Air Fryer Butternut Squash

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The air fryer is a great method for enjoying butternut squash more often! In less than 20 minutes, sweet, creamy, caramelized squash is ready to serve. Enjoy this as a simple side dish or use it in a recipe that calls for roasted butternut squash.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: cups

Calories: 77kcal

Author: Michelle Miller

Equipment

Air Fryer

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.

Notes

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 hot 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!

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