Discover the ultimate way to elevate your side dish game with Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Crispy, caramelized, and packed with flavor, this easy recipe is a game-changer for your dinner table!
When it comes to versatile and delicious side dishes, butternut squash shines bright in the culinary world, but somehow doesn’t always make it to the dinner table at home. Its naturally sweet, nutty flavor, and creamy texture make it a favorite addition to countless dishes. When it’s in season you’ll find it making a frequent appearance on my dinner table. If you’re looking to take your butternut squash to the next level, it’s time to introduce your trusty air fryer into the equation. Just like my air fryer acorn squash this recipe is made in minutes.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash is a game-changer, providing the perfect combination of crispiness and caramelization, all without the excess oil. I’m here to walk you through every step as well as answer some frequently asked questions, and share valuable tips and tricks to make your airfried butternut squash a smashing success.
Why this Recipe Works
Crispy Perfection: Air fryers are well-known for their magical ability to turn ingredients crispy without the need for excessive oil. Butternut squash, when cooked in the air fryer, becomes irresistibly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and flavorful inside. It’s the ideal way to achieve that satisfying crunch that’s usually associated with deep frying.
Time and Energy Efficient: Traditional oven-roasting can take a significant amount of time and energy, especially when you’re in a hurry. With an air fryer, you can have your butternut squash ready in a fraction of the time. Preheating is quicker, and the cooking process itself is much faster, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknight dinners.
Versatile Seasoning Options: Air Fryer Butternut Squash is like a blank canvas for flavor. You can season it with various herbs and spices to suit your preferences. Whether you opt for classic salt and pepper, or decide to get creative with cinnamon, rosemary, or even a touch of chili powder, the air fryer helps these seasonings adhere perfectly to the squash, resulting in a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- Butternut Squash – 1 whole butternut squash peeled and cubed is all you need. Or you can save time at the grocery store and purchase it already peeled and cubed. I prefer this option to save time.
- Oil – Because you are using the air fryer you want to usse a higher smoke point oil. That’s why I always recommend using grape seed oil.
- Seasonings – I like to use a combination of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Directions
Preheat the Air Fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
While air fryer preheats, placed the diced and peeled butternut squash in a bowl, drizzle grapeseed oil over the squash and sprinkle on the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well until seasoning is on all the squash.
Pour the seasoned butternut squash in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 20-22 minutes until fork tender, mixing one to two times during the cooking process. Once done cooking serve immediately.
Recipe FAQs
Butternut squash has a sweet, nutty flavor with a mild, creamy texture, making it a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.
Yes, it’s best to peel the butternut squash for this recipe. The skin can be tough and won’t become as crispy as the flesh. Peeling also allows the seasonings to penetrate the squash more effectively.
Air frying a whole butternut squash is not recommended. Whole butternut squash has a thick, hard skin, and the flesh inside needs to cook thoroughly. Air frying a whole butternut squash would likely result in uneven cooking and a potentially overcooked exterior with an undercooked interior.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and air fry the butternut squash cubes for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The exact time may vary depending on your air fryer’s model and the size of your squash pieces, so keep an eye on them.
Yes, you can make Air Fryer Butternut Squash in advance and reheat it. To maintain the crispiness, reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes, or use an oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warm and crispy again.
Tips & Tricks
- Uniform Cubes: To ensure even cooking, cut your butternut squash into uniform cubes. This will help every piece cook at the same rate and achieve that perfect crispiness.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook your butternut squash in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation and ensure the best results.
- Seasonings – The sky is the limit when seasoning butternut squash. You can always add onion powder, smoked paprika, rosemary, sage, cayenne for a little heat or even sprinkle on a little brown sugar to really get the butternut squash to caramelize.
- Oil Application: Lightly coat the butternut squash cubes with a small amount of oil before air frying. This helps with the crisping process and enhances the flavor.
Butternut Squash Recipes
Air Fryer Butternut Squash is the perfect side dish to elevate your meals. It’s quick, easy, and delivers a delightful combination of crispy exteriors and tender interiors, making it a true crowd-pleaser. With versatile seasoning options and the convenience of your air fryer, you can’t go wrong with this delectable dish. So, give it a try and watch your family and guests fall in love with butternut squash all over again!
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Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Equipment
- Measuring Spoons
- Tongs
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 25 ounces Diced and Peeled Butternut Squash
- 1 tablespoon Grapeseed Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Garlic
- ¼ teaspoon Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While air fryer preheats, placed the diced and peeled butternut squash in a bowl, drizzle grapeseed oil over the squash and sprinkle on the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well until seasoning is on all the squash.
- Pour the seasoned butternut squash in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 20-22 minutes until fork tender, mixing one to two times during the cooking process. Once done cooking serve immediately.
Notes
- Uniform Cubes: To ensure even cooking, cut your butternut squash into uniform cubes. This will help every piece cook at the same rate and achieve that perfect crispiness.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook your butternut squash in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation and ensure the best results.
- Seasonings – The sky is the limit when seasoning butternut squash. You can always add onion powder, smoked paprika, rosemary, sage, cayenne for a little heat or even sprinkle on a little brown sugar to really get the butternut squash to caramelize.
- Oil Application: Lightly coat the butternut squash cubes with a small amount of oil before air frying. This helps with the crisping process and enhances the flavor.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!