Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Name: AIr Fryer Butternut Squash
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 cups butternut squash (cubed); 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp pepper; 2 tbsp dried cranberries; 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds; 2 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (parsley or sage)

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Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash is an easy side dish with simple ingredients. It’s savory and sweet and seasoned with maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice.

Diced and cooked air fryer butternut squash topped with pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and sage leaves.

Earlier this week, I made a Vegan Butternut Squash Chili for my family. I only needed 2 cups of the butternut squash, and after I peeled and cubed it, I still had 4 cups left over. So, I decided to use my air fryer to roast the rest of the butternut squash, and I’m happy I did! I used a few simple ingredients I had on hand to create a sweet and savory side dish.

This recipe would be perfect for a holiday meal! When you’re preparing numerous dishes oven space can be tight. Using the air fryer frees up oven space for other dishes.

I served it warm topped with dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and fresh parsley, but I think it would pair even better with fresh sage.

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Why You’ll Love this Air Fryer Butternut Squash…
Ingredients and Notes
👩🏻‍🍳 How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash
❓ Recipe FAQS
📝 Expert Tips
📖 Variations
🍽 How to Serve
🫙 How to Store and Keep
🎥 Video
😋 More Butternut Squash Recipes!
Recipe

Why You’ll Love this Air Fryer Butternut Squash…

Simple ingredients
Quick and Easy
Vegan
Gluten-Free
Healthy
Perfectly roasted
Crispy
Savory and Sweet
Perfect side dish for the holidays!

Ingredients and Notes

Butternut squash, cranberries, salt and pepper, olive oil, maple syrup, pumpkin spice, pumpkin seeds.

Butternut Squash: I used 4 cups of cubed butternut squash. If you are making this for a larger group, you can certainly use more. You’ll just need to adjust the other ingredients slightly to accomodate the additional butternut squash. With 4 cups this recipe makes 4-6 servings.

Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil helps the butternut squash crisp nicely.

Maple Syrup: Adds a hint of sweetness. Be sure to use pure maple syrup.

Pumpkin Pie Spice: I love using pumpkin pie spice because it is a combination of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, but if you don’t have it you could also use cinnamon.

Salt and Pepper: Added for additional seasoning. Adjust to your taste preference.

👩🏻‍🍳 How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Use a vegetable peeler or a knife to peel the butternut squash, and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
Combine the butternut squash cubes, olive oil, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
Add to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd.
Set the temperature to 400° Fahrenheit. Set the time to 15 minutes. Toss at the halfway mark. Air fry until tender. Time may differ depending on the size of your air fryer and your cubed butternut squash. If you have larger pieces, it could take anywhere from 12-20 minutes.
Transfer the roasted butternut squash to a serving bowl. Top with ¼ cup of dried cranberries, two tablespoons of pumpkin seeds, and two tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (parsley or sage).

❓ Recipe FAQS

How long does it take to roast the squash in an air fryer?

The time it takes to roast the squash in the air fryer varies depending on the squash you are roasting. Summer squash and zucchini take less time because they contain more water and aren’t as dense. However, winter squash, like butternut squash and acorn squash, takes longer because they are sturdier vegetables. It also depends on the size of the pieces you are roasting. If you cut your squash into small pieces, it will take less time than if you try to roast a squash that is cut in half. For this recipe, the squash is cut into 1-inch pieces. It takes about 10 minutes at 400° Fahrenheit but could take longer if your pieces are bigger.

Do I need to peel butternut squash before roasting?

The skin of the squash is not edible. It is more difficult to remove the skin after it’s been roasted than it does before it’s roasted if you are serving it cut into cubes. However, if you are serving a stuffed butternut squash that is cut in half, or roasting two halves, then you can scoop out the flesh for your recipe and leave the skin on.

Is butternut squash a carb?

Yes, butternut squash is a carbohydrate. It has a higher concentration of carbs than other vegetables because it is considered a starchy vegetable like potatoes. However, it is high in fiber and contains vitamins and minerals.

Is butternut squash OK to eat on a keto diet?

If you follow a low-carb diet, I recommend eating no more than 1 cup of cooked butternut squash to keep your carb count down. It has 21 grams of total carbs, but with its fiber content, it lowers itself to 15 grams of net carbs if you are following a keto diet.

📝 Expert Tips

Look for a squash that feels heavy for its size and has firm skin without any soft spots or blemishes. The skin should be a deep, consistent color.
Use frozen or pre-cut butternut squash to save time chopping.
If using frozen, defrost before preparing. Pat dry and then combine with other ingredients.
For even cooking and browning, spread the seasoned butternut squash pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking and soggy results.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the butternut squash in multiple batches. It’s better to cook in smaller batches than to overcrowd the basket.
Test the butternut squash with a fork or a toothpick to ensure it is cooked through and tender. The exterior should be golden brown and slightly crispy.
Use this recipe to roast the butternut squash for your favorite butternut squash soup recipe.
Start the time with 15 minutes, tossing halfway through. If you need more time based on the size of your air fryer and squash, add 5 more minutes of cooking time.

📖 Variations

Maple Syrup and Cinnamon: Toss the butternut squash cubes with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon before air frying. This combination adds a touch of sweetness and warmth to the squash.

Garlic and Herbs: Season the squash with minced garlic, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This savory combination enhances the natural flavors of the squash.

Curry Powder: Toss the squash with a blend of curry powder, salt, and fresh lime juice for a vibrant and exotic twist.

Balsamic Glaze: After air frying the butternut squash, drizzle it with a balsamic glaze for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. You can make a simple balsamic glaze by reducing balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until thickened.

🍽 How to Serve

I served this squash topped with pumpkin seeds for added crunch and dried cranberries for a hint of tartness. I had some fresh sage in the fridge, so I used a bit of that to add some green to the plate.

🫙 How to Store and Keep

Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

🎥 Video

Air fryer butternut squash in serving bowl.

😋 More Butternut Squash Recipes!

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