Air Fryer Hack: Frozen Butternut Squash, Cooked Perfectly

Cooking frozen butternut squash in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this winter vegetable. It's a great side dish and can be served with chicken, duck, pork chops, or vegetarian meals. You can also add it to scrambled eggs or a salad for extra flavour and nutrients. Frozen butternut squash is easy to find in the freezer aisle, and air frying it results in crispy bites of deliciousness.

Pre-cut frozen butternut squash

Step 1: Prepare the Squash

Place the frozen butternut squash cubes in a large bowl. You can buy pre-cut frozen butternut squash from the freezer aisle of your local grocery store, or you can freeze and cut the squash yourself. If you are freezing and cutting the squash, it is recommended to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

Step 2: Add Oil and Seasonings

Add oil and your desired seasonings to the bowl of squash cubes. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or a vegetable oil of your choice. For seasonings, you can keep it classic with salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, coriander, basil, nutmeg, or even a pumpkin spice mix. Give the mixture a good stir or toss to ensure each piece of squash is coated.

Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket

Transfer the seasoned squash to the air fryer basket, ensuring that the pieces are arranged in a single layer with some space between them. This helps to ensure even cooking and allows the hot air to circulate, giving your squash crispy edges. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the squash in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 4: Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to around 380-400°F (190-204°C). Once preheated, place the basket inside and set the timer. The cooking time will depend on the size of your squash cubes and your desired level of crispiness. For 1-inch cubes, cook for about 15- 20 minutes. Smaller cubes may be done in as little as 15 minutes, while larger cubes may need a few extra minutes. Check the squash every 4-5 minutes after the initial 10 minutes to ensure they don't overcook. Give the basket a shake or stir the cubes occasionally for even cooking.

Step 5: Serve

Once the squash is cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer, as it will be very hot. Serve the squash as a side dish or use it in various recipes, such as adding it to scrambled eggs, salads, risottos, or pasta dishes.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried pre-cut frozen butternut squash!

Oil and seasonings

Oil is essential when cooking frozen butternut squash in an air fryer, as it helps to achieve a crispy exterior on the squash pieces. You can use cooking spray, but it is recommended to opt for oil in a bottle, such as olive oil or avocado oil. Vegetable oil is another option.

Once you have chosen your oil, place the frozen butternut squash cubes in a large bowl and gently mix them with the oil and your desired seasonings until each piece is coated. You can also add the seasonings later in the cooking process to prevent them from burning and losing potency.

When it comes to seasonings, you can keep it classic with salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, coriander, nutmeg, thyme, basil, cinnamon, or brown sugar. You can also try a pumpkin spice mix or a combination of salt and maple syrup.

Remember, if you are cutting the squash into cubes yourself, try to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking frozen butternut squash in an air fryer vary depending on the size of the squash cubes and the desired level of crispiness. It is important to note that frozen butternut squash may not get as crispy as fresh squash due to its higher water content.

For 1-inch cubes, it is recommended to cook the squash at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. If the cubes are smaller than 1 inch, check them after 15 minutes to prevent overcooking.

If you prefer a more well-done squash, you can cook the cubes for an additional 3-5 minutes. It is a good idea to shake the basket every few minutes during cooking to ensure even browning and cooking.

For a lower temperature option, you can cook the frozen butternut squash at 370 degrees Fahrenheit/190 degrees Celsius for 12-18 minutes. Check the basket after 10 minutes and then every 4-5 minutes, stirring or shaking the basket to ensure even cooking. If needed, continue cooking in 3-minute intervals until the desired level of doneness is achieved.

Additionally, it is recommended to leave some space between the squash cubes in the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. Overlapping the cubes may result in steaming instead of caramelization and crispiness.

Cooking in batches

Cooking frozen butternut squash in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this winter vegetable. It is a healthy, gluten-free, vegan, and low-calorie option that can be used in many recipes.

To cook frozen butternut squash in an air fryer, you will need to first prepare the squash by peeling and cubing it into 1-inch cubes. You can also buy pre-cut frozen butternut squash to save time. Once you have your frozen squash cubes, you will need to decide on the quantity you wish to cook. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket as this will affect the cooking process and prevent the squash from crisping and caramelizing. Therefore, if you are cooking a large batch, it is recommended to cook the squash in batches to ensure even cooking and the desired crispy texture.

When cooking in batches, follow these steps:

• Place half of the frozen butternut squash cubes in a large bowl.
• Add oil and seasonings to the bowl and mix gently until each piece is coated. You can use olive oil or avocado oil, and season with salt, garlic powder, and pepper, or other spices of your choice.
• Transfer the seasoned squash to the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between each piece.
• Set the air fryer temperature and cooking time. For 1-inch cubes, cook at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes. If your cubes are smaller, check them after 15 minutes.
• Once the first batch is cooked, remove the squash from the air fryer and set it aside.
• Repeat the process with the remaining squash cubes, ensuring the air fryer basket is not overcrowded.
• Serve the cooked squash immediately or store it in an airtight container for later.

By cooking in batches, you can ensure that each piece of squash cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispy texture. This method also allows you to season and cook the squash in a way that suits your taste preferences.

Serving suggestions

Yes, you can cook frozen butternut squash in an air fryer. It is a great side dish that can be prepared with minimal ingredients and effort. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your butternut squash cubes and the model of your air fryer.

• Add the cooked butternut squash cubes to scrambled eggs for a healthy breakfast side.
• Serve the squash with your favourite protein, such as roasted chicken, turkey breast, or crispy baked pork chops.
• Use the squash as a topping for salads, such as a harvest salad or a butternut squash and quinoa salad.
• Incorporate the squash into a meal prep bowl with air fryer chicken breast and a vegetable, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
• Add the squash to vegetarian dishes like tomato risotto or beetroot pasta.
• For a sweet flavour, add maple syrup or brown sugar during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• For a spicy flavour, add chilli powder or cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
• For a pumpkin spice flavour, skip the other spices and use a pumpkin spice mix instead.
• Try the squash with a pinch of salt and cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.

Frequently asked questions