Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air Fryer Butternut Squash is the best healthy side dish that pairs well with so many of your favorite dishes. It's easy, flavorful, and ready in 30 minutes.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love Air Fryer Butternut Squash
• What You Need To Make This Recipe
• Variations And Substitutions
• Tips For Choosing A Ripe Butternut Squash
• How To Cut A Butternut Squash
• How To Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash
• Do I Need To Peel The Squash Before Cooking It?
• Can I Use Cubed Butternut Squash?
• Seasoning Suggestions
• What To Serve With Air Fryer Butternut Squash
• Storing And Reheating Instructions
• FAQs
• More Air Fryer Veggies You'll Love!
• Did you make this recipe?
• Air Fryer Butternut Squash
• Check Out Latest Posts

While the idea of cooking a butternut squash may be intimidating for some people, it really couldn't be easier. By cooking it whole, we eliminate the fear of peeling and cutting the squash.

Once it's cooked you can use it to make mashed squash, soups, add to chili, or enjoy as a healthy side dish to so many of your favorite meals.

You can also prepare it ahead of time and cook for the holidays! It pairs well along side a roast chicken or turkey tenderloin.

Why You'll Love Air Fryer Butternut Squash

• It cooks in just 30 minutes
• There's no need to peel it
• This recipe is gluten free and vegan
• Butternut squash is full of vitamins and nutrients
• It makes a great healthy weeknight or holiday side dish

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Kitchen Tools:

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Air fryer

Ingredients:

• Butternut squash: When choosing your squash, be sure to keep your basket size in mind and don't buy one that won't fit in your air fryer
• Olive oil: You can also use avocado oil
• Spices: I use a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried sage

Variations And Substitutions

• Squash- You could use acorn squash, buttercup squash, or delicata squash
• Oil- avocado oil, melted coconut oil, or melted butter are all good substitutes
• Spices- add paprika, cumin, onion powder, etc. See more seasoning options below

Tips For Choosing A Ripe Butternut Squash

Choosing a ripe squash isn't as hard as your may think! Just follow these simple tricks and you'll pick a perfect squash every time.

1. Look for one with a dark beige color. Any that have green striations are not ripe yet
2. It should feel heavy for its size
3. Make sure there are no bruises, marks, or blemishes
4. Like a watermelon, if you knock on it and it sounds hollow then it's ripe

How To Cut A Butternut Squash

When I air fry my butternut squash I like to keep it whole. Not only is it easier, but it's also quicker because there is no need to peel it. Here's how I prepare mine.

1. Begin by washing and drying the outside of the squash
2. On a cutting board, use a sharp knife to chop off the end with the stem
3. Carefully cut in half lengthwise then scoop out the seeds

How To Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash

1. Take your prepared butternut squash and lay it flesh side up. Brush olive oil liberally on both sides
2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried sage then distribute it evenly over both oiled sides
3. Place them side by side, flesh side up, in your air fryer basket and cook at 380 degrees F for 30-32 minutes, or until fork tender
4. Once cooked, pull out of the air fryer, slice into pieces and serve

Do I Need To Peel The Squash Before Cooking It?

Since we're cooking the butternut squash whole instead of cubes there is no need to peel it.

While the skin is edible, if you'd rather not eat it you can easily peel it off once the squash is cooked.

Can I Use Cubed Butternut Squash?

Absolutely! A whole air fried squash becomes very tender and soft, but not so much crispy. If you'd rather have crispy bites of squash then peel and cut the squash into 1 inch cubes, season as directed and air fry at 380 F for 16-18 minutes until crisp on the outside and tender inside.

Seasoning Suggestions

Want something different? Try changing up the flavor with one of these variations!

• Elote seasoning- sprinkle 1 ½ teaspoons of the blend evenly over both halves
• Sweet- Brush both halves with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup in addition to the oil then sprinkle over 1 teaspoon of brown sugar mixed with ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Spicy- substitute the dried sage with chili powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper

What To Serve With Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Since the squash is kept whole you can easily use it to make a mash, in soups, or add to chili. If you want to serve it was a side dish, try with one of these recipes!

• Egg free meatballs
• Healthy turkey meatballs
• Air fryer turkey tenderloin
• Whole roast chicken
• Air fryer pork loin roast

Storing And Reheating Instructions

STORING: You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

REHEATING: To reheat, add slices of the cooked squash to your air fryer basket and heat at 350 F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

More Air Fryer Veggies You'll Love!

• Air fryer zucchini and squash
• Air fryer spaghetti squash
• Sweet potato cubes in the air fryer
• Crispy air fryer frozen broccoli

Did you make this recipe?

If so, I would appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Also, follow me on Instagram and tag me or use #incoleskitchen so I can see what you made and share it!

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