Air Fryer Butternut Squash
This Air Fryer Butternut Squash transforms the humble gourd into caramelized cubes of perfection in just 15 minutes of cooking time. With crispy edges and tender centers, these versatile bites can be seasoned sweet or savory for countless meal possibilities.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash about 2-3 pounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup optional, for sweeter version
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for savory version
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs rosemary, sage, or thyme or 1 teaspoon dried (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the squash: Peel the butternut squash completely using a sharp vegetable peeler. Cut off both ends, then slice in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
- Cut into cubes: Slice the peeled squash into even 1-inch cubes. Try to keep the size consistent for even cooking.
- Season the squash: Place cubed squash in a large bowl. Add olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add any additional seasonings of your choice (maple syrup for sweet or smoked paprika for savory). Toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to preheat for 2-3 minutes.
- Arrange in air fryer: Add the seasoned squash to the air fryer basket in a single layer with some space between pieces. Don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if necessary for proper air circulation.
- Air fry the squash: Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the squash halfway through cooking time. The squash is done when the edges are caramelized and crispy, and the centers are fork-tender.
- Check for doneness: Pierce a larger piece with a fork to ensure it’s cooked through. If needed, cook for additional 2-3 minute increments until perfect tenderness is achieved.
- Serve immediately: Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. For the sweet version, a light drizzle of additional maple syrup works beautifully.
Notes
- For easier cutting, you can microwave the whole squash (pierced several times with a fork) for 2-3 minutes to soften it slightly.
- If your squash is very large, you may need to cook in 2-3 batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- The squash will continue to soften slightly after removing from the air fryer due to residual heat.
- This recipe works with other winter squash varieties like acorn or delicata (no need to peel delicata).
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and can be reheated in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F.