Easy Air Fried Butternut Squash Recipe
This is an easy air fried butternut squash recipe that can be a healthy side dish, or used as a main dish base for bowls, salads, or even tacos. With its naturally sweet flavor and crispy edges, this versatile recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Plus, it’s simple to customize with your favorite seasonings! You may also like these other easy recipes: roasted red pepper and butternut squash soup, crispy oven potatoes, creamy shrimp and grits.
This post contains affiliate links in which I receive a small commission at no cost to you.
I absolutely love squash season because my mother-in-law, with her impressive garden, always shares her homegrown, fresh butternut squash with us—and this year was no exception! Her garden yielded an abundance of butternut squash, so I had to get creative and try different ways to use it all. While I’m already a big fan of butternut squash soup, I decided to branch out and try some different ways of enjoying this great side dish.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE AIR FRIED BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Air-fried butternut squash is a game-changer! Here’s why I love it so much:
- Quick & Convenient: The air fryer cuts down on cooking time, giving you perfectly roasted squash in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Butternut squash is packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Air frying requires minimal oil, making it a lighter option than traditional roasting or frying.
- Crispy & Caramelized: The hot air circulation creates crispy edges while keeping the inside tender, enhancing its natural sweetness.
- Versatile: Whether you’re enjoying it as a simple side dish, tossing it into salads, or using it as a base for a grain bowl, it pairs well with a variety of flavors.
- Minimal Cleanup: With just a quick rinse of the air fryer basket, cleanup is a breeze compared to baking sheets or pans.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR EASY AIR FRYER RECIPE
This easy air fried butternut squash recipe is insanely easy and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Squash: Start with fresh butternut squash. Look for squash that’s firm, free of blemishes, and has a vibrant, unbroken skin for the best flavor and texture.
- Seasonings: a mix of seasonings like cayenne pepper, black pepper, sea salt and paprika. You can also customize the seasoning to your taste—try adding garlic powder, cinnamon, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary for variety.
- Olive Oil: A light coating of oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes caramelization while air frying. Extra virgin olive oil is a great choice for its robust flavor, but other neutral oils like avocado oil or melted coconut oil work equally well, depending on your preference.
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
Full recipe details are listed below in the recipe card below.
On a cutting board, slice off the top of the squash (stem piece). Next, slice the squash in half lengthwise.
Lay the squash on the cutting board with the inside up and season with the seasoning blend.
Next drizzle the little oil on top.
Place the squash halves in the air fryer and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes on 325 degrees f. Cook time will largely depend on the size of your butternut squash. However cook until the squash is fork tender and golden brown.
Allow the air fry butternut squash to cool to handle and gently scoop out the squash seeds out with a spoon.
Optional: season with fresh parsley or basil once done.
WAYS TO SERVE AIR FRIED BUTTERNUT SQUASH RECIPE
There are a few different ways you can serve this simple recipe:
Mashed: Scoop out the cooked squash for mashing
Bowls: use the halves as bowls for stuffing with grains, veggies, or protein
Cubed: cut the squash into squash cubes and toss into a salad, or with some roasted veggies
FAQ’s
Preheating isn’t always necessary but can help ensure even cooking and crispier edges.
Butternut squash is done when it’s golden on the outside and fork-tender on the inside. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the pieces.
Store leftover squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
This is such a great way to enjoy such an easy side dish and it’s one the whole family can enjoy. It’s the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table or any holiday celebration! If you make this air fryer butternut squash recipe and enjoy it, feel free to leave a comment and star rating down below. Follow me on my social media as I share more healthy recipes, fitness workouts and motherhood. Give a follow at: Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest!
Easy Air Fried Butternut Squash Recipe
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Sharp Knife
- 1 Small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 medium Squash Whole
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
- 1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1/8 tsp Paprika
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Olive oil
Instructions
- On a cutting board, slice off the top of the squash (stem piece). Next, slice the squash in half lengthwise. Lay the squash on the cutting board with the inside up and season with the seasoning blend. Next drizzle the little oil on top.
- Place the squash halves in the air fryer and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes on 325 degrees f. Cook time will largely depend on the size of your butternut squash. However cook until the squash is fork tender and golden brown.
- Allow the air fry butternut squash to cool to handle and gently scoop out the squash seeds out with a spoon.
- Optional: season with fresh parsley or basil once done.
