Air-Frying Squash: A Quick, Easy, And Healthy Treat

Cooking squash in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare this delicious vegetable. It is also healthier than other cooking methods, and the end result is a squash that is both firmer and more flavourful. Air-fried squash can be served as a side dish or added to a pasta sauce, curry, or stew. You can also serve it cold over mixed greens or add it to a pasta salad.

Acorn squash in the air fryer

Acorn squash is a tasty, nutritious treat that can be cooked in an air fryer in a few simple steps. It's a great, quick option for a side dish and can be served in a variety of ways.

First, wash and dry the acorn squash. Cut the top stem and bottom off, then slice the squash in half from top to bottom. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and either discard them or wash, dry and roast them separately. To cut the squash into quarter-moons, place one half cut-side down and slice into 1-inch-thick slices. Then, cut each slice in half to create quarter-moon shapes. Place the squash pieces into a bowl and coat with oil and your choice of seasoning. You can use sweet or savoury seasonings, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic, onion, or oregano.

Place the squash into the air fryer basket, either cut-side up or down, depending on your preference. For a simple, sweet version, brush the squash with maple syrup and sprinkle with salt. Air fry at 480F/249C for 15 minutes or until tender. If it's not ready, cook for another 5-7 minutes. If it's browning too quickly, reduce the heat to 400F/205C and cook for 20-25 minutes.

Alternatively, for a savoury version, spread butter over the squash halves and sprinkle with brown sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper. Air fry at 325F for 20 minutes.

Cooked acorn squash can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, pop it back into the air fryer for a few minutes.

Butternut squash in the air fryer

Butternut squash is a tasty winter vegetable that can be cooked in an air fryer. It is a convenient and quick way to cook butternut squash, taking half the time it would in an oven.

Preparation:

First, use a sharp knife to cut the ends off the butternut squash. Then, slice the skin off the outside of the squash and cut it in half lengthways. Next, use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds.

Cooking:

There are a few different ways to cook butternut squash in an air fryer, depending on the result you want.

Halved:

Drizzle olive oil over the cut side of the squash and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like cinnamon or paprika. Use your hands or a pastry brush to rub the oil and seasoning over the exposed squash. Place the pieces of butternut squash skin side down into the air fryer basket and air fry for around 30 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius (356 Fahrenheit).

Cubed:

Slice the squash into 1.5cm-sized cubes. Add the squash pieces to the air fryer basket and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat evenly. Spread the squash cubes out in a single layer and air fry for around 15 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius (356 Fahrenheit).

Serving Suggestions:

Butternut squash is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. You can add it to scrambled eggs, serve it with roasted chicken or pork chops, or use it in a salad. It can also be used in curries or stews, adding a beautiful depth of flavour and a perfect sweetness.

Summer squash in the air fryer

Summer squash is easy to cook in the air fryer and makes a great side dish. It is also quick and convenient, with a cooking time of less than 15 minutes.

To cook summer squash in the air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F or 450°F (240°C). If your air fryer doesn't go up to 400°F, just set it to the highest setting. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the squash by washing it and cutting off each end. You can then slice the squash into rounds or lengthwise into halves, and then into slices. The slices should be between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick. Thicker slices will hold their shape better and cook more evenly.

Place the squash slices into a bowl and add olive oil, water, broth, or garlic-infused oil. You can also add seasonings like salt, pepper, and vegetable seasoning. Toss the bowl to combine the ingredients and ensure the squash slices are evenly coated.

Next, place the squash slices into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out evenly and not sticking together. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the squash in batches. Air fry the squash for 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F, or 12 to 14 minutes at 450°F, until they are golden brown and crispy. You can also cook at 450°F for 5 minutes, toss the basket, and then cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Once the squash is cooked, sprinkle with a little more salt and pepper, if desired. You can also add fresh herbs or vegan parmesan. Enjoy your summer squash as a side dish or add it to pasta sauces, curries, or stews.

Yellow squash in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook yellow squash in an air fryer. It is a great way to cook roasted vegetables with a browned colour and delicious taste. It is also a quick and easy way to cook squash, which is perfect for a busy weeknight.

To cook yellow squash in an air fryer, first, wash the squash. You can leave the skin on as it is not necessary to peel yellow squash. Then, slice the squash into rounds about 1/2 an inch thick. Cut the rounds into halves or quarters so that the squash is bite-sized. Next, put the squash slices into a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. You can also add spices such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the slices with a spoon to coat them completely with the spices.

Now, place the squash in the air fryer basket. Make sure the basket is not overcrowded, as this will make the squash mushy instead of crispy. Air fry the squash at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 10 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy. If you want to check whether the squash is done, it should be brown on the edges and not mushy in the middle.

You can also add other seasonings to your yellow squash. For example, you can replace the garlic powder with Italian seasoning, herbs de Provence, or lemon pepper seasoning. You can even add some chilli powder for an extra kick.

Yellow squash is a great summer side dish and can be a delicious and convenient way to cook this vegetable.

Seasoning and spices for air-fried squash

There are many different seasoning and spice combinations that can be used for air-fried squash. The seasonings you choose will depend on the type of squash you are cooking, as well as your personal preferences.

For butternut squash, a mix of onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and brown sugar is a great option. You can also add cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, and swap the brown sugar for maple syrup.

If you're cooking acorn squash, you might want to try a sweeter option with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar, or a savoury choice with garlic, onion, and oregano. Honey can be used instead of brown sugar to reduce the calories.

For a Southern-fried squash, a mixture of breadcrumbs and cornmeal is used for the breading, with a three-step method of coating each piece in flour, then egg, and finally the seasoned breadcrumb and cornmeal mixture. You can also add fresh parsley to this recipe.

Other spice and seasoning options for air-fried squash include Cajun, Creole, taco seasoning, Parmesan or asiago cheese, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, dill, and nutmeg.

Frequently asked questions