it happen
How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash: Two Epic Ways
Now, I’m gonna walk ya through two awesome methods to cook air fryer butternut squash—cubed for that crispy bite and halved for a softer, mashable texture. Pick your fave or try both! We’ve messed around with these recipes a bunch at home and they’re pretty much foolproof.
Method 1: Crispy Cubed Air Fryer Butternut Squash
This is my personal go-to when I want somethin’ with a lil’ crunch. It’s perfect as a side dish or even tossed into salads. Here’s how we do it:
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 1 medium butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter if you’re feelin’ fancy)
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (for that sweet kick, optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (I like the sweet kind for extra warmth)
- 1 teaspoon salt (kosher works great)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but it’s a cozy touch)
Instructions
- Prep Your Squash: Grab that butternut squash and peel off the tough skin with a veggie peeler. Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds with a spoon (don’t toss ‘em yet, more on that later), and dice it into even 1-inch cubes. Even sizing is key so it cooks all nice and uniform.
- Season It Up: Toss them cubes into a big ol’ bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil, maple syrup if you’re usin’ it, and sprinkle on the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and cinnamon. Mix it real good till every piece is coated.
- Air Fry Time: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for about 5 minutes if ya can. Then, spread the squash in the basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd or it’ll steam instead of crisp up. You might need batches if your fryer’s small. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shake the basket to flip ‘em around, then cook another 10 minutes or till it’s fork-tender and golden brown on the edges.
- Check and Serve: Poke a piece with a fork—if it’s soft and the edges are caramelized, you’re good to go! Serve it hot and watch it disappear.
Pro Tip: If your air fryer’s got a broil settin’, hit it for the last 2-3 minutes to get them edges extra crispy. Just don’t burn ‘em, alright?
Method 2: Silky Smooth Air Fryer Butternut Squash Halves
If you’re lookin’ for somethin’ softer—maybe to mash up or use in a soup—this method’s for you. It’s stupid easy and gives ya a velvety texture.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 1 butternut squash (make sure it fits in your air fryer basket)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste (keep it simple or add whatever spices ya like)
Instructions
- Cut and Clean: Slice your squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and gunk with a spoon. No need to peel it now—trust me, it’s easier later.
- Oil and Season: Brush or spray the cut sides with olive oil, then hit it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Wanna get wild? Sprinkle on some cinnamon or Cajun spice for a twist.
- Air Fry Magic: Pop it in the air fryer cut-side down at 375°F for 20 minutes. Then flip it cut-side up and cook another 10 minutes. If it’s a big ol’ squash, you might need a few extra minutes. Test it with a fork—it should slide in easy when done.
- Cool and Scoop: Let it cool a tad so you don’t burn yourself, then scoop out the flesh or cut it into chunks if ya want. The skin peels right off after cookin’, so no stress there.
Pro Tip: Bigger squash might need longer, so don’t be shy to add 5 minutes if it ain’t tender yet. Every air fryer’s a lil’ different, ya know?
Why Even Cook Butternut Squash in an Air Fryer?
I get it, some of y’all might be thinkin’, “Why not just roast it in the oven like grandma did?” Fair point, but hear me out. The air fryer ain’t just a trendy gadget—it’s a legit time-saver. Here’s why we’re hooked on it for butternut squash:
- Speedy Cookin’: Oven roasting can take up to an hour. Air fryer? Half that time, easy. I ain’t got patience for long waits when dinner’s callin’.
- Less Mess: No big baking trays to scrub. Just pop it in the basket, cook, and wipe it down. Cleanup’s a breeze.
- Even Cookin’: That hot air circulatin’ around gets every side nice and crispy without flippin’ a million times like in a pan.
- Small Batches Friendly: If you’re just cookin’ for one or two, the air fryer don’t waste energy like heatin’ up a whole oven.
Plus, it frees up your oven for other stuff during holiday feasts. Win-win, right?
Pickin’ the Perfect Butternut Squash
Before we go any further, let’s talk about grabbin’ the right squash. I’ve made the mistake of pickin’ a dud before, and lemme tell ya, it ain’t fun. Here’s what to look for at the store:
- Solid Color: Go for a beige-y tan all over. No weird green spots or funky patches.
- Hard Skin: Give it a tap—it should feel tough, not soft. Soft means it’s goin’ bad.
- No Cuts or Bruises: A few scratches are fine, but skip any with deep cuts or brown mushy spots.
- Heavy for Its Size: Pick it up. If it feels light, it might be dry inside. You want a hefty one.
Got a good one? Great! If it don’t fit in your air fryer for the halves method, just cube it up instead. Problem solved.
Seasonin’ Ideas to Jazz Up Your Air Fryer Butternut Squash
One thing I love about this dish is how dang versatile it is. You can keep it basic or go wild with flavors. Here’s some ideas we’ve played with at our house:
- Sweet and Cozy: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a drizzle of honey with that maple syrup. It’s like dessert, but healthy-ish.
- Savory Kick: Try garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of Italian herbs. Gives it a roasty, dinner vibe.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne or chili powder if you like heat. It balances the sweetness real nice.
- Herby Freshness: Toss in some dried thyme or rosemary before cookin’. Smells amazin’ while it fries.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Half the fun is makin’ it your own!
Servin’ Suggestions: What Goes with Air Fryer Butternut Squash?
Alright, you’ve cooked up this awesome dish—now what? Here’s how we like to serve it up. Trust me, it pairs with just about anythin’:
- Holiday Feast: It’s a stunner next to a big ol’ turkey or a juicy rib roast. The sweet flavors scream fall and Thanksgiving.
- Weeknight Dinner: Throw it alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or some blackened salmon. Keeps things light but hearty.
- Salad Star: Cube it up and toss it into a kale or spinach salad with some nuts and a tangy dressin’. Total fall vibes.
- Breakfast Twist: Yup, I said breakfast! Pair it with scrambled eggs or some crispy bacon for a savory mornin’ treat.
- Buddha Bowl Magic: Add it to a bowl with quinoa, chickpeas, and avocado. Drizzle with tahini or whatever sauce you’re feelin’.
- Soup or Pasta: Blend the soft halves into a creamy soup or mash it into a pasta sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Got leftovers? No worries, it reheats like a champ. Just pop it back in the air fryer at 400°F for about 5 minutes to crisp it up again.
Tips and Tricks for Air Fryer Butternut Squash Success
I’ve had my fair share of kitchen oopsies, so lemme save ya some trouble with these handy tips. They’ve made a world of difference for us:
- Don’t Overcrowd: If you stuff too much squash in the basket, it won’t crisp—it’ll steam. Work in batches if you gotta.
- Shake It Up: Halfway through cookin’, give the basket a good shake or flip the halves. Helps it brown all over.
- Pre-Cut Hack: Short on time? Grab pre-cut squash from the store. It’s a lil’ pricier, but saves a ton of hassle. Frozen works too—just add 3-5 minutes to the cook time.
- Seed Snack: Don’t chuck them seeds! Rinse ‘em, toss with a bit of oil and salt, and air fry at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Crunchy lil’ snack right there.
- Storage Smarts: Leftovers keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze ‘em flat in a bag if you wanna save space, then thaw overnight before reheat.
Oh, and one more thing—if your squash turns out mushy, you prob’ly overcrowded the basket. Spread it out next time, and you’ll be golden.
Nutritional Goodies: Why It’s Good for Ya
Not only does air fryer butternut squash taste like a hug on a plate, but it’s also packed with good stuff. Here’s why I feel zero guilt eatin’ a big pile of it:
- Vitamin Powerhouse: It’s loaded with Vitamin A—like, way more than you need in a day. Great for your eyes and skin.
- Fiber Fix: Keeps your tummy happy and full. Helps with digestion, ya know?
- Low Calorie: A serving’s under 100 calories, even with a lil’ oil and syrup. Perfect for keepin’ things light.
- Antioxidant Boost: Got Vitamin C and other goodies to fight off colds, especially in fall and winter.
It fits into all kinda diets too—gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, you name it. Just tweak the seasonings to match your needs.
Common Questions About Air Fryer Butternut Squash
I’ve had pals ask me a buncha questions about this dish, so let’s clear up some stuff real quick. Here’s the FAQs we get most:
- Do I gotta peel the squash before cookin’? If you’re cubin’ it, yeah, peel it first ‘cause the skin’s tough. For halves, leave it on—it’s easier to scoop out after. Your call!
- How do I know it’s done? Stick a fork in the thickest part. If it goes in smooth with no fight, you’re good. If not, cook a few more minutes.
- Can I reheat it? Heck yeah! Toss it back in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes or so. Gets crispy again, no prob.
- Why’s mine soggy? Prob’ly too much in the basket. Spread it out in a single layer next time to let that air circulate.
- What if my air fryer’s small? Cook in batches, no biggie. Add a couple extra minutes if needed, and shake often for even cookin’.
Got more questions? Hit me up in the comments, and I’ll do my best to help ya out.
Why This Recipe’s a Keeper
Look, I’ve cooked butternut squash a million ways, but air fryer butternut squash? It’s the one I keep comin’ back to. It’s fast, it’s easy, and it tastes like I slaved over it for hours. Whether you’re makin’ a quick side for dinner or preppin’ for a big holiday bash, this recipe’s got your back. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get some veggies into picky eaters—my kiddos gobble it up without a fuss.
So, what’re ya waitin’ for? Grab that air fryer, snag a squash, and let’s get fryin’. I promise, once you try this, you ain’t gonna wanna cook it any other way. Drop a comment below if ya make it—I’d love to hear how it turned out or what crazy seasonings you tried. Happy cookin’, y’all!
Let’s Make Amazing Squash in Your Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees and prepare your squash. Optionally peel your squash using a vegetable peeler. Usually I peel butternut squash, but I dont peel delicata. Slice off each end of the squash and discard. Cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out any seeds.
Step 2: Cut squash into slices about ¼ in./1 cm. thick. Then cut each slice into chunks. I love using half moons for delicata squash (pictured below) and 1-inch pieces for butternut. Transfer squash pieces to a bowl and toss well with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Transfer the squash to your air fryer in an even layer. Air fry the squash at 390 degrees for 20 minutes, stirring or flipping the squash halfway through.
Behold your final product! Perfectly browned, sweet squash. YUMMY.
Important Note on Air Fryer Size: I tested and regularly use a 5-quart Ninja Foodi air fryer for this squash recipe with about 2 pounds of squash, which slightly overlapped int the bottom of my air fryer. If you use less squash, or if you have a larger air fryer, note that the squash will cook faster. Likewise, if you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the squash in smaller batches so that the convection air can get around all the squash pieces.
- Use the right amount of squash for your air fryer. Youll need to keep the total amount of squash small enough so that air can circulate around the pieces and cooked them evenly. This means you dont want a huge heap of squash, but rather enough to cover the bottom with some overlap. If you use less, the squash will cook faster, so be prepared to check on the pieces about 10-15 minutes in.
- Stir halfway through. While youre checking on your squash, I recommend stirring the squash or jiggling the air fryer basket halfway through to ensure all pieces are getting that convection air exposure. This will help the squash cook evenly!
Air Fryer Squash FAQs
Air fryer type and size could cause results to vary, so there are a few sensory clues you should use to ensure success. Be sure that the amount of squash being used allows for enough air circulation around each piece. This means squash pieces can be slightly overlapping, but there shouldnt be several layers of squash piled high. Additionally, check the squash about halfway through, stir if needed, and check around 15-18 minutes. Squash is done when pieces are lightly browned and easily pierced with a fork.
You sure can! Oven instructions are included in the recipe card below.
Store leftover squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. You can serve leftovers cold in salads, or reheat in your air fryer if you prefer the leftovers to be warm and slightly re-crisped.
Sure can! If you want to freeze batches of squash for later, first allow it to cool completely. Then, place the squash in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months, and thaw in the fridge when youre ready to eat. You can reheat it in the air fryer, oven, or even blend it up into soups (like my favorite ever Thai-spiced butternut squash soup!).
Did you make this air fryer squash recipe? Dont forget to leave a star rating and comment below, and tag me on Instagram and Pinterest so I can see what you made!