This Air Fryer Butternut Squash is a great way to work this winter squash into weekday meals. I adore roasted butternut squash, but in the oven it can take up to 45 minutes. This simple method has a tasty side dish on the table in about 15 minutes!
Contents
Quickly Roast Butternut Squash in an Air Fryer
Fall is the best food season. It’s officially squash season, adding a cozy vibe to meals.
Winter squash is a staple for me in the winter. Definitely a favorite source of carbohydrates (and fiber!). I use roasted squash as a base, then top it with meat sauces or curries. It’s also a healthy side dish to add to salads and grilled meats.
I also love adding it to salads (like this Butternut Feta Salad) and into chili (like this Paleo Turkey Chili).
If you’ve never cooked a butternut before, it’s a simple process!
Be sure to check out this tutorial on How to Cook Butternut Squash in the oven. That’s a great method when cooking a large amount. In the oven, it takes about 45 minutes to cook.
This air fryer method is perfect for enjoying squash more often! It cooks in about 15 minutes, making it the perfect way to cook it on busy nights or during the week. The squash comes out creamy on the inside, and golden brown around the edges.
If you love it like I do, try cubing your squash on the weekend when you meal prep, and air frying enough for meals throughout the week. Once the squash is cut, just add a few simple ingredients and pop it in the preheated air fryer.
You can also buy pre-cut butternut squash at the grocery store. I prefer to do it myself, as the store bought options often have been sitting for a while and go bad quickly. Also, the added cost is not necessary for the 5 minutes of work it takes!
Once you’ve tried cooking butternut squash in the air fryer, you’ll be hooked! It’s so simple. Other winter squash air fryer recipes you’ll love are this Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash and Air Fryer Acorn Squash.
You might also love to make an Air Fryer Sweet Potato.
What You’ll Need
- Butternut Squash
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
- Sea Salt
- Black Pepper
- Optional: Elevate this simple dish by using Crispy Fried Sage as a garnish!
What Air Fryer Should I Use?
Cleanest/Non Toxic: The Tastee Air Fryer comes with a ceramic coating – no plastic coating! If you’re concerned about toxins that standard air fryers have, this is the best option!
Economical: I have used the 4 QT Ninja Air Fryer. It heats quickly, cooks evenly, and is easy to clean. Definitely check it out if you’re in the market for a new air fryer!
Larger Families: If you’re cooking for more than 3, try the Ninja 5.5 qt extra large air fryer.
How to Roast Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Step 1: Use a vegetable peeler to remove the peel from the squash. This can be done with a sharp knife, but a vegetable peeler is the easiest method.
Step 2: Cut the squash in half. Use a spoon to remove the squash seeds and pith.
Step 3: First cut the squash into 1-inch strips (or slightly smaller). Then cut each strip into 1-inch cubes (or slightly smaller).
Step 4: Add the squash cubes to a large bowl, and drizzle with olive oil. Season the squash with sea salt and black pepper. If using other spices, like cinnamon, paprika, or herbs, add them to the squash. Toss the butternut to evenly coat.
Step 5: Preheat air fryer to 390º F for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Add the butternut to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry butternut squash for 15-18 minutes, until slightly caramelized on the outer layer, and soft and creamy on the inside. Note: Larger cubes of squash will take slightly longer. Smaller cubes maybe take a shorter cook time.
Step 7: My air fryer will hold 1/2 a butternut squash. (about 3 cups chopped). If necessary, repeat the process with the rest of the chopped squash.
How to Store Leftover Butternut Squash
If possible, only cook the amount of squash that will be eat right away. The chopped squash will stay good chopped and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy, season the squash and cook it in the air fryer.
Once the cooked butternut has fully cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Preheat the air fryer to 390º F. Add the butternut squash to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook the squash for about 8 minutes to reheat and revive the squash.
Variations for Seasoning Butternut Squash in an Air Fryer
Cinnamon Butternut Squash: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the butternut squash along with the other seasonings. If desired, also add a pinch of cayenne pepper (make sure to toss the squash well to distribute the heat!).
Parmesan Sage Butternut Squash: One of my favorite combinations with sweet squash is parmesan cheese and sage. Make a batch of Crispy Fried Sage. When the squash finishes cooking, immediately sprinkle it with 3-4 tablespoons of parmesan cheese. Garnish the crisp sage leaves and serve!
Moroccan Spiced: In a bowl, mix together 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and a pinch of cayenne pepper, along with the 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and black pepper. Toss the squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Butternut Squash: Amp up the sweetness of your squash but using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. When seasoning the squash, add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ginger, and grate a little fresh nutmeg into the mix. Cook the squash for 15 minutes. Drizzle the air-fried butternut squash with honey or maple syrup, toss, and return to the air fryer for an additional 3-4 minutes. Do not add the sweetener to the air fryer for the whole cooking time – it will burn!
How to Serve Air Fryer Butternut Squash
As a Simple Side Dish: Serve alongside your favorite meat dishes! It’s especially delicious with turkey breast and chicken.
Toss into Salads: One way I continue to enjoy green salads through the winter months is by adding hot roasted butternut squash (or other winter squashes). It adds the hot comfort food appeal you need on cold days.
Grain Bowls: Substitute the grain for roasted squash, or use half grains and half roasted butternut squash. Top with your favorite protein sources!
In Chili: I love making Paleo Chili and adding roasted butternut squash to give it more bulk.
Other Butternut Squash Recipes
- Butternut Squash Lasagna
- Turkey Chili with Roasted Butternut Squash (use this air fryer method to roast the butternut squash!)
- Butternut Feta Salad
- Butternut Squash Pancakes
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Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or flaky salt, + more to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Use a vegetable peeler to remove the peel from the squash. This can be done with a sharp knife, but a vegetable peeler is the easiest method.
- Cut the squash in half. Use a spoon to remove the squash seeds and pith.
- First cut the squash into 1-inch strips (or slightly smaller). Then cut each strip into 1-inch cubes (or slightly smaller).
- Add the cubed butternut to a large bowl, and drizzle with olive oil. Season the squash with sea salt and black pepper. If using other spices, like cinnamon, paprika, or herbs, add them to the squash. Toss the butternut to evenly coat.
- Preheat air fryer to 390º F for 5 minutes.
- Add the butternut to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, until slightly caramelized on the outer layer, and soft and creamy on the inside.
- My air fryer will hold 1/2 a butternut squash. (about 3 cups chopped). If necessary, repeat the process with the rest of the chopped squash.
Such an awesome way to cook squash! LOVED it!
I gave my unused air fryer to my daughter….big mistake. I’m constantly running out of oven space so I need to get a new one and make this asap.