Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Air Fryer Acorn Squash is a delicious and healthy dish that you can make easily in your Air Fryer. The roasted acorn squash is perfect for stuffing, mashing or as a side dish.
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
You’ll find plenty of squash varities in the Fall and Winter. I’m a big fan of squash and I’ve tried all the other varities except acorn squash. When they went on sale recently at my local store I knew I had to try it. It’s a low calorie vegetable and perfect after holidays or when you’ve indulged a bit and want to have a simple, yet healthy meal.
I roasted a small acorn squash in the Air fryer and was pleasently surprised with how good it tasted. The inside flesh was fork tender with a mild sweet taste and a caramelized outer layer. It has a become a regular in my meals as it takes less than 30 minutes to prep and cook the squash.
Acorn squash can taste bland so a good brushing of melted butter and seasoning is needed. I love them mashed as a side dish with Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs or Cheese Stuffed Meatballs along with marinara or pasta sauce. For a sweet treat, drizzle with melted butter, brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Looking for more Air fryer side dishes? Check our Air Fryer Recipe collection.
What Is Acorn Squash?
Acorn squash is a type of winter squash and belongs to the same family of pumpkin, butternut squash and zucchini. It has an acorn-like shape with ridged skin that can vary in color from dark green to white. The yellow-orange hued flesh is sweet, and has a slightly nutty flavor. Grown in many countries throughout the world but more popular in North America.
Like other winter squash, acorn squash are highly nutritious, providing a quality source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s low in calories, high in Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Potassium, Magnesium and plenty of fiber.
It’s naturally gluten free and vegan and a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
How To Cut Acorn Squash
I prefer to cut the squash in half so it fits my 5.8 quart Air fryer. You’ll need a sharp knife and a chopping board.
Wash and dry the acorn squash. Use a sharp knife and slice through the middle to halve. The peel is hard and it needs some effort to cut in the beginning but should slice through smoothly after that. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds, membrane and discard.
How To Cook Acorn Squash In Air Fryer
- Wash and dry the acorn squash. Cut in half and scoop the seeds out.
- Brush or spray lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Season with salt and ground black pepper.
- Preheat the Air fryer at 380F for 3 minutes.
- Place the acorn squash halves in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380F for 20 to 25 minutes until fork tender. Serve warm.
How to know when acorn squash is cooked?
When cooked, the top should be little browned. The inside flesh should be soft. Use a fork or a knife to test the doneness. It shouldn’t find any resistance as it pierces.
Do you have to peel the acorn squash before cooking?
No, you don’t have to. After cooking, the acorn squash really gets soft and the peel holds it together. You can remove the peel after cooking.
Recipe Tips
- Choose a small acorn squash that would fit your air fryer.
- Oil and season – acorn squash can taste bland so oil and seasoning will help elevate the taste.
- Preheat the Air fryer – or add extra cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Cooked acorn squash can be served just like any other squash. They’ll be great with any meat or poultry dishes like Air fryer Chicken Legs, Chicken Breast, or Steak Bites.
Roasted squash can be used as a spaghetti substitute and can be served with meatballs and pasta sauce.
Use mashed acorn squash in smoothies to increase Vitamin C and fiber content to help with digestion.
More Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes
- Air Fryer Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
DID YOU MAKE IT? Please leave a comment and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe!
Recipe
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 small acorn squash
- 2 tsp olive oil or melted butter
- salt
- ground black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and dry the acorn squash. Cut in half and scoop the seeds out.
- Brush or spray lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Season with salt and ground black pepper.
- Preheat the Air fryer at 380F for 3 minutes. Place the acorn squash halves in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380F for 20 to 25 minutes until fork tender.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Store – in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.
- Reheat – in the microwave or air fryer until warm.
- Seasoning suggestions –
- brown butter, salt, black pepper
- parmesan cheese
- red chili flakes, cayenne pepper or smoked paprika
- melted butter, brown sugar and salt
- melted butter and maple syrup
Nutrition
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This is a great recipe that I have made even more simple! Wash and trim the squash ends and put it in the microwave for 2 minutes. Cool slightly for handling as the squash becomes very pliable and easy to cut in half and scoop out seeds. Senior citizen with weak hands:)
My favorite version of this is what I call “Eggs in the Nest”. I bake my squash with butter, salt and pepper, brown sugar or maple syrup. About 4 minutes before the squash is ready, I microwave about a cup of tiny frozen peas. Add tiny peas (eggs) inside the squash (nest) and enjoy hot peas with butter, sugar salt, and pepper from inside the squash. The peas stay hot along with your meal!
“Eggs in the nest” sounds delicious, Barbara. Thank you sharing your version with all of us!