This air fryer butternut squash is one of the ultimate fall staples. This orange color squash is super adaptable and works well in soups, snacks, and with salads.
Although this served perfectly well on its own, roasting the squash in the air fryer with olive oil, salt, and pepper turns it into a desirable side to complete any meal.
How To Cut butternut Squash?
Squash of any kind is intimidating to cut. But I promise you, once you get the hang of it, you’ll see it is not as overwhelming as it may seem. Follow the steps below to cut the squash perfectly each time.
Wash the squash. It’s always a great rule of thumb to wash any vegetable prior to handling it. This way, all of the germs are washed away from previous handling.
Peeling the squash. It’s as simple as “peeling it”. Best to use a vegetable peeler to peel the butternut squash.
Cutting the butternut squash. After peeling it, it’s time to cut it into cubes. Simple cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, lay the squash face down, then slice it horizontally or into half-moon shape, then slice it vertically to have cube size butternut squash.
Ingredients For Air Fryer Butternut Squash:
After washing, peeling, and cutting your squash, it’s time to air fry them to golden perfection. You only need a few ingredients to roast them in the air fryer.
- Butternut squash cubes
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Maple syrup
- Pumpkin Spice
- (Kosher) salt to taste
- Ground Pepper to taste
How to Roast Butternut Squash In The Air Fry
- Pre-heat your air fryer. No need to add parchment paper in the basket as you’ll want to get a better caramelized edge if you air fry the squash directly in the basket. No foil necessary.
- Use extra-virgin olive oil. When roasting butternut squash you in the air fryer, you don’t need much. Toss it in some olive oil with salt, pepper, and maple syrup or honey to balance out the savory flavor. Feel free to add cayenned pepper or pepper flakes for some heat, and dried herbs if you’d like. In a large bowl, add the cubes to a bowl along with the ingredients. Toss until the cubes are well coated.
- Don’t overcrowd your basket. Roast the squash in batches if you can. A crowded basket will keep the squash from roasting in the air fryer and getting the golden crust that we’re looking for. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, do not overcrowd, and air fry on 400F for 15-20 minutes, or until fork tender and a little crispy on the outside. Stir at the mid-way point to make sure all sides are perfectly cooked. Carefully remove from the air fryer and serve immediately as a side.
How to store your butternut squash
When storing butternut squash as a whole, it can be placed in a vegetable basket over the counter and be stored for weeks at room temperature, uncut. However, when they are cut, the squash can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two prior cooking or roasting.
Once the squash is cooked or roasted, the squash can be stored in airtight container in the fridge for a few days. They are great for salads, roasted beets, and meal prepping!
Our favorite uses for butternut squash
One of the many reasons why we like butter squash is because of how versatile they are. Roasted squash makes a great side as is of course, but it also can be used in place of sweet potatoes, and it is great for soups, like this Haitian Squash soup or soup joumou.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Peeling the squash before cooking it will allow the squash to roast to a golden color.
Yes, you can definitely air fry frozen butternut squash. It also does not need to be thaw out first.
Roasted butternut squash can be sweet and savory. However, it adapts well to any seasoning.
Air Fryer Roasting Tips For Making This Butternut Squash Recipe:
- If the skin is too hard to peel, try boiling the squash for 10 minutes to soften up the skin. When completely cool to touch, start peeling with a knife or peeler.
- Buying pre-cut butternut squash cubes at the grocery store will save you time and effort when it comes to roasting the squash.
- It is best to keep the sizes the same as much as possible when it comes to roasting the squash. This will allow the squash to cook evenly.
- Although this recipe is great as is, feel free to jazz them up with your favorite spices. Oregano, dried herbs, cayenne pepper for some heat are all great to balance out the sweet flavor.
Other Fall Recipes You’ll Enjoy:
Looking for more fall recipe inspiration? If you love traditional Thanksgiving foods and fall flavors, this butternut squash recipe will fit right in on your menu rotation!
There’s nothing like fall veggies like squash, Brussels sprouts, and beets. All of which are perfect to add to a green salad or asparagus salad.
We’d especially love to know if you tried this recipe, tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish.
Also, we would appreciate if could give it a star rating below!
Butternut Squash Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Cubed Butternut Squash
- 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Spice
- ½ Cup Maple Syrup
- Salt And Pepper To Taste
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the cubes to a bowl along with the ingredients. Toss until the cubes are well coated.
- Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, do not overcrowd, and air fry on 400F for 15-20 minutes, or until fork tender and a little crispy on the outside. Stir at the mid-way point to make sure all sides are perfectly cooked. Carefully remove from the air fryer and serve immediately as a side
Rachelle Chatelain says
Butternut is one of my favorite, will definitely do in my air fryer. This week, cannot wait. Thank you for your delicious recipes.
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Rachelle
Mary says
Just made this. It was perfect and very tasty. I have 2 more squash that will be cooked the same way. Thanks.
Mirlene says
Very happy to hear that, Mary. Thank you.
Laura says
The color of this butternut squash is just perfect. It looks so crispy. I am trying it tomorrow
Mirlene says
Thank you very much, Laura.
Wanda says
My mom got me hooked on butternut squash a long time ago. I’ve never had it made in an AF, sadly I don’t have one. But adding to my wish list so I can try this recipe!
Mirlene says
Thank you! Hope you get a chance to try it when you get one.
Dannii says
I am always looking for new ways to use my air fryer and this looks delicious.
Sarah says
Thank you so much for sharing! I just got an Air Fryer and can’t wait to try this!
Alpana says
I love butternut squash. Usually I just roast them, but this version looks great. Thanks for sharing!
Mirlene says
Thank you, Alpana.