Air-Fryer Squash: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking squash in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare this delicious winter vegetable. It is also a healthy option, as vegetables cook faster in an air fryer than in an oven, and the end result is a squash that is firmer and more flavourful than other cooking methods. There are a variety of ways to cook squash in an air fryer, including butternut squash, acorn squash, and summer squash.

Acorn squash cooking instructions

Air fryer acorn squash is a tasty and quick dish to make, with a cooking time of around 20 minutes, compared to 25-40 minutes in the oven (plus preheat time). It's a great way to prepare this mild winter squash, with slightly crispy edges and soft insides.

Preparation:

First, wash and dry the acorn squash. Cut the top stem and the bottom pointy section off, then slice the squash in half from top to bottom. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, then cut each half into 1-inch-thick slices, and then cut each slice in half to create quarter-moon pieces.

Cooking:

Place the quarter-moon pieces into a bowl and coat with oil and your choice of sweet or savoury seasonings. Put the pieces into the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping and rotating halfway through. The squash is done when it is fork-tender and the edges are browned.

Serving:

The skin of the acorn squash is easy to peel from the flesh after cooking, so you can peel as you eat if you prefer not to eat the skin. Acorn squash is a versatile side dish, pairing well with roast chicken and another vegetable or grain side, such as wild rice. It can also be served with baked chicken breast, pork chops, or pork tenderloin.

Storage:

Leftover acorn squash should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, pop into the microwave or back into the air fryer.

Butternut squash cooking instructions

Butternut squash is a delicious and convenient vegetable to cook in an air fryer, and it can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here are some detailed instructions on how to cook butternut squash in an air fryer:

Preparation:

First, use a sharp knife to cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise. Then, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard them. If you are cutting the squash into cubes, it is recommended to peel the squash with a vegetable peeler before cutting. The peeling step can be skipped if you prefer the convenience or are using pre-cut squash, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as store-bought pre-cut squash is usually cut into larger pieces.

Seasoning:

There are many ways to season butternut squash, and you can use any combination of spices you like. A savoury spice mix can be made by combining onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. A small amount of brown sugar can also be added to elevate the flavours, but it is optional. Alternatively, you can try a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, or swap the brown sugar with maple syrup and add your preferred seasoning. If you prefer a sweeter squash, you can drizzle it with honey and season with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Cooking:

Spray the squash with olive oil before placing it in the air fryer basket. If you are cooking the squash in halves, place them skin-side down in the basket and set the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius (356 Fahrenheit) for 30 minutes. For cubed squash, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss the squash to coat evenly and spread them into a single layer in the basket. Set the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius (356 Fahrenheit) and air fry for 15 minutes. For a more well-done texture, you can air fry at 340 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 23 minutes, shaking the basket a few times to ensure even cooking. The squash is ready when it is fork-tender and golden brown.

Serving:

Butternut squash is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. It can be added to scrambled eggs, paired with roasted chicken or crispy baked pork chops, or used in meal prep bowls with chicken breast and vegetables. It is also delicious in salads, such as a harvest salad or a Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad.

Storage:

Leftover cooked butternut squash can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It can also be frozen for up to three months.

Summer squash cooking instructions

Summer squash is a delicious and healthy treat that can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal prep work. Here are the steps to achieve perfectly cooked summer squash:

Preparation:

Firstly, choose a small to medium-sized fresh and in-season summer squash. Larger squashes tend to have less flavour and may not fit in the air fryer as easily. Next, wash the squash and cut off each end. Cut the squash into slices or rounds that are between 1/4 and 1/2 an inch thick. Slightly thicker cuts will help the squash maintain its shape while cooking. If you want to add cornmeal for a "breaded and fried" texture, press the squash slices into cornmeal in a shallow dish or toss them together in a bowl. You can also add salt to both sides of the squash, which will season it and draw out moisture, making the cornmeal stick better.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F or 450°F (or the highest heat setting if your model does not reach these temperatures). Place the squash slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring none of them are sticking together, as this will affect browning. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the squash in batches. Spray the squash slices with oil or drizzle with olive oil, and add any desired seasonings. You can season with salt and pepper, or try Cajun, Creole, or taco seasoning for a bolder flavour.

Cooking Time:

Air fry the squash for 8 to 10 minutes, or until browned and tender. For cornmeal-coated squash, air fry for about 8 minutes, then shake or toss the squash and spray with more oil. Air fry for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown. If you prefer your squash softer, you can cook it for up to 12 to 14 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Serving:

Serve your air-fried summer squash as a side dish on a plate rather than in a bowl to prevent steaming and sogginess. It goes well with fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of brown sugar. Enjoy!

Yellow squash cooking instructions

Yellow squash is a great, healthy, and quick side dish to make in your air fryer. It is super easy to cook and is packed with vitamins and nutrients.

To start, you will want to select the right yellow squash. Pick the freshest ones possible. Look for squash that is firm to the touch and has a bright color. Avoid squash that is bruised, damaged, or has soft spots.

Next, prep the squash by rinsing it under cold water and then patting it dry. You can leave the skin on! Cut the squash into even slices or cubes. The ideal slice thickness is between 1/4 and 1/2 an inch. If you want your squash to be crunchier, opt for thinner slices.

Now, season your squash. You can use a variety of spices and herbs such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, basil, thyme, and oregano. You can also add olive oil and Italian herbs. Toss the squash so that the seasoning coats it evenly.

After that, place the seasoned squash slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not stacked on top of each other. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Cook the squash for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For thinner slices, 8-10 minutes should be enough. Keep an eye on the squash to make sure it doesn't overcook and burn.

Finally, remove the cooked yellow squash from the air fryer and serve it up as a side dish. It pairs well with a variety of meals, such as grilled chicken, steak, or a veggie burger. Enjoy!

Seasoning options

When it comes to seasoning, you have a wide range of options to choose from, depending on your taste preferences.

For a savoury option, you can season your squash with onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. A small amount of brown sugar is optional but can add a touch of sweetness to the savoury mix. You can also try a mix of garlic, onion, and oregano for a savoury flavour profile. If you want to add some spice, consider adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a cheesy twist, add grated Parmesan cheese or asiago in the final minutes of cooking.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with Cajun or Creole seasonings to add a bold kick to your squash. Alternatively, you can opt for Italian herbs, Herbs de Provence, or even cinnamon for a unique twist.

For a sweet option, you can drizzle honey on your squash and season it with cinnamon and nutmeg. This combination is perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

Additionally, you can use olive oil, garlic-infused oil, avocado oil, or regular oil to coat your squash before adding the seasonings. This will help the seasonings stick to the squash and enhance the flavour.

Remember, you can always adjust the seasonings to your liking and create your own unique combinations!

Frequently asked questions