Air fryer butternut squash is a healthy side dish that has the perfect fall flavors! The best part is that this recipe takes a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven, making it perfect for a great side dish for a busy weeknight. Or make this easy air fryer recipe as a Thanksgiving side dish that won't take up that precious oven space!
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Why This Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe Is The Best!
During the fall season I always want roasted butternut squash either to eat as a side dish or pureed in a soup like this delicious Roasted Butternut Squash Soup {Vitamix Recipe}. Butternut squash is easily flavored for either a sweeter version or savory, depending on your spice mixture.
This recipe uses just a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. I opted for a little cayenne pepper, but you can always omit the pepper and use cinnamon. Because I only used an ⅛ of a teaspoon, this gives that ever-so-subtle hint of heat which I think is the perfect addition to the already sweet squash.
What is Butternut Squash?
Butternut squash is a variety of winter squash that grows on a vine. It is harvested in late summer or fall, but because it can be stored for a long period of time you can find this squash year round.
Butternut squash is a terrific low carb option for a side dish. It is low calorie, high in fiber and is packed with vitamins.
Equipment Needed
PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic- is my favorite air fryer model that I use daily. If you have not invested in an air fryer for your kitchen, this is a must have appliance! I know yet another kitchen gadget, but it will free up oven space for the holidays and make so many sides and entrees faster and tastier!
Key Ingredients
butternut squash- you can purchase pre-cubed squash in the produce section of most grocery stores, or you can purchase a fresh butternut squash and peel and chop it into 1 inch cubes.
olive oil- It is important to coat the squash in a little oil to keep it from drying out during the air frying process. Choose a good quality extra virgin variety. Olive oil is recommended for use in air fryers. Do not use cooking sprays in the basket of an air fryer because it can damage the surface of the basket.
brown sugar-I love adding just a little bit of brown sugar to the squash. The sugar helps to caramelize and give that crispy texture to the squash.
Step-By-Step Instructions
If you are using a whole squash, you will need a cutting board, vegetable peeler and sharp knife. Check out Easy Sautéed Butternut Squash with Brown Butter for tips on the best way to peel and cut a butternut squash.
Add the butternut squash cubes to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and stir in the brown sugar, garlic powder and cayenne. Stir well to evenly-coat the squash with the oil and seasoning.
Follow the instructions according to your air fryer. Some models have a preheat function. If so, preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees. Also consider the size of your air fryer. It may be best to cook this in batches if your basket is small.
Add the squash pieces to the air fryer basket. I cooked 5 cups of squash at one time and yes these cubes were overlapping. If you want your squash to be extremally crispy cook in batches in a single layer.
Because I like my squash softened with a nice roasted flavor, I do not mind to cook all at once. This is really personal preference. However, I will remove the basket and stir the squash to insure they cook evenly. This just takes a moment and then return to the air fryer and continue to cook. The squash is finished cooking when it is fork tender and a golden brown color. The total cook time for my squash was 22 minutes, however all air fryers are different so the cooking time may vary.
How To Serve Butternut Squash
This sweet squash is the perfect side dish for so many different entrees! Here are a few of my favorite main dishes to pair with butternut squash.
- Instant Pot Turkey Tenderloin Recipe- this makes a great Thanksgiving meal for a small gathering.
- Bang Bang Salmon with Spicy Sauce- pairs well with the subtle sweetness of the squash
- Kobe Beef Sliders with Truffle Béarnaise- needs a lighter side dish to balance the richness of the bearnaise.
Storage Suggestions
Store leftover squash in an airtight container for 3-4 days. To reheat, air fry at 360 for 5 minutes or until warm.
FAQ
While the butternut squash skin is technically edible, it is more tough and chewy than other squash varieties. I recommend peeling with a vegetable peeler before roasting.
Butternut squash is actually a fruit because it develops from the flower-producing part of the plant.
Looking For Other Air Fryer Recipes? Try These!
How to Roast Frozen Broccoli in Air Fryer
Easy Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes
Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon with Homemade Glaze
Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 5 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon, optional
Instructions
- Consult your air fryers instruction manual and preheat if necessary to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Peel and cut the butternut squash, into 1 inch pieces or buy pre-cubed squash.
- Add the cubed squash to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add brown sugar, salt, garlic powder and cayenne powder and mix well to coat all of the squash.
- Add the squash to the air fryer basket. If you prefer crispier squash see notes below.
- Set the timer for the air fryer to 22 minutes. During the cooking process, remove the basket and shake and stir the squash to insure even cooking. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue to cook. Squash is finished when it is fork tender and golden brown in color.
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