We decided to give butternut squash, a winter squash popular in North American fall cooking, a spin in the air fryer, and let us tell you-it's a winner. Forget the oven, and toss those cubes straight into the air fryer for a quick transformation.
Seasoned to perfection and ready in no time, these butternut squash cubes, a winter squash with sweet, nutty flesh, are the snack you didn't know you needed. We love how the air fryer brings out a rich, caramelized flavor while keeping the squash perfectly tender.
Perfect for a quick side dish, or just munching on them straight from the basket. Let's get to the simple recipe and dive into this surprisingly satisfying veggie snack!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Gather these ingredients for a tasty and nutritious treat:
- Butternut Squash: Peeled, seeded, and cubed.
- Olive Oil: Helps with crisping and adds flavor.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Optional Sweetness: A drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Make sure you get perfect results by following these tips:
- Uniform Cubes: Cut the squash into uniform-sized cubes (about 1-inch) to ensure even cooking; if you need alternatives, see butternut squash substitutes for easy swaps.
- Don't Crowd the Basket: Arrange in a single layer to allow air to circulate for maximum crispiness, and try protein sides like beginner-friendly air fryer chicken wings.
- Shake It Up: Halfway through, give the basket a shake to promote even cooking and help crisp the edges.
Variations and Add-Ons
Mix things up with these delicious variations:
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne and a drizzle of honey for a sweet-heat contrast.
- Herbaceous: Toss with chopped fresh rosemary or thyme, both Mediterranean herbs, before air frying.
- Nutty: Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts after cooking, a great match with moist cornbread variations for sides.
Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Equipment
- Air-fryer
- Peeler
- Sharp Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Drizzle of maple syrup or honey optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Transfer the seasoned squash to the air fryer basket, arranging in a single layer.
- Air fry for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the squash is golden brown and tender.
- If desired, drizzle with maple syrup or honey after cooking. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Cooking times may vary based on the size of your squash cubes and air fryer model.
- If making a larger batch, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.
Nutrition
To build a balanced fall plate, pair roasted butternut cubes with creamy risotto or other warm dishes found in butternut risotto side dishes for fall. For lighter meals or soup pairings, explore complementary options in butternut soup side dishes for meals.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
