Go Back
–+ servings
Air fryer butternut squash on a plate.

20-Minute Air fryer Butternut Squash

Mitch Chapman
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!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Servings 6 servings
Calories 100.1 kcal

Equipment

  • Vegetable peeler
  • Cleaver or chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
 

US Customary - Metric
  • 1 medium butternut squash
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon pepper (plus more to taste)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 370°F for 3-5 minutes.
  • In the meantime, peel the butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler. Cut the squash into ½-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 you’d 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 don’t 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

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 100.1kcal | Carbohydrates: 15.2g | Protein: 1.3g | Fat: 4.9g | Saturated Fat: 0.7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.4g | Sodium: 199.1mg | Potassium: 445.7mg | Fiber: 2.8g | Sugar: 2.8g | Vitamin A: 13295.9IU | Vitamin C: 26.4mg | Calcium: 67.7mg | Iron: 1.2mg
Don't miss another recipe!Subscribe to our newsletter!