Air Fryer Butternut Squash is a simple and easy Fall side dish. It pairs well with so many main dishes and is done in just 30 minutes!
🌟Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Versatile side dish. Butternut squash is such a versatile vegetable and can be cooked and enjoyed in so many different ways. If you've never had butternut squash, it's perfectly sweet and nutty and it will make you a squash lover. If you like this recipe you will also enjoy my Butternut Squash and Cranberry Quinoa Salad.
- Simple and quick recipe. This air fryer butternut squash is so perfect for any day of the week as it's quick and simple to throw together.
- Great for holiday parties. Air fryer butternut squash is the perfect side dish to bring to any dinner party or holiday get-together. If you need more ideas check out my Holiday Air Fryer Recipes.
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🥘Ingredients and Substitutions
- Butternut squash- butternut is probably the most popular winter squash variety and can be found at most grocery stores. This recipe can also be made with honeynut squash, acorn or delicata squash. To learn more about squash, check out this article on how to cook different varieties of squash.
- 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.
See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.
🔪Instructions
- The hardest part of this dish is the preparation but first, you will preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Next, you will 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.
💭Recipe FAQs
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 out the seeds and the stringy inside.
Lay the squash flat side down and cut it into equal-sized cubes.
Technically yes, but I never have. It will add a chewy texture to the squash and will take away from the softness. You will also have to cook the squash longer in order to soften the skin.
Yes! Butternut squash can be frozen very easily. You can freeze it when it is raw or when it is cooked. Store in a freezer-safe container for about 3 months.
You can buy butternut squash year-round but it is best during the fall and the winter.
👩🏻🍳Chef Tips
- 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.
- 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 be 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
This squash pairs well with any of your favorite proteins. Try it with my Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken, Cranberry Orange Chicken Thighs and Dutch Oven Whole Chicken.
Serve my Chai Snickerdoodle Cookies, Gingerbread Bars or Cranberry Lemon Tart for dessert!
More Side Dishes to Try
🍳Recipe
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
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.
- Drizzle with olive oil, salt & pepper and mix to coat evenly with your hands or a spoon.
- Cook for 20 minutes in the air fryer, shaking halfway through. Enjoy!
Notes
- 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.
- 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 be much less prep time.
- The total cooking time will depend on your air fryer model. I recommend checking on the squash after 10 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.
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