Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Roasting butternut squash in the air fryer is an easy and delicious way to prepare this winter vegetable! Try adding this roasted butternut squash on top of a salad or enjoy it as a simple side dish!

I love making butternut squash in the air fryer because it’s an easy and fast way to roast butternut squash. It creates a deliciously caramelized exterior with a tender, soft interior. Plus, butternut squash cooks quickly in the air fryer so this side dish is ready in just a few minutes!

This winter squash has a sweet nutty flavor, like a cross between a pumpkin and a sweet potato. It’s natrually low in calories so it can be a great vegetable to use to bulk up the serving size on your plate! It’s also a great source of fiber and vitamin A.

What is an Air Fryer?

Air fryers work like convection style ovens. It circulates hot air around a metal frying basket, which creates a crispy outer layer on your food. You can get browned, crispy crusts without having to truly “fry” anything. An air fryer can mimic the texture with just a tiny bit of oil. There are many different types of air fryers. I used to use this Chefman air fryer but now I have the Ninja Foodi Grill Air Fryer, which has a large fryer basket.

How to Pick a Butternut Squash

Butternut squash comes in all shapes and sizes so the first thing to consider is how much squash you want to make. Squash can last a long time as long as it hasn’t been cut, so you may look for two smaller squash rather than one large squash, if you’re not sure how much you’ll need. Look for a squash that has the stem intact and is firm to the touch. The skin of the squash should be a dark beige color. Avoid green streaks, which means the squash was picked before it was fully ripened.

How to Cut Butternut Squash

Use a vegetable peeler to remove the thick, pale skin. Slice the neck of the squash into large planks, then cut the squash into 1/2″ pieces. For the bulb of the squash, cut in half and use a spoon to remove the seeds. Slice into half moons then cut those pieces into 1/2″ cubes. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but try to make the squash pieces similar in size.

How to Make Butternut Squash in an Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees. Toss the squash with a little bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Add the squash to the air fryer and use a spatula to spread it into a single layer. Be sure not to crowd the air fryer.

After 10 minutes, use a spatula to flip the squash and then continue to cook for 5-10 minutes until golden brown.

Seasoning Suggestions

This squash is delicious with just a little salt and pepper but if you want to get creative, try adding herbs and seasonings! Fresh thyme or fresh sage are perfect to pair with this squash. Chop the herbs then sprinkle over the squash once it’s done cooking. If you like things spicy, try adding a sprinkle of chili powder instead! Or if you want to add a cheesy, salty flavor add freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano.

Tips for Perfect Butternut Squash

• Be sure to cut the pieces into a uniform size, so they all cook at the same rate. If some pieces are too small, they’ll burn before the rest of the squash is done.
• If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook it in two separate batches. Be sure the squash is in a single layer in the air fryer basket with a little bit of room for the air to circulate around it. If all the pieces are touching, you won’t get a crispy exterior.
• Squash can be hard to chop so be sure you have a sharp knife. Use a cutting board with rubber grips to avoid slipping, or place a slightly damp towel under your cutting board to keep it steady.

How to Store Leftover Squash

You can store leftover squash in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be aware, after it’s been refridgerated, the squash will lose some of the firm, crispy edges. To reheat, I recommend placing it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to revive it. However, the squash can also be enjoyed cold on a salad.

What to Serve with Butternut Squash

This squash is a delicious side dish to serve with a variety of main dishes. Try it as a side dish with this dutch oven baked risotto recipe or pair it with these grilled halloumi sandwiches. You could also add it as a topping on a salad or enjoy it in a grain bowl!

More Butternut Squash Recipes

• Butternut Squash and Chickpea Tacos
• Butternut Squash Fries
• Sage and Butternut Squas Pasta

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