Air fryer Butternut Squash
This 20-minute, 1-bowl air fryer butternut squash recipe is about to become your new favorite side dish! It turns out perfectly crispy and caramelized on the outside with a tender, buttery interior. Infused with aromatics like cinnamon, nutmeg, and thyme, it’s a must-try for the holiday season!
๐งก Why you’ll love this recipe
- Few ingredients: With just 5 ingredients and an air fryer, youโre well on your way to a delicious roasted butternut squash side dish.
- Quick: Gone are the days of waiting for your oven to preheat! The air fryer significantly reduces the cooking time.
- Crispy yet tender: The beauty of using an air fryer is achieving that impeccable balance of crispy exterior and soft, tender inside.
- Healthy: Butternut squash isn’t just a pretty face, it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Weโre talking wholesome goodness in every bite!
If you love the convenience of air fryer recipes, you should really check out our air fryer Brussels sprouts, air fryer eggplant, and air fryer sweet potatoes.
๐ Air fryer butternut squash
If youโre looking for a fuss-free side dish that can be whipped up in under 20 minutes, this air fryer butternut squash is the answer! It requires less oil than traditional roasting recipes and comes together in one bowl. Oh, and did we mention that you only need five ingredients (plus salt and pepper)?
The buttery texture and slightly nutty flavor of butternut squash pair exceptionally well with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and thyme. So yes, this dish is the missing piece on your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner table!
We find most air fryer butternut squash recipes cook at a high temperature for a shorter period, but the trick is to slightly lower the heat for a few more minutes. This gives you expert-level caramelized butternut squash cubes with a tender interior.
๐ Ingredients & substitutions
- Butternut squash: Provides a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, amplified by roasting. If you can’t find butternut squash, acorn or kabocha squash work well.
- Olive oil: Helps in crisping the exterior of the squash cubes while keeping the insides tender. It also evenly distributes the seasonings. Avocado, grapeseed, canola, or sunflower oil can all be used as well.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the dish. You can also try allspice or pumpkin pie spice for a flavor twist.
- Ground nutmeg: Imparts a slightly sweet and nutty aroma which complements the natural flavors of the squash. Ground mace can be used if nutmeg isn’t available.
- Dried thyme: Brings an earthy and slightly minty taste. Rosemary also makes a good substitute if you want a more robust flavor.
- Salt & pepper: Enhance the natural flavors of the squash and the spices. Adjust both according to taste.
For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.
๐ How to make air fryer butternut squash
Step 1: Prep the squash
Start by peeling your butternut squash and carefully removing the seeds with a spoon. Once peeled, cube the squash into even ยฝ-inch pieces. We recommend using a sharp, sturdy knife to make this process easier (even better, use a cleaver).
Step 2: Season the squash
In a large bowl, toss the squash cubes with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined. A touch of oil helps the spices adhere better.
Step 3: Air-fry the squash
Transfer the seasoned butternut squash cubes into the air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent the squash from steaming.
Set your air fryer to 370F and cook the cubes for about 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them during the final minutes to avoid overcooking! Serve the air-fried butternut squash immediately with fresh herbs on top. Happy eating!
If you have questions about this air fryer butternut squash recipe, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!
๐ Serving suggestions
This air fryer butternut squash makes the perfect pairing with mains like these:
๐ก๏ธ Storage & reheating
If you end up with leftover air-fried butternut squash, here are all the guidelines you need to keep it fresh:
- Fridge: Let the butternut squash cubes cool, then store them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: While we recommend consuming this fresh for the best texture, you can freeze cooked butternut squash in a sealed container or bag for up to a month.
- Reheating: Reheat the squash in the air fryer at 350F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps revive some of its crispy exterior. You can also use a microwave, but the texture will be softer.
โป๏ธ Variations
- Spicy: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Herbs: Mix in dried rosemary or sage to add an aromatic and extra festive twist.
- Garlic: Add garlic powder to the seasoning mix to impart a more savory note.
- Sweet: Drizzle the butternut squash cubes with maple syrup or agave after cooking to enhance the sweet, caramelized flavors of the recipe.
๐งโ๐ณ Top tips
- Cut the squash evenly: Make sure the butternut squash is cut into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer: While not completely necessary, preheating for 3-5 minutes helps achieve a crispy squash exterior right from the start.
- Avoid overcrowding: Give the squash cubes space in the air fryer basket for optimal crispiness. You donโt want a steamed texture!
- Shake halfway: Toss the squash halfway through cooking so all sides brown evenly.
- Cook in batches: If you have a smaller air fryer, it’s best to cook in batches.
๐ฌ FAQ
Overcrowding the air fryer basket or not cooking at the right temperature can result in a less-than-ideal squash texture. Give the cubes enough space in the basket and follow the temperature guide in this recipe.
Youโll know the butternut squash is ready when the cubes are golden brown on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork or knife.
Although the skin is edible, itโs best to peel the butternut squash for this air fryer recipe. Youโll achieve a much smoother texture and better flavor this way as the skin can become papery and tough once cooked.
๐ด More air fryer recipes
If you enjoyed this air fryer butternut squash, check out some more popular air fryer recipes like these:
- Air Fryer Zucchini: Quick, easy, and nutrient-dense side dish.
- Corn Ribs: Sweet, savory, and smoky ribs made from corn!
- Air Fryer Green Beans: A simple, fresh side dish to pair with your favorite mains.
- Air Fryer Baby Potatoes: Bite-sized potatoes cooked with aromatic herbs.
- Vegan Pizza Rolls: A cheesy, doughy, and comforting snack with marinara sauce.
20-Minute Air fryer Butternut Squash
Equipment
- Vegetable peeler
- Cleaver or chefโs knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ยฝ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ยฝ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ยฝ teaspoon pepper (plus more to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 370ยฐF for 3-5 minutes.
- In the meantime, peel the butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler. Cut the squash into ยฝ-inch cubes, discarding the seeds and fibrous core.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss until the squash is evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned squash cubes in the air fryer basket, keeping the cubes in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary).
- Cook for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the squash is tender and slightly crispy.
- Once done, taste the butternut squash and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can sprinkle a little more salt or pepper if youโd like.
- Serve the air-fried butternut squash immediately with fresh herbs on top. Happy eating!
Video
Notes
- Cut the squash evenly: Make sure the butternut squash is cut into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer: While not completely necessary, preheating for 3-5 minutes helps achieve a crispy squash exterior right from the start.
- Avoid overcrowding: Give the squash cubes space in the air fryer basket for optimal crispiness. You donโt want a steamed texture!
- Shake halfway: Toss the squash halfway through cooking so all sides brown evenly.
- Cook in batches: If you have a smaller air fryer, it’s best to cook in batches.
- Nutritional information is a rough estimate and should not be taken as health advice.
Nutrition
Mitch Chapman is a food writer, photographer, and one of the founders of Broke Bank Vegan. With a background in healthcare and the restaurant industry, he has a passion for sharing healthy yet flavorful plant-based food.