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

Butternut squash is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups and pasta bakes. It has a sweet and savoury flavour, similar to sweet potato, and is a great addition to any meal. One way to cook butternut squash is by using an air fryer, which can cut down the cooking time by half compared to using a regular oven. In this article, we will explore the steps to cook butternut squash slices in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks to achieve the perfect crispy texture and flavour.

How to cut butternut squash for an air fryer

To cut butternut squash for an air fryer, you will need a sharp chef's knife and a vegetable peeler. First, cut off the top and bottom of the squash using the knife. Next, use the vegetable peeler to peel it. With the squash standing upright, cut it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds. Then, cut the squash into 1-inch half-moon slices and finally, dice them into 1-inch cubes.

You can also buy pre-cut butternut squash to save time, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as they are usually larger pieces.

To ensure even cooking, it is important to slice the butternut squash evenly. For best results, test the squash with a fork to ensure that it is tender. If not, cook for a further 5 minutes and test again.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for butternut squash slices in an air fryer depend on the size and shape of the slices, as well as the specific air fryer being used. It is important to note that all air fryers heat differently, so it is recommended to check on the food periodically during the cooking process.

For 1-inch cubes, a cooking time of 15 to 23 minutes at 340°F (171°C) is suggested. It is important to shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even browning and to avoid overlapping the cubes too much, as this will affect the cooking time and prevent proper crisping and caramelization.

For thin strips or french fry shapes, a similar cooking time of 12 to 15 minutes is recommended, but at a higher temperature of 380°F (193°C). This method results in crispy strips with a soft inside, perfect for dipping or snacking.

For larger pieces of butternut squash, such as halves, a longer cooking time of 30 minutes at 356°F (180°C) is suggested. It is important to place the pieces skin-side down and test them with a fork to ensure they are tender. If not, they can be cooked for an additional 5 minutes until tender.

Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the butternut squash, with smaller squash requiring less time and larger squash needing more time.

Seasoning and spices

Butternut squash has a naturally sweet and savoury flavour, similar to sweet potato but less sweet. This makes it a great base for a variety of seasonings and spices.

Before cooking, you should peel and cube the butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. Then, toss the cubes with oil and seasonings in a bowl to evenly coat them. You can use a variety of cooking oils, such as avocado oil, olive oil, or grapeseed oil. It is best to avoid cooking sprays like PAM, which can damage the non-stick coating in your air fryer basket.

For seasonings, you can use salt and pepper, cinnamon, or pumpkin pie spice. You can also add a pinch of brown sugar to elevate the flavours, or swap this for maple syrup. If you like spicy food, you can add cayenne pepper. Other spices you can use include onion powder, garlic powder, and sweet paprika.

Storing and reheating

After cooking, you can store leftovers in an airtight container or bag in the fridge for four to five days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Spread the butternut pieces on a baking tray and flash-freeze them, then transfer them to a Ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to four months.

When you're ready to reheat your butternut squash slices, you have a few options. You can add them to the air fryer again for three to five minutes at 375°F/190°C until they're warm and slightly crisp. You can also sauté them in a pan with a little oil or microwave them, but they won't be as crispy. If you're reheating slices that were frozen, you can put them in the air fryer or microwave, but be aware that they may become too crispy.

What to serve with butternut squash

Butternut squash is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:

Salads

Butternut squash can be a great addition to a salad, providing a sweet and nutty flavour. Try a butternut squash and quinoa salad with arugula, walnuts, and pomegranate, drizzled with a maple dressing. Alternatively, a roasted butternut squash salad with kale, apple, and cranberry, and a maple dressing is a perfect fall dish. For a more classic option, a Waldorf salad with a modern twist is a great choice for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Soups

The sweet and nutty flavour of butternut squash also lends itself well to soups. A simple roasted butternut squash soup can be a delicious starter or light main meal.

Proteins

Butternut squash is a great side dish to serve with proteins such as roasted chicken, turkey breast, or crispy baked pork chops. For a vegetarian option, try baked sage chicken meatballs with creamy orzo and spinach, or a lentil salad with toasted cumin, garlic, lemon, and almonds.

Sides

There are several side dishes that pair well with butternut squash. Green beans sautéed in garlic butter with dried cranberries and toasted almonds is a perfect holiday side. Alternatively, try bacon and white cabbage gratin, mushroom risotto, or miso-sesame glazed Brussels sprouts.

Spices and Seasonings

When cooking butternut squash, spices and seasonings can enhance its flavour. A savoury mix of onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt is a great option. A small amount of brown sugar or maple syrup can also elevate the flavours.

Other Dishes

Butternut squash is a versatile ingredient that can be added to scrambled eggs for a healthy breakfast, or incorporated into dishes like vegetarian enchiladas with black beans, or a spaghetti squash casserole with crispy fried onions.

Frequently asked questions