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    Home » Air Fryer

    Oct 12, 2022 by Farwin.

    Air Fryer Butternut Squash

    air fryer butternut squash pinterest image.

    Air Fryer Butternut Squash is so easy to make and comes out tender, caramelized, and crispy on the edges. It comes together quickly with only a few ingredients and makes a tasty side dish, perfect for the holiday table.

    Jump to Recipe
    air fryer butternut squash cubes on a plate.

    Butternut squash is delicious and gives us all the fall flavors and vibes. This versatile winter squash can be roasted, added to salads, mashed, or pureed into soups like my favorite Instant Pot Curried Butternut Squash Soup.

    But my favorite way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable is roasted in the Air fryer. This Air fryer butternut squash recipe is easy and so simple. The roasted butternut squash comes out tender, crispy, and caramelized on the edges. They're sweet and spicy and well seasoned. They make a great Thanksgiving side dish.

    If you're looking for more squash recipes in the Air fryer, you'll love these Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash or Air Fryer Acorn Squash.

    For more Air Fryer Side Dishes, check our Air Fryer Recipe Collection.

    Jump to:
    • Why We Love this recipe:
    • Ingredients
    • How To Cut Butternut Squash
    • How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash
    • Seasonings And Variations
    • Recipe Tips
    • Storing and Reheating
    • Can You Cook Frozen Butternut Squash In The Air Fryer?
    • More Air Fryer Side Dishes You'll Love:
    • Recipe

    Why We Love this recipe:

    • Tender, crispy and caramelized and so flavorful butternut squash cubes
    • So easy and needs only a few ingredients
    • Frees up your oven for other holiday dishes
    • This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for air fryer butternut squash.
    Ingredients for Air fryer butternut squash
    • Butternut Squash - you can buy pre-cut butternut squash for this dish.
    • Olive oil - use light-tasting olive oil, vegetable oil or avocado oil.
    • Cinnamon - quintessential fall spice and adds warmth.
    • Maple syrup - makes the dish sweet.
    • Brown sugar(optional) - I use brown sugar to enhance the sweetness and help with caramelization.
    • Kosher salt and pepper

    How To Cut Butternut Squash

    If you want to cube the squash for roasting, you need to peel and cut it. It may look a bit intimidating at first, but you'll get the hang of it. Use a sharp knife and a non-slip cutting board for best results and to avoid injury.

    cutting the top and bottom off the butternut squash.
    peeling the butternut squash.

    Place the butternut squash on the cutting board, and cut off both ends using a sharp knife.

    Next, peel butternut squash using a vegetable peeler. Peel the white skin completely until you see the orange skin beneath.

    cutting the butternut squash into halves.
    scooping the seeds out from the butternut squash.

    Cut the squash in half. Scoop the seeds and stringy part out. You can roast the full halves of the butternut squash at this point or proceed to cut them into cubes.

    slicing the butternut squash.
    cutting the butternut squash into cubes.

    Slice both halves into 1-inch thick slices. Cut each slice in half and into 1-inch cubes.

    *To make butternut squash fries, cut the slices into sticks.

    *Alternatively, you can buy pre-cut squash from the grocery store.

    How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash

    *Scroll below for the printable recipe card and ingredient measurements.

    adding oil to butternut squash cubes.
    adding cinnamon butternut squash cubes.

    STEP ONE: Place the cubed squash into a large bowl. Add olive oil, and give it a good stir.

    STEP TWO: Add cinnamon, salt, and black pepper to the squash.

    adding maple syrup to butternut squash cubes.
    butternut squash in the air fryer.

    STEP THREE: Next add maple syrup and brown sugar if you're using. Toss squash until all the cubes are coated with oil and seasonings.

    STEP FOUR: Preheat the air fryer to 400˚F. Line the Air fryer basket with parchment liner for ease of cleaning.

    roasted butternut squash in the air fryer.

    STEP FIVE: Place the butternut squash cubes in a single layer in the Air fryer basket. Cook butternut squash for 20 to 25 minutes until fork-tender and caramelized. Shake the basket halfway through.

    STEP SIX: Check for doneness at 20 minutes. If they aren't caramelized on the edges yet air fry them for a few more minutes. Remove the cooked butternut squash from the air fryer and serve warm.

    *Air fryers come in different sizes and models, and you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

    Seasonings And Variations

    Butternut squash is a perfect blank canvas to add your favorite seasonings and spices. It tastes delicious both savory and sweet. Here are some options for you to try.

    • Smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, red chili flakes - Use one or a combination of two or more for heat and smokiness.
    • For a savory version, add garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano or dried thyme, and cayenne pepper.
    air fryer roasted butternut squash on a plate with cinnamon sticks.

    Recipe Tips

    • Cut the squash into the same size so they cook evenly.
    • Preheating the Air fryer helps the squash cook to crispy perfection with less oil.
    • Line the Air fryer basket with parchment liners or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
    • Place the squash in a single layer in the Air fryer basket as much as possible and leave some space for the hot air to flow. Cook in batches if needed.
    • Once cooked, carefully remove the roasted squash as they will be very tender.

    Storing and Reheating

    Store- Leftover squash can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

    Reheat- To make them taste like fresh, reheat them in the Air fryer at 400˚F for a few minutes until warm and crispy.

    Make ahead - Season the squash and keep it in the fridge until ready to cook. This is especially useful during holiday times when you have so many dishes to cook.

    Can You Cook Frozen Butternut Squash In The Air Fryer?

    Absolutely. It's so convenient having frozen butternut squash for a quick side dish.

    To cook from frozen, oil and season the frozen butternut squash. Air fry as per the recipe below. You will need to add a few more minutes to the cooking time. When they are tender and caramelized to your liking you can remove from the Air fryer and serve them.

    More Air Fryer Side Dishes You'll Love:

    • Air Fryer Eggplant
    • Air Fryer Mushrooms
    • Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower
    • Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts

    Check out my Air Fryer Recipe Collection for more Air fryer recipes.

    Love air frying? You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or join our Free Facebook Air Frying Group.

    Recipe

    Air Fryer Butternut Squash

    air fryer butternut squash roasted on a plate.
    Air Fryer Butternut Squash is so easy to make and comes out tender, caramelized, and crispy on the edges. It comes together quickly with only a few ingredients and makes a tasty side dish, perfect for the holiday table.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 166 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 butternut squash peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil light tasting or vegetable oil
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the air fryer to 400˚F.
    • Place the cubed squash into a large bowl. Add olive oil, give it a good stir and add the salt and black pepper.
    • Next, add cinnamon and maple syrup. Add brown sugar if you're using.
    • Mix everything well until all the squash cubes are coated with oil and seasonings.
    • Place the butternut squash cubes in the Air fryer basket. Air fry for 20 to 25 minutes until caramelized , shaking the basket halfway through.
    • Remove the roasted squash from the Air fryer and serve warm.

    Notes

    Store- Leftover squash can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
    Reheat- To make them taste like fresh, reheat them in the Air fryer at 400˚F for a few minutes until warm and crispy.
    Make ahead - Season the squash and keep it in the fridge until ready to cook. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 166 kcalTotal Carbs: 27 gProtein: 2 gFat: 7 gSaturated Fat: 1 gSodium: 306 mgFiber: 4 gSugar: 8 gVitamin A: 19934 IUVitamin C: 39 mgCalcium: 99 mgIron: 1 mgNet Carbs: 23 g
    Tried this recipe?If you like this recipe, I’d love if you can give me a rating and comment! Share this with your family and friends!
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    I'm happy you're here. I'm Farwin, the foodie behind this blog.  As a mom of three, I know how hard it can be to get a delicious wholesome dinner, at the end of a long day. Here at Love & other Spices, I share simple but flavorful recipes to make it easier for you to feed your family.

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