Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Air Fryer Butternut Squash is the perfect combination of crispy, caramelized edges and tender, sweet insides. Quick, easy and packed with flavor, it’s a nutritious side dish that’s ready in no time. This recipe is sure to be a fall favorite!
Air fryer butternut squash is the best because it cooks up perfectly! It has incredible crispy edges and tender, caramelized sweetness inside. It’s also super simple to prepare, and the air fryer ensures it cooks evenly and quickly. I often make this as a side dish to serve with mains like mini meatloaves or perfect baked chicken, but it’s also great tossed into salads or hearty grain bowls. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a good-for-you choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
Perfection! So easy and simple but I love the addition of the Chinese five spice powder for a great flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the butternut squash!
— Claudia
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy: The air fryer cooks the squash to perfection in a fraction of the time.
- Perfect texture: These bite-sized pieces will practically melt in your mouth!
- Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber for a wholesome side or snack.
- Versatile: Works as a side dish, salad topping, or even great for adding into soups and casseroles.
Ingredients you’ll need
The ingredients for this air fryer butternut squash recipe are simple and straightforward. Feel free to change it up with your favorite spices! See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.
- Butternut squash: Sweet and nutty, this hearty squash becomes tender and delicious in the air fryer.
- Olive oil: For even cooking and wonderful texture.
- Paprika: Adds a sweet, peppery flavor. Use smoked paprika for more of a smoky taste.
- Salt & pepper: Enhances the natural sweetness of the squash.
- Optional to garnish: I love to finish it off with fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary or thyme for a pop of color and flavor!
Variations and substitutions
- Butternut squash alternatives: Try acorn squash, kabocha squash or even sweet potatoes for a similar cooking method.
- Other seasoning options: Add cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet, warm flavor. Use garlic powder for a savory twist. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning for a herbaceous touch. Toss with curry powder for a bold, spicy kick. Add cayenne pepper for extra spice!
- Sweet glaze: Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the top during the last 5 minutes of cooking to give the squash a hint of sweetness. You can also add sweetness with a sprinkle of brown sugar!
- Add cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta on top after for extra cheesy flavor.
How to make this recipe
I love how quickly this butternut squash recipe comes together. It’s quick to prep and then the air fryer does all the hard work. No need to turn on the oven! You will be obsessed with the buttery, comforting flavors it brings to any meal!
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife, cut the butternut squash into 1-inch cubes (see steps here). Alternatively, you can use pre-cut squash from the store.
Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the cubed squash with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Feel free to add in other seasonings, as you’d like.
Step 3: Place the squash cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer).
Step 4: Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for even crisping. The squash should be tender and lightly browned. Serve immediately.
Helpful tips
Here are some helpful tips for making air-fried butternut squash:
- Use pre-cut squash: I love that you can find butternut squash cubes in the produce section at most stores because the work is all done for you!
- Uniform sizing: Cut the squash into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheating helps the squash cook faster and develop a crispy, golden exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd: Arrange the squash in a single layer for proper air circulation, which ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Shake the basket: Toss or shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides of the squash are evenly cooked.
- Cooking time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the pieces and your air fryer model, so check for doneness by piercing the squash with a fork. It should be fork tender.
Frequently asked questions
An air fryer is one of my favorite cookware appliances in the kitchen! This is the air fryer I have and love!
Yes, it’s best to peel the squash with a vegetable peeler before air frying, as the skin can be tough and chewy.
Yes! You can use frozen squash, but it may take a bit longer to cook, and the texture might be softer.
Yes, you can prep the squash ahead by peeling, cutting, and seasoning it. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Serving options
The possibilities are endless, and the sweet, savory flavor of air fryer butternut squash works well with a wide variety of meals! Here are some suggestions:
- As a side dish: Pair it with roasted meats like chicken, pork, or turkey for a hearty and flavorful side.
- In salads: Toss it into a mixed greens salad or a quinoa salad for extra texture and a burst of sweetness.
- With grain bowls: Add it to grain bowls with other vegetables and rice, farro, or couscous, and top with a protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- In tacos or wraps: Use it as a vegetarian filling in tacos or wraps, alongside ingredients like black beans, avocado and salsa.
- As a snack: Serve it with tahini dressing, hummus or a creamy yogurt-based sauce for a nutrient-rich snack option.
- With rice or pasta: Combine with a simple rice or pasta dish for added flavor and color.
- On pizza: Add roasted butternut squash to a white pizza or one paired with goat cheese, arugula and/or caramelized onions.
Storage recommendations
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
More side dish recipes to try
If you try this recipe, leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, (about 3 cups, cubed)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika, optional
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the butternut squash into cubes (see steps here). Alternatively, you can use pre-cut squash from the store.
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed squash with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Feel free to add in other seasonings, as you'd like.
- Place the squash cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer).
- Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for even crisping. The squash should be tender and lightly browned.
- Serve immediately as a side dish or snack.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup during the last 5 minutes of cooking to give the squash a sweet glaze.
- Feel free to customize the seasonings. Try adding cinnamon, cumin, or a pinch of chili powder for a unique twist.
- To store: Leftover butternut squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.
Did you make this recipe?
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Perfection! So easy and simple but I love the addition of the smoked paprika for a great flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the butternut squash!