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Katie's Cucina » Recipes » Air Fryer

Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Published: Nov 9, 2022 by Katie · This post may contain affiliate links

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White platter with two cooked slices of acorn squash divided by recipe title text on image for Pinterest and close up of a cooked acorn squash half on the bottom.
White platter with cooked acorn squash with recipe title text on image for Pinterest.
Air fryer basket with cooked acorn squash dividied by recipe title text on image for Pinterest with a white platter on the bottom with two slices.
Two acorn squash cooked pieces on a white platter with recipe title text on image for Pinterest.
Two acorn squash cooked pieces on a white platter with a logo on the bottom right corner.
White platter with cooked acorn squash with recipe title text on image for Pinterest.

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!

White platter with a close up of two cooked acorn squash.

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

Ingredients on counter: acorn squash, oil, pepper, salt, and garlic powder.
  • 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

Orange scoop, scooping out seeds from the middle of a cut acorn squash.

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.

Hand massaging oil and spices over split acorn squash.

Drizzle the inside with oil and season with the salt, garlic powder, and peppers.

Air fryer basket with acorn squash face down.

Place the acorn squash flesh/flat cut side down in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25 minutes.

Air fryer basket with two pieces of acorn squash cooked.

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

Black vortex air fryer.

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.

Do you need to peal acorn squash before cooking?

No need to peel the skin– you can cook the squash right in the skin then remove it before eating.

Can you eat the skin of acorn squash?

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.

How long should you cook acorn squash in the oven?

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

White platter with two cooked acorn squash with air fryer in background.

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.

  • Square photo of a white bowl filled with cooked baby carrots.
    Instant Pot Carrots
  • Two loaves of garlic cheese bread with one cut into 4 pieces resting on a wood cutting board.
    Garlic Cheese Bread
  • Slices of tomato, mozzarella and basil with balsamic drizzled on top.
    Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
  • White oval dish filled with beets, feta, spinach, and balsamic drizzle.
    Beet Salad with Feta

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!

Don’t forget to FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, and subscribe to my email list!

White platter with cooked acorn squash.

Air Fryer Acorn Squash

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!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 53kcal
Author: Katie

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 53kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 149mg | Potassium: 377mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.01g | Vitamin A: 396IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @KatieJasiewicz or tag #katiescucina!
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About Katie

Katie is a busy mom of 2 children who loves to feed her family delicious meals that don't take hours to cook! She started her blog 10 years ago as a way to help others get cooking in the kitchen.

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I'm Katie Jasiewicz: home cook, food blogger, and recipe developer. A busy mom of two children who loves to feed her family delicious meals that don’t take hours to cook! My mission is to create easy-to-make modern comfort food for the busy family. (more)

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