I am SUPER thrilled to share my go-to air fryer butternut squash recipe with you. This is seriously a GAME CHANGER. If you’re like me, you want something that is both healthy and ridiculously tasty, and takes little to no time to prepare!
I actually made this for lunch the other day, and it was SO GOOD I had to share! It takes like 20 MINUTES to prep and BAM! You have the most wonderful side dish or even a light meal. Let’s jump in, shall we?
If you’re all about quick and easy meals, this 5-Ingredient Taco Soup is a must-try simple, and perfect for busy weeknights!
What You’ll Need
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (I LOVE garlic, it is almost a NEED!)
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for some kick!
- Optional: A drizzle of maple syrup after cooking for extra sweetness. (This was a tip my sister-in-law gave me and she knows her stuff!)
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How To Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Prep the Squash: First, cut that butternut squash. Yes, this is sometimes tricky but you can do it! After you cut the squash into cubes you MUST place them in a bowl, TRUST ME.
Add Oil and Seasonings: Drizzle those beautiful squash cubes with olive oil and make sure they’re all coated. I like to use my HANDS for this part because who has time to dirty up more kitchen stuff? Sprinkle on salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Oh, and that red pepper flake if you feel like it – YUM!
Air Fry: Spread the seasoned squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to work in batches. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until tender, shaking the basket halfway. That’s the whole process…EASY.
Serve It: Serve your BEAUTIFUL squash IMMEDIATELY, it’s going to smell HEAVENLY! Feel free to drizzle it with maple syrup for that little bit of sweetness. This side is seriously addictive.
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Why this Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe is THE BEST!
- Speedy Prep: From cutting to cooking in about 20 minutes? AMAZING!
- Easy Peasy: Seriously anyone can make it even if your skill is very LOW when it comes to cooking (Like mine, hahaha)
- Flavor-Packed: I like my veggies bold, just like I am! The seasonings really POP here!
- Healthy and Yummy: I aim to make food that is fun and nutritious. Mission accomplished!
- Versatile: Serve this dish alongside so many meals… this is literally perfect.
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Tips to Make The Best Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Even Size: Try to make the squash cubes around the same size. It is not important if it is exactly perfect as my dad says ‘imperfection is also pretty’, so have some FUN doing it!
Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure that the air fryer isn’t packed so everything gets cooked evenly! I prefer small batches instead of an overflow situation (Trust me you don’t want that kind of stress!)
Crispy Edges: For extra crispiness you could use avocado oil if it’s accessible in your location instead of olive oil! That’s an expert tip, YOU are going to be an air fryer QUEEN!
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Air Fryer Butternut Squash Serving Suggestions
- Serve it as a side dish next to some nice Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. DELICIOUS!!
- I love to have this as a small and quick meal. My family sometimes call this kind of fast meal ‘lazy food’, but you shouldn’t listen to the critics HAHA.
- This also pairs incredibly well with a vibrant salad.
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FAQs About Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, but add a few more minutes to cooking time and pat them dry to get them nice and crispy!
Can I add different seasonings?
OF COURSE. Experiment as you wish! Chili powder or cinnamon also goes GREAT!
Is it necessary to peel the squash?
Yeah, it tastes SO much better peeled. I did it both ways and I never looked back. My aunt always told me ‘Never eat squash that isn’t peeled!
How can I store any leftovers?
Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days! The magic will fade as days goes by, however.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes. You should bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes instead of using the air fryer. The flavor WILL be DIFFERENT, as nothing tastes as GOOD as something made on the air fryer but feel free to do so!
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Okay, my friend, there it is. Go forth and make some delicious and EASY air fryer butternut squash! If you decide to try it, make sure to share it with your family and don’t forget to leave a comment! I just LOVE getting in contact with people from the Internet (and in real life lol!). Stay wonderful!
Print
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Perfectly roasted butternut squash that’s tender, flavorful, and ready in minutes! A simple, healthy, and delicious side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional: A drizzle of maple syrup for sweetness
Instructions
- Prep the Squash: Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a large bowl.
- Add Oil and Seasonings: Drizzle the squash cubes with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss again to distribute the seasonings.
- Air Fry: Arrange the seasoned squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the squash is tender and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked squash to a serving dish and serve immediately. For added sweetness, drizzle with maple syrup before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cut Uniform Cubes: Make sure the squash pieces are the same size for even cooking.
- Work in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to achieve crispy edges.
- Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a quick crisp-up.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: Adding a drizzle of maple syrup after cooking enhances the sweetness and gives a caramelized finish.
Nutrition
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
