Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Easy and delicious butternut squash made in the air fryer! Air Fryer Butternut Squash is a fast and nutritious side dish and is perfect for the fall and wintertime.
I've been loving my air fryer lately to make dishes that are so fast and easy. In addition to main dishes like Air Fryer Salmon Tacos and Air Fryer Turkey Burgers, I also love making air fryer side dishes!
With all of the winter squash popping up at farmers markets and in my CSA, I have the *perfect* air fryer butternut squash recipe. (p.s. if you'r looking for more air fryer squash recipes, this Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is delicious!) I will be making this recipe all winter long, as we absolutely love butternut squash! This butternut squash is crispy but tender and so flavorful with only minimal ingredients.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Vegetables Cook Faster in the Air Fryer. Air fryers cook faster than ovens, and also don't need much time to preheat, so butternut squash cooks much faster in the air fryer than in an oven. This is why I also love using my air fryer for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries and Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Brussels Sprouts!
Easy Side Dish. This recipe only uses four ingredients (and one is salt!) which means it's a breeze to whip up.
There are Shortcuts. You can use pre-chopped butternut squash, if you want to skip the step of peeling and dicing the squash.
Ingredients
Butternut Squash - I use a small butternut squash and peel and dice it myself. You could also use pre-chopped butternut squash to cut down on pre time.
Olive Oil - the butternut squash is tossed in olive oil which helps the spices stick to it and crisp it up.
Garlic Powder - this gives the squash a hint of garlic flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Peel and dice the butternut squash into 1" pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.
3. Place the butternut squash in the air fryer basket
4. Air fry the squash for 25-30 minutes, tossing a few times throughout.
Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Variations
Add different spices. This butternut squash would also be delicious with chili powder and cumin for a "southwestern/Mexican" variety, or brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweet and savory side dish. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of spice.
Use pre-chopped butternut squash. This will cut off about 10 minutes on the prep time!
Don't overload the basket. If you use a large squash, you'll want to do this in two batches so you don't crowd the basket, which would result in mushy squash. Because all air fryers are different and the sizes of squash are not all the same, cooking times may vary.
Serving Suggestions
This Air Fryer Butternut Squash is so versatile and can be used at any meal of the day!
- Serve topped with a fried egg for a breakfast or brunch.
- Serve alongside scrambled eggs and bacon.
- Add to a mixed green salad with candied pecans, dried cranberries, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette or in my Autumn Butternut Squash Salad with Maple Vinaigrette.
- Use in my Autumn Butternut Squash Panzanella Salad.
- Use as a side dish to Grilled Teriyaki Salmon or Cranberry Chicken Salad!
Air Fryer Squash FAQs
Yes. For this recipe, the squash does need to be peeled, as butternut squash skin is not edible.
Yep that will work. I haven't tried frozen squash but, from past experience with air frying frozen vegetables, it works well.
Butternut squash is high in potassium, antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins. It is also relatively low in calories, as one cup contains approximately 85 calories.
Other Fall Recipes to Consider
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 1 small to medium butternut squash
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Peel and dice the butternut squash, creating approximately 1" cubes.
- Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.
- Place the squash in the air fryer and cook at 375 for 18-23 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
