Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash: A Flavorful Fall & Holiday Side Dish
Prepare to fall in love with this incredible Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe! It’s an effortlessly easy side dish that captures the essence of autumn and holiday gatherings, requiring just a handful of ingredients and coming together in your air fryer with impressive speed. Seasoned with a harmonious blend of aromatic herbs, warming spices, and a touch of sweet maple syrup, this butternut squash roasts to a delightful perfection – sweet, savory, and incredibly tender. Whether you prefer the convenience of squash cubes or the simplicity of roasted squash halves, this recipe has you covered with detailed instructions for both methods.
For many, including myself, fall truly is the most wonderful time of the year, and a significant reason for this seasonal joy is the arrival of butternut squash season! This vibrant, versatile winter squash brings a comforting sweetness and a beautiful earthy flavor to countless dishes.
While I often indulge in this sweet winter squash in creamy, hearty soups like roasted red pepper and butternut squash soup or a comforting bowl of carrot and butternut squash soup, its true potential shines when roasted. And when it comes to roasting, the air fryer elevates butternut squash to an entirely new level of deliciousness, creating a perfectly cooked texture with irresistible caramelized edges.
This beloved air-fried butternut squash recipe first made its debut in October 2019. Back then, I was using a smaller, toaster oven-style air fryer for all my culinary experiments. However, as my kitchen setup evolved and I transitioned to a more spacious basket-style air fryer, I knew it was time to give this recipe a comprehensive update. This new version not only reflects the improved air frying technique but also incorporates a few delicious tweaks to the seasoning, stunning new photos to inspire you, and even more helpful tips to ensure your butternut squash turns out perfectly every single time. Get ready to make this your go-to recipe for air fryer butternut squash!
Table of contents
- What makes this air fryer butternut squash recipe so good?
- Ingredients and substitutions
- How to cut butternut squash into cubes
- How to cook butternut squash cubes in the air fryer
- How to roast butternut squash halves in the air fryer
- What to serve with butternut squash
- Storage and reheating tips
- Key recipe tips
- Recipe FAQs
- More squash recipes
- More air fryer recipes
What Makes This Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe So Good?
This isn’t just another butternut squash recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone looking for a simple, flavorful, and healthy side. Here’s why this air fryer butternut squash will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Unbeatable Texture and Flavor: The air fryer works magic, producing squash that is incredibly tender on the inside with beautifully caramelized, sweet edges. Honestly, you might find yourself snacking on half the batch straight from the air fryer before it even makes it to the serving dish! This perfect combination of tender and slightly crispy texture is what makes air frying butternut squash superior.
- Elevated Fall Flavors: The thoughtful addition of dried sage to our seasoning mix is key. It brings a wonderfully aromatic, earthy note that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the butternut squash, truly enhancing those comforting fall vibes.
- Sweet and Smoky Harmony: Beyond the sage, we incorporate maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness that helps achieve those gorgeous caramelized exteriors, and smoked paprika for a subtle, inviting smokiness. This balance of sweet and smoky creates a complex flavor profile that is absolutely irresistible.
- Holiday Meal MVP: This recipe is an absolute lifesaver when preparing for big holiday feasts like Thanksgiving or Christmas. You can easily peel and cut your butternut squash a day in advance, saving precious time on the actual cooking day. Plus, utilizing the air fryer frees up valuable oven space, which is often at a premium during holiday meal prep.
- Faster Than the Oven: Not only does the air fryer deliver superior texture, but it also cooks butternut squash significantly faster than traditional oven roasting. This means less waiting and more enjoying, making it perfect for weeknight meals or when you’re short on time.
- Versatility in Preparation: We understand that sometimes you want perfectly uniform cubes, and other times, you just want to get dinner on the table with minimal fuss. That’s why this recipe offers instructions for both air frying the butternut squash as convenient, home-fry-like cubes or as simple, elegant halves (with the skin left on for ease). Choose the method that best suits your time and preference!
- Healthy and Nutritious: Butternut squash is packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making this not only a delicious side but also a genuinely healthy addition to your meal.
Ingredients and Substitutions for Perfect Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Achieving delicious air fryer butternut squash is simple when you start with the right ingredients. Below is a detailed overview of what you’ll need and thoughtful suggestions for substitutions to ensure your dish is always a success. Exact quantities can be found in the recipe card at the very end of this post.
- Butternut Squash: For this recipe, you’ll need one medium-sized butternut squash. A squash weighing approximately 2 1/2 to 3 pounds typically yields about 4 cups of cubed squash, which is perfect for serving 4-6 people. When selecting a squash, look for one that feels heavy for its size, has a dull, hard rind, and is free of soft spots or blemishes.
- Oil: I prefer using olive oil for its rich flavor, which complements the squash beautifully. However, you have excellent alternatives such as extra virgin olive oil for a more robust taste, or avocado oil, which has a higher smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it versatile for air frying. The oil helps the seasonings adhere and ensures the squash roasts evenly and gets that lovely golden crust.
- Maple Syrup: This ingredient is essential for adding that delicate touch of sweetness that enhances the squash’s natural flavors and, crucially, aids in the caramelization process, giving the edges that irresistible golden-brown finish. If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, light brown sugar is an excellent substitute, offering a similar sweet depth.
- Italian Seasoning: This pre-mixed blend of dried herbs is a fantastic shortcut, bringing a complex and savory profile to the dish. It typically includes a balanced mix of thyme, rosemary, marjoram, savory, sage, oregano, and basil. If you find yourself without Italian seasoning, feel free to create your own blend using any combination of these individual dried herbs you have in your pantry.
- Dried Sage: While Italian seasoning often contains sage, I purposefully add an extra half teaspoon of dried sage. The distinctive, earthy aroma of sage pairs exceptionally well with butternut squash, taking the overall fall flavor profile up a significant notch. If you prefer a more subtle sage flavor or don’t have extra dried sage, you can simply omit it or increase the amount of Italian seasoning slightly.
- Garlic Powder: A fundamental staple in most savory dishes, garlic powder provides a consistent, mellow garlic flavor without the risk of burning that fresh minced garlic poses in the air fryer. I strongly advise against substituting with garlic salt, as the combined salt content will likely make your butternut squash far too salty.
- Smoked Paprika: This is a secret weapon for adding a wonderful hint of smokiness and a beautiful reddish hue to your butternut squash. The smoky notes truly elevate the savory aspect of the dish. While you can substitute with regular paprika, keep in mind it will lack that distinct smoky depth.
- Salt: Fine sea salt is recommended to enhance all the other flavors. Be mindful not to over-salt during preparation. It’s always easier to add more salt to taste once the air fryer butternut squash is cooked and ready to serve, rather than trying to fix an overly salty dish.
How to Cut Butternut Squash into Cubes Efficiently and Safely
Cutting a butternut squash might seem daunting at first due to its tough skin, but with the right tools and technique, it’s quite simple. For a more detailed, step-by-step guide with photos, you can refer to my separate post on how to peel and cut a butternut squash. Below is a quick, essential overview to get you started:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Always ensure you have a large, sharp chef’s knife and a stable cutting surface, preferably with a damp cloth underneath your cutting board to prevent slipping. Safety first!
- Trim the Ends: Begin by carefully cutting about 1/4 inch off both the top (stem end) and bottom (blossom end) of the squash. This creates flat surfaces, allowing you to stand the squash upright securely, making it much easier and safer to handle.
- Peel the Skin: Using a vegetable peeler (a Y-peeler is often easier to maneuver with tough squash skin, but a swivel peeler works too), carefully peel off the tough outer skin. Avoid using a knife for this step, as it can be less safe and wasteful.
- Separate and Dice the Neck: Once peeled, cut the squash in half horizontally where its slender neck meets the bulbous body. Stand the neck portion on one of its flat ends and slice it in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into even slices, and finally, chop those slices into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniformity is key for even cooking in the air fryer.
- Seed and Dice the Body: Cut the bulbous body section in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and any stringy fibrous flesh. (Don’t discard those seeds! You can roast them in the air fryer, similar to these air fryer pumpkin seeds, for a delicious snack). After seeding, slice each half into sections and then chop them into 1-inch cubes, matching the size of the neck pieces.
How to Cook Butternut Squash Cubes in the Air Fryer
Cooking butternut squash cubes in the air fryer is incredibly simple and yields perfectly tender, slightly caramelized results every time. Follow these straightforward steps, accompanied by photos, to achieve your new favorite fall side dish. For the full, detailed recipe, refer to the recipe card at the end of this post.
How to Roast Butternut Squash Halves in the Air Fryer for Effortless Prep
If you’re looking to significantly reduce prep time without sacrificing flavor, roasting butternut squash halves in the air fryer is an excellent option. This method requires no peeling or chopping, making it incredibly convenient. You’ll still achieve tender, delicious squash with a fraction of the effort!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Air fryer butternut squash is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic accompaniment to a wide range of meals. Its sweet and savory profile complements both rich meats and lighter vegetarian dishes. Here are some delightful serving suggestions:
- The Ultimate Holiday Side: This tender, flavorful squash is the quintessential holiday side dish. It pairs beautifully with classic roasted turkey or baked ham, complementing the savory flavors of easy sausage stuffing and crispy roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete and festive spread.
- Elevate with Crunchy Toppings: My absolute favorite way to dress up roasted butternut squash is with a sprinkle of homemade savory granola and a generous scattering of fresh chopped parsley. The contrast between the tender squash and the crunchy, seasoned granola is simply divine!
- Nutty Additions: For an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor, consider adding some roasted pumpkin seeds or toasted pecans just before serving. The satisfying crunch they provide against the soft, tender squash creates an exciting culinary experience.
- Healthy Grain Bowls and Salads: Incorporate this delicious air fryer butternut squash into your weekly meal prep. It makes a wonderful addition to vibrant grain bowls, adding sweetness and substance, or as a hearty component in salads, such as this flavorful roasted root vegetable salad.
- Beyond the Side: Don’t limit yourself! Mash the air-fried squash with a touch of butter and cinnamon, or blend it into a creamy pasta sauce for a hidden vegetable boost. It’s also excellent in hearty stews or as a base for veggie burgers.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftover Butternut Squash
While air fryer butternut squash is absolutely best when served immediately, you can certainly save any leftovers to enjoy later. Proper storage and reheating will help maintain its delicious flavor and texture.
For Butternut Squash Cubes: If you have any remaining squash cubes, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, the air fryer is your best friend once again! Air fry the cubes at 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. Please note that while they will still be delicious, they may have a slightly softer texture compared to their freshly cooked state, as reheating can diminish some of their initial crispiness.
For Butternut Squash Halves: Leftover squash halves can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For optimal convenience and storage, I recommend scooping out the cooked flesh from the skin first before refrigerating. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat the scooped squash in the microwave for a minute or two, stirring halfway through, until it’s warm and ready to eat. This mashed texture is wonderful as a quick side or blended into other dishes.
Key Recipe Tips for Perfectly Air Fried Butternut Squash
Mastering air fryer butternut squash is easy with these essential tips designed to ensure the best possible results, whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to air frying:
- Selecting the Right Squash for Halves: If you plan to air fry your butternut squash in halves, it’s crucial to select a squash that will comfortably fit inside your air fryer basket. Sometimes, a slightly larger squash can be made to fit by cutting about 1/4 inch off the bottom to create a stable base, and you may need to trim the stem end if it’s too long.
- Uniformity in Cubes is Key: When cutting the squash into cubes, strive for pieces that are as close to 1-inch in size as possible. This uniformity is vital for ensuring all the squash cooks evenly at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked while others are perfectly tender. If your cubes are smaller or larger, you’ll need to adjust the air frying time accordingly.
- Pre-Cut Squash for Convenience: Short on time or prefer to skip the chopping? Many grocery stores offer pre-cut butternut squash cubes in their produce section. This is a fantastic time-saving option that doesn’t compromise the quality of the final dish.
- The Importance of a Single Layer: For the best results when air frying squash cubes, always arrange them in a single layer within your air fryer basket. Overcrowding the basket will steam the squash instead of roasting it, leading to a less desirable soft and mushy texture. If necessary, cook the butternut squash in multiple batches to ensure proper air circulation and even browning. Remember to shake the basket a few times during cooking to rotate the cubes for consistent crisping.
- Air Fryer Models Vary: It’s important to remember that air fryer brands and models can differ significantly in their wattage and heating efficiency. This means that the exact cooking times recommended in recipes can sometimes vary slightly for your specific appliance. Always use the stated air frying time as a guideline, and adjust as needed. The squash is perfectly cooked when it’s easily pierced with a fork and has achieved a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, don’t hesitate to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. This will introduce a lovely warmth that complements the sweetness of the squash beautifully.
- Stick to Dried Herbs for Air Frying: For this particular recipe, it’s best to use dried herbs and garlic powder. Fresh chopped herbs and minced garlic tend to burn quickly and unevenly in the high heat of an air fryer, potentially imparting a bitter flavor. Save your fresh herbs, like parsley or rosemary, to use as a vibrant and aromatic garnish just before serving!
Recipe FAQs for Air Fryer Butternut Squash
While frozen butternut squash can be convenient for some applications, it is generally not recommended for this air fryer recipe, especially if you’re aiming for that perfectly tender-crisp texture. Fresh squash cubes are best because frozen squash contains more moisture. When air fried, this excess water tends to leach out, resulting in cubes that can become soft, watery, and mushy rather than beautifully roasted and caramelized.
The need to peel depends on how you are preparing the butternut squash. If you are air frying the squash in halves, it’s perfectly fine, and often easier, to leave the skin on. The skin becomes tender during cooking and acts as a natural bowl for the soft flesh. However, if you are air frying the butternut squash as cubes, you will definitely want to peel the skin first. The thick skin of butternut squash is not pleasant to eat when cut into smaller pieces.
Absolutely! This recipe is quite adaptable. You can easily substitute butternut squash with other similar winter squashes such as buttercup squash, honeynut squash (which is smaller and sweeter), acorn squash, or even sugar pumpkin. Just keep in mind that different types of squash may vary slightly in density and water content, so you might need to adjust the air frying time by a few minutes. Always cook until the squash is fork-tender.
More Delicious Squash Recipes to Explore
- Butternut Squash Bread
- Butternut Squash Quiche
- Mashed Acorn Squash
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
More Must-Try Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
- Air Fryer Pork Schnitzel
- Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
- Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries
I genuinely hope this Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe becomes a staple in your home, bringing warmth and deliciousness to your table throughout the fall and holiday seasons. If you try this recipe, I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below!
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Air Fryer Butternut Squash
5 Stars
4 Stars
3 Stars
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1 Star
5 from 28 reviews
-
Author:
Leanne -
Prep Time:
10 minutes -
Cook Time:
15 minutes -
Total Time:
25 minutes -
Yield:
4-6 servings -
Category:
Side Dish -
Method:
Air Fry -
Cuisine:
American, Canadian -
Diet:
Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe offers perfectly seasoned butternut squash, air-fried until tender and deliciously caramelized. A simple fall and holiday side dish that can be prepared as convenient cubes or easy-to-manage halves. Enjoy the sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
-
1 medium-sized butternut squash (about 2 1/2 – 3 lbs) -
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil -
1 tablespoon maple syrup -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning -
1/2 teaspoon dried sage -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika -
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
For squash cubes:
- Peel and chop the butternut squash into uniform 1-inch cubes. You should aim for approximately 4 cups of squash cubes. (Refer to the detailed section above on how to efficiently and safely cut a butternut squash).
- In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared squash cubes, olive oil, and maple syrup. Toss everything together thoroughly until all the cubes are evenly coated, ensuring a balanced flavor and beautiful caramelization.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, dried sage, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and fine sea salt over the squash. Toss once more until every single cube is completely and uniformly coated with the aromatic spice blend.
- Carefully arrange the seasoned butternut squash cubes in a single layer within your air fryer basket. To ensure even cooking and optimal browning, avoid overcrowding the basket. If necessary, cook in multiple batches.
- Air fry the butternut squash at 400°F (200°C) for 13-15 minutes, or until the cubes are beautifully fork-tender and have slightly caramelized edges. Remember to stop and shake the basket 2-3 times during the cooking process to ensure even crisping on all sides.
For squash halves:
- Carefully cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out and discard the seeds and any stringy flesh from the center of each half. Brush the exposed flesh of both halves with one tablespoon of olive oil.
- Place the squash halves, cut-side up, into your air fryer basket. Air fry them at 360°F (180°C) for an initial 15 minutes to begin softening the flesh.
- Carefully remove the partially cooked squash halves from the air fryer (they will be hot). Brush the softened flesh with the remaining olive oil and maple syrup. Then, sprinkle a small amount of the seasoning blend evenly over the flesh. Note: you’ll only need about 1/4 of the seasoning you’d use for the cubes, as there is much less surface area to cover. You can also simply season with salt and pepper if you prefer.
- Return the seasoned squash halves to the air fryer and continue to air fry for another 10-15 minutes, or until the flesh is completely fork-tender and exhibits a slight caramelization. Once cooked and cooled enough to handle, you can easily scoop out the tender flesh to enjoy mashed, or incorporate it into casseroles, soups, or sauces.
Notes
- To save valuable prep time, consider purchasing pre-cut butternut squash cubes from your local grocery store. This convenient option helps streamline the cooking process.
- Ensure all butternut squash cubes are cut to a consistent 1-inch size. Uniformity is crucial for even cooking, preventing some pieces from being raw while others are overcooked. Adjust air frying time if your cubes are notably smaller or larger.
- Always air fry squash cubes in a single layer to allow for proper hot air circulation, which promotes even cooking and desirable crispiness. Overcrowding will lead to steamed, rather than roasted, squash. Shake the basket periodically during cooking for best results.
- When preparing squash halves, confirm that the entire squash (or cut halves) fits comfortably within your air fryer basket. You might need to trim the stem or bottom slightly to ensure a snug fit.
- For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. This introduces a subtle, spicy kick that beautifully complements the squash’s natural sweetness.
- It’s best to use dried herbs and garlic powder for this recipe. Fresh chopped herbs and minced garlic can easily burn in the intense heat of the air fryer, leading to a bitter taste. Reserve fresh herbs for a vibrant garnish after cooking.
- Air fryer models vary significantly in their performance. Use the suggested cooking times as a guideline and adjust as necessary for your specific appliance. The squash is ready when it is tender when pierced with a fork.