Quick And Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe (2024)

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This air fryer butternut squash is one of the ultimate fall staples. This orange color squash is super adaptableand works well in soups, snacks, and with salads.

  • Quick And Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe (1)

Although this served perfectly well on its own, roasting the squash in the air fryer with olive oil, salt, and pepper turns it into a desirable side to complete any meal.

How To Cut butternut Squash?

Squash of any kind is intimidating to cut. But I promise you, once you get the hang of it, you’ll see it is not as overwhelming as it may seem. Follow the steps below to cut the squash perfectly each time.

Wash the squash. It’s always a great rule of thumb to wash any vegetable prior to handling it. This way, all of the germs are washed away from previous handling.

Peeling the squash. It’s as simple as “peeling it”. Best to use a vegetable peeler to peel the butternut squash.

Cutting the butternut squash.After peeling it, it’s time to cut it into cubes. Simple cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, lay the squash face down, then slice it horizontally or into half-moon shape, then slice it vertically to have cube size butternut squash.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Butternut Squash:

After washing, peeling, and cutting your squash, it’s time to air fry them to golden perfection.You only need a few ingredients to roast them in the air fryer.

  • Butternut squash cubes
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Maple syrup
  • Pumpkin Spice
  • (Kosher) salt to taste
  • Ground Pepper to taste
  • Quick And Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe (2)

How to Roast Butternut Squash In The Air Fry

  • Pre-heat your air fryer. No need to add parchment paper in the basket as you’ll want to get a better caramelized edge if you air fry the squash directly in the basket. No foil necessary.
  • Use extra-virgin olive oil.When roasting butternut squash you in the air fryer, you don’t need much. Toss it in some olive oil with salt, pepper, and maple syrup or honey to balance out the savory flavor. Feel free to add cayenned pepper or pepper flakes for some heat, and dried herbs if you’d like.In a large bowl, add the cubes to a bowlalong with the ingredients. Toss until the cubes are well coated.
  • Don’t overcrowd your basket.Roast the squash in batches if you can. A crowded basket will keep the squashfrom roasting in the air fryer and getting the golden crustthat we’re looking for.Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, do not overcrowd, and air fry on 400F for 15-20 minutes, or until fork tender and a little crispy on the outside. Stir at the mid-way point to make sure all sides are perfectly cooked. Carefully remove from the air fryer and serve immediately as a side.
  • Quick And Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe (3)

How to store your butternut squash

When storing butternut squash as a whole, it can be placed in a vegetable basket over the counter and be stored for weeks at room temperature, uncut. However, when they are cut, the squash can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two prior cooking or roasting.

Once the squash is cooked or roasted, the squash can be stored in airtight container in the fridge for a few days. They are great forsalads,roasted beets, and meal prepping!

Our favorite uses for butternut squash

One of the many reasons why we like butter squash is because of how versatile they are. Roasted squash makes a great side as is of course, but it also can be used in place ofsweet potatoes, and it is great for soups, like thisHaitian Squash soup or soup joumou.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you fry frozen butternut squash?

Yes, you can definitely air fry frozen butternut squash. It also does not need to be thaw out first.

What does roasted butternut squash taste like?

Roasted butternut squash can be sweet and savory. However, it adapts well to any seasoning.

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Air Fryer Roasting Tips For Making This Butternut Squash Recipe:

  • If the skin is too hard to peel, try boiling the squash for 10 minutes to soften up the skin. Whencompletely cool to touch, start peeling with a knife or peeler.
  • Buying pre-cut butternut squash cubes at the grocery store will save you time and effort when it comes to roasting the squash.
  • It is best to keep the sizes the same as much as possible when it comes to roasting the squash. This will allow the squash to cook evenly.
  • Although this recipe is great as is, feel free to jazz them up with your favorite spices. Oregano, dried herbs, cayenne pepper for some heat are all great to balance out the sweet flavor.

Other Fall Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

Looking for more fall recipe inspiration? If you love traditionalThanksgiving foodsand fall flavors, thisbutternut squash recipewill fit right in on your menu rotation!

There’s nothing like fall veggies likesquash,Brussels sprouts, andbeets.All of which are perfect to add to agreen saladorasparagus salad.

We’d especially love to know if you tried this recipe, tag us onInstagramorFacebookso we can see your beautiful dish.

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Also, we would appreciate if could give it a star rating below!

Quick And Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe (6)

Butternut Squash Air Fryer

Savory Thoughts

Turn this delicious orange color squash into a tasty side dish. This air fryer Butternut squash recipe is one of the ultimate fall staples.

5 from 8 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 18 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 43 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 196 kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 Cups Cubed Butternut Squash
  • 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Spice
  • ½ Cup Maple Syrup
  • Salt And Pepper To Taste
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, add the cubes to a bowl along with the ingredients. Toss until the cubes are well coated.

  • Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, do not overcrowd, and air fry on 400F for 15-20 minutes, or until fork tender and a little crispy on the outside. Stir at the mid-way point to make sure all sides are perfectly cooked. Carefully remove from the air fryer and serve immediately as a side

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 4PeopleCalories: 196kcalCarbohydrates: 42gSaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 83mgPotassium: 576mgFiber: 3gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 297IUVitamin C: 48mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 5mg

Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!

Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!

Quick And Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is squash good in the air fryer? ›

Butternut squash gets tender with slightly crispy edges when it's cooked in the air fryer. The simple seasonings here complement the subtle sweetness from the squash. Serve this quick and easy side dish with just about anything, from roast chicken to pork.

Do you have to peel butternut squash before cooking? ›

How to cook Butternut squash. You can eat the skin, so there's no need to peel it. Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks, then roast it and add it to a warm winter salad or throw it into curries, stews or soups.

What season is best for butternut squash? ›

When is butternut squash in season? Butternut squash are harvested in late summer and autumn, but because they keep so well, they can be found all year round.

What 5 foods should you not put in an air fryer? ›

Take a gander of this list of top foods that should never make their way into your air fryer.
  • Wet Batters. ...
  • Cheesy Items. ...
  • Large, Bone-In Meat Cuts. ...
  • Baked Goods. ...
  • Greens. ...
  • Raw Rice and Other Grains. ...
  • Too Much of Anything.
Apr 14, 2023

Why are my vegetables not crispy from the air fryer? ›

Air Fryer Vegetables Tips

If these pieces are too large, they won't cook through by the time the zucchini and peppers are tender. Don't crowd the air fryer basket. The #1 rule of air frying! In order for the vegetables to become caramelized and crisp, the hot air must be able to contact them on all sides.

What are 3 ways you can eat butternut squash? ›

7 ways to cook with butternut squash
  • Butternut squash soup. ...
  • Spicy squash and spinach soup. ...
  • Roasted butternut squash. ...
  • Butternut squash laksa. ...
  • Moroccan-spiced tomato sauce with roast vegetables and chickpeas. ...
  • Beef and butternut squash moussaka. ...
  • Chilled toffee apple creams.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook butternut squash? ›

In a large bowl mix the cubed squash, garlic cloves and ginger with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the spice mix. Season with salt and pepper and scatter in a single layer in a roasting tray. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 30 minutes until tender all the way through.

How long does butternut squash take to soften? ›

As a general rule, for small cubes of squash, roast for 25-30 mins at 200C/180C fan/gas 6 until golden and tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife. Roast wedges for 35-45 mins until tender and half squashes for 1hr 15-30 mins.

What are the benefits of eating butternut squash? ›

Butternut squash is an abundant source of powerful antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. Antioxidants help prevent or slow cellular damage and reduce inflammation, which may reduce your risk of several chronic diseases.

Can you eat raw butternut squash? ›

That's right, you can eat butternut squash raw (yep, we said it). Raw butternut squash is carrot-like and holds up well in crunchy salads and slaws. If opting for raw squash over cooked squash, start by peeling away the tough outer skin (FYI, you can eat the skin when it's cooked.

How many butternut squash per person? ›

You will need around a pound of butternut squash per person. It is rather heavy, and you will trim off the skin, seeds, and stem. So even though it seems like a lot, it will all work out.

What do British people call butternut squash? ›

The vegetable squash that Americans are used to is a relative newcomer to Britain. It's usually called by its varietal name - butternut squash, acorn squash - and sometimes orange fleshed vegetables that would be called squash in the USA are lumped together as pumpkin.

Is butternut squash good for arthritis? ›

7. Butternut Squash: Butternut squash is a superb source of beta-carotene, vitamin C, and fiber, all of which can contribute to lower inflammation levels. Blend butternut squash into soups or roast it with a touch of cinnamon for a sweet and savory side dish.

Is butternut squash anti inflammatory? ›

It contains zeaxanthin and lutein, two powerful antioxidants that support vision. Butternut Squash's high antioxidant content may have anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to reduce your risk of inflammation-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.

What foods turn out best in an air fryer? ›

Veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, mushrooms & onions, and cauliflower all turn out incredible in the air fryer. You can also make your main dish IN the air fryer. It works magic with proteins like tofu, chicken drumsticks, meatballs, pork chops, fried chicken… even steak.

Are air fried vegetables still healthy? ›

Air-fried vegetables are also just as healthy as cooking them on the stovetop, oven, or microwave. With only a tiny amount of oil needed to provide an outer crisp, there is nothing unhealthy about it! This low-calorie food will fit perfectly into any paleo, keto, or low-carb eating plan.

Do vegetables lose nutrients when cooked in air fryer? ›

All vegetables lose some nutrients when cooked, but when compared with other methods of cooking, air fried vegetables loses less nutrients. Are air fried vegetables healthy? Air frying is healthier than frying in oil. It cuts calories by 70% to 80% and has a lot less fat.

Why are my air fryer veggies soggy? ›

3. Overfilling the basket. To be efficient, the food inside an air fryer needs space for the air to circulate and create a crisp outside. If there is too much food in the basket, the air fryer will steam the food.

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