If you love the flavor of acorn squash you’ll love this easy Air Fryer recipes that will have your squash cooked fork tender in no time!
I love acorn squash! It is a vegetable that I did not know about until I was in my 20’s and dating my husband. I first learned of it during my first Thanksgiving at my then boyfriends’ now husbands parents house.
My mother in-law makes acorn squash in the oven every year for Thanksgiving. I decided a few years ago that acorn squash didn’t have to be just for Thanksgiving. We could eat it year round–which definitely takes away some of the special treat from it.
When I’m not making my grilled acorn squash — I’m making this Air Fryer Acorn Squash recipe. If you’ve never had it or maybe you are looking for a healthier side dish to make I hope you’ll give this acorn squash recipe a try.
Why this Recipe Works
Acorn squash cooks in half the time in the Air Fryer.
Using the Air Fryer frees up valuable oven space!
Versatile delicious and healthy side dish you can eat any time of year.
Ingredients
- Acorn Squash – One acorn squash is all you need to feed 2 to 4 adults. Make sure you cut in half and remove the seeds prior to cooking.
- Seasonings – I like to use my house blend seasoning also known as salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Oil – Because you are cooking on 400 degrees you will want a neutral high smoke point oil. I suggest Grapeseed oil.
Directions
First, preheat the Air Fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wash the acorn squash then cut the squash in half. Remove the seeds from the center.
Drizzle the inside with oil and season with the salt, garlic powder, and peppers.
Place the acorn squash flesh/flat cut side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25 minutes.
Halfway through flip the acorn squash so that the flesh is facing up.
Once cooked, remove from the basket. Cut in half and serve immediately.
Recipe FAQS
I use the Instant Vortex 6 Quart Air Fryer Oven (basket) as my every day Air Fryer. I love this Air Fryer because it’s nonstick and the basket is dishwasher-safe. This Air Fryer preheats fast and cooking temperature ranges of 120 to 400° F. If you are looking for an Air Fryer I highly suggest buying a basket style Air Fryer.
No need to peel the skin– you can cook the squash right in the skin then remove it before eating.
Believe it or not you can eat the skin of acorn squash. I typically don’t, but it is safe and I know others who do.
If you don’t have an Air Fryer, no worries. For years, I cooked mine in the oven. Simply preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place acorn squash halves cut-side down onto a greased baking dish covered in aluminum foil. Bake in the oven until flesh begins to soften, about 45 minutes.
Expert Tips & Tricks
Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks when making acorn squash in the Air Fryer.
- Oil – You may need to spray a little oil on the acorn squash when you flip it over at the half way point. This will help it crisp up and also not dry out. This is totally optional though.
- Double – Depending on the size of your basket will depend if you can cook 2 full acorn squash at once. You can also cut them into quarters prior to cooking to fit more in the basket if you need to cook 2.
- Pro Tip – Ask the produce department at your grocery store to cut the acorn squash in half for you — this will save you time and possibly a finger when cutting it in half! My produce department at Publix Supermarket does this for free.
- Seasonings – The sky is the limit as to how to season Acorn Squash. It has a pretty neutral flavor, so whatever you sprinkle on it –that’s what flavors it will take on.
- Sweet & Spicy – Drizzle honey and a dash of cayenne before serving.
- Sweet – Sprinkle brown sugar and a pat of butter in the middle when you flip the acorn squash over at the half way point.
Side Dish Recipes
Looking for more side dishes to make? Try a few of my favorites.
If you make this Air Fryer Acorn Squash recipe, I would be honored and love for you to take the time to leave a ⭐ star rating and comment! I spend hours developing and testing these recipes, and always love to hear feedback and user experience!
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Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 Acorn Squash cut in half seeds removed
- 1 teaspoon Grapeseed Oil
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash the acorn squash then cut the squash in half. Remove the seeds from the center.1 Acorn Squash
- Drizzle the inside with oil and season with the salt, garlic powder, and peppers.1 teaspoon Grapeseed Oil, ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt, ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder, ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper
- Place the acorn squash flesh/flat cut side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25 minutes, flipping half way through the cooking time.
- Once cooked, remove from the basket. Cut in half and serve immediately.
Notes
- Oil – You may need to spray a little oil on the acorn squash when you flip it over at the half way point. This will help it crisp up and also not dry out. This is totally optional though.
- Double – Depending on the size of your basket will depend if you can cook 2 full acorn squash at once. You can also cut them into quarters prior to cooking to fit more in the basket if you need to cook 2.
- Pro Tip – Ask the produce department at your grocery store to cut the acorn squash in half for you — this will save you time and possibly a finger when cutting it in half! My produce department at Publix Supermarket does this for free.
- Seasonings – The sky is the limit as to how to season Acorn Squash. It has a pretty neutral flavor, so whatever you sprinkle on it –that’s what flavors it will take on.
- Sweet & Spicy – Drizzle honey and a dash of cayenne before serving.
- Sweet – Sprinkle brown sugar and a pat of butter in the middle when you flip the acorn squash over at the half way point.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!