Simplify your fall menu with this Air Fryer Acorn Squash recipe-a delicious blend of sweet and salty flavors, ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Squash is a staple in fall cooking and making it in the air fryer makes it that much better. Butternut squash in the air fryer has been one of the top recipes during the holiday season. Utilizing the air fryer, frees up oven space for holiday cooking and gives you a delicious side dish in half the time for busy weeknights.
Squash is a versatile vegetable that can be used in squash soup, cranberry and quinoa salad or pumpkin pasta.
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Ingredients
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Step 1
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Microwave the squash for 3 minutes, cut the squash into quarters and remove the seeds and flesh. Season each quarter with salt and black pepper. Place in the air fryer and top with butter and maple syrup.
Air fry the squash for 20-25 minutes until browned and tender. Serve and enjoy!
Sarah's Top Tips
- Microwave the squash. Acorn squash can be tough to cut when raw. Microwave it for 2-3 minutes before slicing to soften the skin and make cutting easier.
- Cut the quarters evenly. Slice the squash into even quarters or slices so they cook at the same rate. Uneven pieces may result in some being undercooked.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer. Give the squash enough space in the air fryer for air circulation. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking and browning.
- Season generously. Squash absorbs flavors well. Use a good balance of salt, pepper, and your favorite sweeteners like maple syrup or brown sugar to enhance the natural sweetness.
- Add your own flavor. For extra flair, sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or toasted nuts like pecans on top for added texture and flavor.
Serving
Serve the air fryer acorn squash quarters directly from the air fryer, drizzled with extra butter or syrup. It's perfect alongside roasted meats, dutch oven chicken, or easy roasted turkey.
Serve mashed. Scoop the flesh out of the skin, mash it with a fork, and mix in a little extra butter, salt, and herbs. This creates a creamy, sweet mash that pairs well with savory mains.
Storage & Reheating
Place the squash in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat at 350 degrees F in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes or in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
For longer storage, you can freeze acorn squash. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight before reheating.
More Side Dishes to Try
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Air Fryer Acorn Squash
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Ingredients
- 1 large acorn squash, quartered with seeds removed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. Using a sharp knife, poke a few holes in the squash. Put the squash on a plate and microwave it for 3 minutes to make cutting it easier.
- Cut the squash into quarters and remove the seeds.
- Season with salt and pepper. Place the squash in the air fryer and add a tablespoon of butter and syrup to each quarter.
- Air fry for 25-30 minutes until the squash is browned and fork tender.
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