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.
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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.
I’m a fan of any winter squash: butternut, acorn, delicata, pumpkin, buttercup… and more. We’re using acorn squash in this recipe but you can easily follow this recipe for any other squash variant you like. Squash is a versatile vegetable that can be used in squash soup, cranberry and quinoa salad or pumpkin pasta. Acorn squash in the air fryer is quicker but this recipe can also be made in the oven, I’ll give the method for that below.
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Minimal ingredients. Made with just three key ingredients, this side dish is as easy as it is flavorful.
- Simple holiday side. A no-fuss holiday side dish that frees up oven space and keeps cleanup to a minimum.
- 25-minute recipe. Ready in just 25 minutes, Air Fryer Acorn Squash is perfect when you're short on time but still want a delicious dish.
Ingredients
- Acorn squash. I bought a full acorn squash and deseeded and quartered it myself but you can buy quartered acorn squash from the grocery store.
- Butter. Good quality butter, I like Kerrigold or any European butter.
- Maple syrup. Real maple syrup for that classic maple flavor.
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!
Recipe FAQs
A fork or knife can be inserted into the thickest part of the squash. It should easily pierce the flesh. The corners of the squash should be slightly browned and the surface should have a light caramelized glaze from the butter and syrup.
Eat it or peel it. Once roasted or air fried, the skin softens and becomes tender, adding extra texture to the dish. If you prefer not to eat the skin, you can easily peel it off after cooking. The flesh should peel away easily.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and follow the instructions to cut, quarter and remove the seeds from the squash. Place the quartered squash on a baking sheet and season with salt and black pepper. Top with butter and maple syrup. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the squash is tender and browned.
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
KITCHEN TOOLS NEEDED
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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.
Sarah's 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.
- 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.
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