Looking for the easiest way to get that golden, caramelized butternut squash without turning on the oven? This Air Fryer Butternut Squash is ready in just 20 minutes and makes the perfect fall side dish. It's everything you want in a winter root vegetable and pairs well all your favorite main dishes.
Butternut squash is one of the most popular winter squash varieties, and it's easy to find year-round. You can make this recipe with whole squash, pre-cut cubes, or even frozen. I love using my air fryer because it's quicker than the oven, makes cleanup easier, and frees up valuable oven space during the holidays. It's also perfect for other seasonal favorites like Air Fryer Glazed Ham, Air Fryer Herbed Carrots, and Air Fryer Whole Chicken. Want to adapt your favorite oven dishes? Check out my guide on how to convert oven recipes to the air fryer.
Jump to:
Key Ingredients
- Butternut squash. I used whole butternut squash for this recipe, but you can use halved, cubed, or cook from frozen. If you prefer acorn squash, check out my air fryer acorn squash recipe.
- Olive oil. You only need a tiny bit of oil for this squash recipe. You can also use avocado oil or another mild-flavored oil.
- Salt and black pepper. I just used salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the squash. You can use whatever seasonings you want for this versatile recipe.
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Peel the butternut squash and cut it into ½-inch cubes. Add the cut squash to a large bowl and drizzle with oil. Season with salt and pepper and toss the squash to coat.
- Put the squash in the air fryer and cook until it is browned and softened.
Sarah's Top Tips
- Peel the squash using a vegetable peeler, like the one you would use to peel potatoes or carrots. Peel it all the way around. Once peeled, cut the squash down the middle lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop the seeds and the stringy inside. Lay the squash flat side down and cut it into equal-sized cubes.
- Be sure to cut the squash into equal-sized pieces so it cooks evenly. I recommend ½-inch cubes.
- If you are short on time, buy pre-cut butternut squash cubes at the grocery store. You may still have to cut the cubes into smaller pieces, but it will take much less prep time.
- The total cooking time will depend on your air fryer model. I recommend checking on the squash after 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer butternut squash is a versatile fall side dish for weeknight dinners, Friendsgiving, or Thanksgiving. It pairs beautifully with cozy mains like Cranberry Orange Chicken Thighs or a classic Dutch Oven Roasted Chicken. For more seasonal inspiration, try it with hearty sides like Parmesan Crusted Potatoes or comforting soups such as Italian Pastina Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store the squash in an airtight container in the fridge to enjoy later or if you have leftovers. It will be good for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 5-8 minutes.
More Side Dishes to Try
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below-I'd love to hear how it turned out! THANK YOU!
Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash (Easy Fall Side Dish)
Video
Save this Recipe!
Get the recipe link sent to your inbox!
See the full post for extra tips and photos
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Peel the butternut squash, scoop out the seeds and cut it into ½-inch cubes.1 butternut squash
- Drizzle with olive oil, salt & pepper and mix to coat evenly with your hands or a spoon.1-2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cook for 20 minutes in the air fryer, shaking halfway through. Enjoy!
Sarah's Tips
- Cut into equal-sized cubes for even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, cook in batches if needed.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for 5 minutes to bring back the crisp.
- Try sweet (cinnamon + maple) or savory (rosemary + parmesan) seasoning variations.
Comments
No Comments