Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air Fryer Butternut Squash is the perfect side dish—crispy on the edges, tender on the inside, and packed with a naturally sweet flavor. Cooking butternut squash in the air fryer takes less time than roasting in the oven, and the results are consistently delicious. This dish works great as a side for your favorite meals or even as a healthy snack on its own.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Butternut Squash:

   • Peel the butternut squash, cut it in half, and scoop out the seeds.

   • Cut the squash into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.

     
     

2. Season the Squash:

   • In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash cubes, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

   • Toss everything together until the squash is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

     
     

3. Preheat and Air Fry:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.

   • Place the seasoned butternut squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

   • Air fry the butternut squash at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.

     
     

4. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once the squash is tender and golden brown on the edges, remove it from the air fryer.

   • Serve immediately as a side dish or enjoy it as a healthy snack.

     
     

Tips for Success:

• Cut Evenly: Make sure the butternut squash is cut into even-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces will cook faster and get crispier.

  
  

• Shake the Basket: Shaking the air fryer basket halfway through cooking ensures all sides of the squash get crispy and golden.

Variations:

• Sweet and Spicy Squash: Add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a sweet and spicy version.

  
  

• Herbed Squash: Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary over the squash after air frying for an aromatic twist.

  
  

• Parmesan Squash: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the squash in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking for a cheesy, savory flavor.

This Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful side dish. It’s great for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, and you’ll love the caramelized, tender texture that’s bursting with flavor. Enjoy it alongside roasted chicken, mixed into a salad, or just on its own for a deliciously simple treat.