Let me tell you, making air fryer butternut squash is one of the simplest and most rewarding things you can do in your kitchen! Seriously, it’s a game changer. The squash comes out perfectly tender and caramelized, with a hint of sweetness that’s just divine. Plus, it’s so healthy—packed with vitamins and fiber, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. I love how versatile it is, too! Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a snack, the unique flavors and crispy texture will leave everyone wanting more. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
Ingredients List
- 1 medium butternut squash: Peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and maximum flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds a lovely richness and helps the spices stick to the squash.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the natural sweetness of the squash.
- 1 teaspoon pepper: A little kick to balance out the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a wonderful savory depth that complements the squash beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For a hint of smokiness and vibrant color—trust me, it makes a difference!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for getting that perfect crispy exterior on your butternut squash.
- While the air fryer is heating up, grab a large bowl and toss the diced butternut squash with the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure every piece is nicely coated—this is where all the flavor comes from!
- Now, it’s time to get that squash into the air fryer. Place the seasoned pieces in the basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd it; we want them to cook evenly and get that delicious crispy texture!
- Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll want to check for tenderness; it should be fork-tender when done. If it’s not quite there, give it a few more minutes.
- Once done, carefully remove the basket and serve the hot butternut squash right away. It’s perfect as a side dish or even a snack—enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delicious side dish in no time!
- Healthy and delicious: Air fryer butternut squash is not only low in calories but also packed with vitamins and fiber—great for any healthy diet!
- Perfect for any meal: Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, this dish fits seamlessly into any menu.
- Versatile: You can enjoy it as a side, snack, or even toss it into salads or grain bowls for added flavor and texture.
- Easy clean-up: Using the air fryer means less mess and fewer dishes to wash—win-win!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your air fryer butternut squash turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you nail this recipe:
- Adjust the seasoning: Don’t hesitate to play around with the spices! If you love heat, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder. Prefer a more herbaceous flavor? Try adding dried thyme or rosemary.
- Check for doneness: Every air fryer cooks a bit differently, so keep an eye on your squash. It should be fork-tender and slightly caramelized. If it’s not quite there, give it a few extra minutes, but be careful not to overcook it!
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: For the best results, make sure the pieces of squash are in a single layer. If you have too much squash, cook it in batches to ensure that every piece gets that lovely crispy exterior.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the squash sit for a minute or two before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to handle.
- Experiment with toppings: Once your butternut squash is done, feel free to sprinkle on some fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your air fryer butternut squash! Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love:
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dash of cayenne pepper for a delightful sweet and spicy twist. It’s perfect for fall or winter meals!
- Herb Infusion: Try tossing the squash with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before air frying. The aroma is heavenly, and it elevates the dish to a whole new level!
- Cheesy Goodness: In the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast over the squash. It’ll melt into a delicious, cheesy coating that’s hard to resist.
- Veggie Medley: Mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots. Just cut them to a similar size as the squash so they cook evenly together—what a colorful and nutritious combo!
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the squash before cooking for a sweet, caramelized finish that’s simply irresistible.
Feel free to get creative with your spices and seasonings; the possibilities are endless! You might just discover your new favorite flavor combination.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Don’t worry, storing your air fryer butternut squash is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I love using glass containers because they don’t retain odors and are easy to reheat!
When you’re ready to enjoy your tasty squash again, you have a couple of great options for reheating:
- Air Fryer: This is my favorite method! Just pop the squash back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. It’ll crisp up beautifully, just like when you first made it!
- Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the squash. Place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, but be careful not to overdo it, or it might turn mushy!
Remember, the key to enjoying those delicious leftovers is to reheat them gently—this way, you preserve that wonderful texture and flavor. Happy munching!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk nutrition! This air fryer butternut squash is not only delicious but also super healthy. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values based on a serving size of 1 cup:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This dish is a fantastic source of vitamins and fiber without packing on the calories. It’s a guilt-free addition to any meal, and you’ll feel great knowing you’re fueling your body with wholesome goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it first and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. It may need a little extra cook time, so keep an eye on it while it’s air frying.
What can I serve with air fryer butternut squash?
The options are endless! It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grains like quinoa or rice, or even tossed into salads. I love adding it to grain bowls for a burst of color and flavor!
How do I know when the butternut squash is done cooking?
Your squash is done when it’s fork-tender and has a nice golden-brown color on the edges. If it’s not quite there, just give it a few more minutes in the air fryer—no one likes undercooked squash!
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead?
Sure thing! Just toss the seasoned butternut squash on a baking sheet and roast it in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You won’t get that air fryer crispiness, but it’ll still be delicious!
Is air fryer butternut squash a good option for meal prep?
Definitely! It stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. You’ll have a healthy, tasty side dish ready to go for the week!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear how your air fryer butternut squash turns out! Did you try any fun variations or spices? Maybe you found a perfect pairing for it? Please leave a comment below and share your experience! Your feedback and stories inspire me and other readers, and we can all learn from each other’s cooking adventures. Plus, if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t hesitate to share it with friends or family. Let’s spread the deliciousness together!
For more delicious recipes, check out all our recipes!
For a healthy side dish, consider pairing it with honey-glazed carrots!
Learn more about the health benefits of butternut squash here.
Print
Air Fryer Butternut Squash: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Try
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple and healthy recipe for air fryer butternut squash.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Place the seasoned squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check for tenderness; it should be fork-tender when done.
- Serve hot as a side dish or snack.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Cooking time may vary based on your air fryer model.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: air fryer butternut squash, healthy recipes, vegan side dish