Air fryer butternut squash has become my go-to for a quick and healthy side dish, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! I remember struggling to get butternut squash perfectly cooked – sometimes it was too mushy, other times still a bit firm. That’s when I discovered this simple method, and it truly changed the game. This easy air fryer butternut squash delivers tender, slightly sweet cubes with delightfully crispy edges, and the aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. If you’ve ever wondered what is the best way to air fry butternut squash, you’re in the right place! Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Butternut Squash
This air fryer butternut squash recipe is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners. Here’s why:
- Incredible Flavor: You get perfectly seasoned, tender squash with delightfully crispy edges. It’s truly the best way to enjoy this seasonal favorite.
- Super Quick Prep: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have this healthy side dish ready in no time.
- Healthy & Nutritious: It’s packed with vitamins and fiber, making it a guilt-free addition to any meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Butternut squash is often affordable, especially when in season, making this a cost-effective option.
- Family Approved: Even picky eaters love the sweet, slightly caramelized taste and the appealing texture of crispy air fryer butternut squash.
- Versatile Side: This air fryer butternut squash is a fantastic complement to almost any main course.
- Minimal Cleanup: Air frying means less mess, making this a truly easy option.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Gather these simple ingredients for the most delicious air fryer butternut squash cubes. I love using a medium-sized squash because it yields about 3 cups once peeled, seeded, and cubed. The key to that amazing flavor is the seasoning mix. You’ll need 1 tablespoon of olive oil to help the spices stick and get everything nice and toasty. Then, we’ll add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper for basic flavor. For that signature taste, I add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, which really makes this garlic air fryer butternut squash shine, and a pinch of 1/4 teaspoon of paprika for a hint of smokiness and color.
How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Making this air fryer butternut squash recipe is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner! This method ensures you get perfectly seasoned and tender squash every single time. Let’s dive in!
- Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). This high heat is crucial for achieving that lovely crispy exterior.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine your cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure all the cubes are lightly coated. This helps the seasonings adhere beautifully.
- Step 3: Now, let’s season! Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika to the bowl. Toss everything together gently until the squash is evenly coated. This simple seasoning blend makes for a wonderfully seasoned air fryer butternut squash. Knowing how long to air fry butternut squash is key at this stage.
- Step 4: Arrange the seasoned butternut squash cubes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. It’s really important not to overcrowd the basket. If you have too much squash, cook it in batches to ensure it gets nice and crispy. This is part of what makes it the best air fryer butternut squash.
- Step 5: Air fry for 15-20 minutes. About halfway through, give the basket a good shake to ensure even cooking and browning. You’re looking for the squash to be tender when pierced with a fork and have lovely caramelized edges. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer model and the size of your squash cubes, so keep an eye on it. This is a great way to answer what is the best way to air fry butternut squash.
- Step 6: Once perfectly cooked and slightly caramelized, carefully remove the squash from the air fryer. Serve your delicious air fryer butternut squash immediately as a healthy side dish. Enjoy this wonderfully simple and quick air fryer squash recipe!
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Butternut Squash
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that guarantee the most amazing air fryer butternut squash. Follow these tips for success!
- Uniform Cubes are Key: For perfectly cooked squash, make sure your cubes are all roughly the same size. This ensures they cook evenly. My personal trick is to cut them about 3/4 inch to 1 inch and check for tenderness.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is probably the most important tip for getting that desirable crispy texture. If you pile the squash too high, it will steam instead of roast. Cook in batches if necessary!
- Shake it Up: About halfway through cooking, give your air fryer basket a good shake. This helps all sides of the squash get that beautiful caramelization.
- Experiment with Spices: While the basic salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika are fantastic, don’t be afraid to try other spices. A little cinnamon or chili powder can add a wonderful twist.
What’s the secret to perfect crispy air fryer butternut squash?
The secret is high heat and not overcrowding the basket. Cooking your air fryer butternut squash at 400 degrees allows the sugars to caramelize quickly, creating those delicious crispy edges. Ensure there’s space between the cubes so the hot air can circulate freely. For more tips on cooking vegetables, check out these top techniques for perfect veggies.
Can I make air fryer butternut squash ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the squash and toss it with the seasonings up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, for the absolute best crispy texture, I recommend air frying it right before serving.
How do I avoid common mistakes with air fryer butternut squash cubes?
The biggest mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket, which leads to soggy squash. Another common pitfall is cutting the cubes unevenly, resulting in some pieces being overcooked while others are undercooked. Always ensure your cubes are uniform in size before seasoning.
Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Butternut Squash
This versatile air fryer butternut squash is a fantastic addition to so many meals. I love serving it as a simple yet elegant butternut squash air fryer side dish alongside roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled salmon or a hearty lentil stew. For a complete vegetarian dinner, try it with some baked tofu or a quinoa salad. The slightly sweet and savory notes really complement a variety of flavors, making it a go-to for any occasion.
Nutrition Facts for Air Fryer Butternut Squash
This air fryer butternut squash is a wonderfully healthy choice! Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving, which is about a quarter of the recipe:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and precise portion sizes.
How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Leftover air fryer butternut squash is still delicious, and I’ve found the best ways to store and reheat it to keep it tasting great. Once your squash has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze your air fryer butternut squash cubes for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating in the air fryer is the way to go for a quick air fryer butternut squash experience that brings back some of that lovely crispiness. You can reheat it at around 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Alternatively, a quick stint in the microwave works too, though it won’t be as crispy. Oven reheating is also an option if you have a bit more time. For more air fryer recipes, explore our collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Butternut Squash
I get asked about this air fryer butternut squash quite a bit, so here are some common questions answered to help you make the best possible dish!
Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?
While fresh is always best for that perfect texture, you can use frozen butternut squash cubes. Just thaw them completely and pat them very dry with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispy, so getting them as dry as possible is key for your seasoned air fryer butternut squash.
What other seasonings work well with air fryer butternut squash?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! For a touch of sweetness, try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a drizzle of maple syrup after cooking. For a savory kick, consider smoked paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat. You really can customize your air fryer butternut squash to match any meal. You might also enjoy our garlic parmesan sweet potato wedges for another delicious side.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already naturally vegan! The olive oil and seasonings are all plant-based. So, you don’t need to make any adjustments to enjoy these delicious air fryer butternut squash cubes as part of a vegan diet.
Can I roast butternut squash in a regular oven instead?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still achieve a similar result by roasting the seasoned squash in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) on a baking sheet. The cooking time will be a bit longer, likely 25-35 minutes, and you’ll want to flip them halfway through to ensure even browning. It won’t be quite as crispy as the air fryer version, but it’s still a fantastic way to prepare air fryer butternut squash-style squash.
Variations of Air Fryer Butternut Squash You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic air fryer butternut squash, you’ll want to experiment with all the delicious variations! It’s so easy to adapt this recipe to your preferences.
- Sweet & Spiced: For a delightful twist, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to your seasoning mix. This creates a wonderfully spiced air fryer butternut squash that’s perfect for fall or alongside breakfast dishes.
- Savory Herb Blend: Mix in some dried rosemary, thyme, and a bit of onion powder with the basic seasonings. This savory version is fantastic with roasted meats or poultry.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the olive oil before tossing with the squash. It adds a surprising and welcome warmth.
- Vegan Delight: This recipe is already vegan, but for an extra protein boost, you could toss the cooked squash with some roasted chickpeas and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash: Crispy & Sweet Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious air fryer butternut squash cubes. This easy recipe delivers perfectly seasoned, crispy butternut squash, a healthy side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 3 cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- In a medium bowl, toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated. This seasoning makes the air fryer butternut squash flavorful.
- Arrange the seasoned butternut squash cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket for the best crispy air fryer butternut squash.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the butternut squash is tender and slightly caramelized. The cooking time can vary.
- Serve your air fryer butternut squash immediately as a healthy side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the seasoning mix.
- Ensure the butternut squash cubes are cut to a uniform size for even cooking.
- If you don’t have garlic powder, you can use fresh minced garlic, but adjust the quantity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
