Air-Fryer Squash: A Quick Fix?

Yes, you can cook squash in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to make a delicious, healthy side dish with minimal effort and oil. Whether you're using butternut, acorn, delicata, or yellow squash, the air fryer will produce a tasty, browned result without the mushiness that comes from boiling or roasting.

How to cut and prepare squash for the air fryer

Preparing squash for the air fryer is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, you can start preparing your squash. For yellow squash, trim the two ends off each vegetable. Then, slice them in half lengthwise, from end to end. Cut each half into slices, around 3/4-inch thick. For other types of squash, such as butternut, delicata, or acorn, you can leave the skin on. Slice off each end of the squash and cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out any seeds and then cut the squash into slices about 1/4 inch thick.

Next, place the squash slices into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You can also add other seasonings at this point, such as salt and pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. Toss the squash slices well to ensure they are evenly coated.

Finally, transfer the squash to the basket of your air fryer. Spread them out into a single layer, or as close to a single layer as possible. If you have too much squash to fit in a single layer, you may need to cook it in batches.

And that's it! You're now ready to air fry your squash. Depending on your desired level of doneness, it should take around 8-10 minutes for the squash to cook. Enjoy!

How to season squash for the air fryer

There are a variety of ways to season squash for the air fryer, depending on your taste preferences and the type of squash you are using. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning squash before air frying:

Choosing the Squash:

Firstly, select the type of squash you want to cook. Yellow squash, zucchini, butternut squash, acorn squash, and delicata squash are all great options for air frying. You can use one type or a combination of different squashes.

Preparing the Squash:

Wash the squash thoroughly. Cut off both ends of the squash, and then slice it lengthwise into halves or quarters. For larger squashes like butternut or acorn squash, scoop out any seeds. Cut the squash into slices or chunks that are about ¼ to ½ inch thick. You can also leave the squash whole and slice it after cooking, which helps retain moisture and prevents mushy textures.

Seasoning Options:

• Oil and Basic Seasonings: Drizzle or toss the squash with olive oil, avocado oil, or garlic-infused oil. For a lighter option, use water or broth instead of oil. Then, season with salt and pepper. You can also add other basic seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or vegetable seasoning blends.
• Spices and Herbs: Experiment with different spices and herbs to add flavor to your squash. Try Italian herbs like oregano and basil, Asian five spice, curry powder, cumin, chili powder, coriander, or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. You can also use infused olive oils with various flavors.
• Sweet and Savory: For a sweet twist, toss the cooked squash with butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar. This combination tastes like dessert but still counts as a veggie serving!
• Cheesy: Add grated Parmesan cheese or Asiago cheese to the squash during the last few minutes of cooking for a savory, cheesy flavor.

Coating and Cooking:

After seasoning the squash, gently toss or mix the squash to ensure an even coating of oil and seasonings. Place the squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Air fry at temperatures between 390 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 20 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For even cooking, stir or flip the squash halfway through the cooking time.

How long to cook squash in the air fryer

Air fryer squash is a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook this vegetable. The cooking time will depend on the type of squash, the size of the squash, and the size of the air fryer.

For yellow squash, the air fryer should be preheated to 400°F. The squash should be sliced into 3/4-inch pieces, tossed in oil and seasoning, and then cooked for 5-8 minutes.

For butternut squash, the air fryer should be preheated to 340°F-356°F. The squash can be sliced into 1-inch cubes or 1.5cm cubes, tossed in oil and seasoning, and then cooked for 15-23 minutes. Alternatively, the squash can be sliced in half, seasoned, and cooked for 30 minutes.

For summer squash, the air fryer should be preheated to 400°F-450°F. The squash should be sliced into 1/4-1/2 inch rounds, tossed in oil and seasoning, and then cooked for 12-14 minutes.

What are the health benefits of cooking squash in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook squash in an air fryer! It's a great way to make a tasty and healthy side dish. Here are some of the health benefits of cooking squash in an air fryer:

Reduced Caloric Intake

Air fryers allow you to cook squash with minimal oil, helping you avoid excess oil and unnecessary fat. This leads to a reduced caloric intake compared to other cooking methods like deep frying.

Nutrient Preservation

Air fryers require less heat and have shorter cook times than traditional cooking methods. This helps preserve more of the squash's nutrients, ensuring you get the full health benefits of this vegetable.

Time Efficiency

Cooking squash in an air fryer is faster than using an oven. This not only saves you time in the kitchen but also means less time standing over a hot stove. You can also cook other dishes simultaneously in the oven, making it ideal for preparing multiple dishes.

Healthier Cooking Option

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying as they use little to no oil. This results in a crunchy texture similar to deep-fried foods without the added fat and calories. You can enjoy the same flavors with fewer calories and less guilt!

Easy and Convenient

Air fryers are easy to use and clean, making them a convenient addition to your kitchen. They don't require any special skills or tools to operate. Simply prepare your squash, season it to your taste, and place it in the air fryer for a delicious and healthy side dish.

What other vegetables can be cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook squash in an air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to cook the vegetable, and it comes out nicely browned without being too mushy.

Now, what other vegetables can be cooked in an air fryer? Well, pretty much any vegetable can be cooked in an air fryer except for leafy greens. Here are some ideas for vegetables that can be cooked in an air fryer:

• Zucchini or yellow squash
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Green beans
• Peppers
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Potatoes
• Avocado
• Eggplant
• Radishes
• Sweet potatoes
• Beets
• Pumpkin
• Artichokes
• Cabbage
• Corn on the cob
• Asparagus
• Peas

When cooking vegetables in an air fryer, it's important to note that you should not overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will cause the vegetables to steam and soften instead of browning and crisping. You should also cut the vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Frequently asked questions