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

Air fryer acorn squash is a simple, delicious, and healthy dish that can be made in under 40 minutes. It is a great option for those looking for a tasty fall or winter treat that is low in calories but packed with nutrients. The air fryer gives the squash a nice crisp and cuts down on cooking time compared to baking it in the oven. The skin of the acorn squash is edible, but some people prefer to scrape out the insides. The squash can be seasoned in a variety of ways, including sweet, savoury, or spicy options.

Acorn squash in the air fryer: preparation and cooking time

Acorn squash is a delicious and healthy fall treat that can be easily prepared in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make this tasty dish:

Preparation:

First, wash the outside of the acorn squash to remove any dirt. Then, using a sharp chef's knife, carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise. You can cut through the stem or carefully slice along one of the grooves. Next, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and any stringy bits from the centre of the squash. You can choose to discard the seeds or wash, dry, and roast them separately.

Cooking:

Place the squash halves into the air fryer basket, cut side up. If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 325°F for 5 minutes. For squash halves, air fry at 325°F for 20 minutes. For sliced squash, preheat to 350°F and air fry at the same temperature for 18-25 minutes.

After the initial cooking time, remove the squash from the air fryer. Spread butter over the flesh of each half and sprinkle with your desired seasonings. Some popular options include brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and savoury dish. You can also try a mix of olive oil, salt, and pepper for a more bland flavour profile.

Return the squash to the air fryer and increase the temperature to 375-400°F. Air fry for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the squash is golden brown and tender.

Tips:

• Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the size and thickness of your squash. Check on the squash during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn't overcook.
• Acorn squash is typically found in grocery stores during the fall and winter months.
• The skin of acorn squash is edible, but some people prefer to scrape out the insides. The skin softens as it cooks and becomes easier to peel, so you can choose to eat it or not after cooking.
• You can serve acorn squash as a side dish or main course, and it pairs well with a variety of proteins and other sides.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy air-fried acorn squash!

How to cut and season acorn squash for the air fryer

Acorn squash is a tasty and nutritious treat, and it's super simple to make in an air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cut and season acorn squash for the air fryer:

Cutting the Acorn Squash:

• Start by washing the outside of the acorn squash to remove any dirt.
• Using a sharp and heavy kitchen knife, carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise, from the top of the stem to the bottom.
• Use a dinner spoon to scoop out the seeds and any stringy parts from the center of the squash. You can discard the seeds or save them for roasting later.
• (Optional) Score the inside of the squash with your knife. This can help with the cooking process and absorption of flavours.

Seasoning the Acorn Squash:

There are several ways to season your acorn squash, depending on your taste preferences:

• Basic seasoning: Drizzle olive oil over the cut sides of the squash and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Sweet option: Mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Rub this mixture generously over the flesh of the squash.
• Savoury option: Add butter and a sprinkle of salt to the squash cavities. You can also add some chopped garlic for extra flavour.

What to serve with acorn squash

Acorn squash is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course. It pairs well with a variety of proteins and salads, and can be stuffed or served as is. Here are some ideas for what to serve with acorn squash:

Proteins

• Pork tenderloin or pork chops
• Chicken or turkey sausage
• Chicken breast
• Crispy pork chops
• Salmon
• Steak
• Chicken sausage
• Italian sausage
• Chicken parmesan
• Baked chicken

Salads

• Autumn salad with apple, cranberries, spinach, feta, and a maple vinaigrette
• Broccoli, cranberry, and bacon salad
• Shaved brussel sprout salad with cranberries and apples

Stuffing

• Quinoa
• Rice and meat
• Wild rice
• Breadcrumbs
• Sausage
• Spinach
• Mushrooms
• Parmesan cheese
• Pesto
• Feta cheese
• Pine nuts
• Crumbled cheese
• Ground beef
• Lentils
• Apples
• Breadcrumbs

Other Sides

• Roasted winter vegetables
• Baked sweet potato
• Onion rings
• Roasted asparagus
• Mashed acorn squash

Health benefits of acorn squash

Acorn squash is a nutritious food with a range of health benefits. Firstly, it is rich in antioxidants, which can neutralise harmful molecules called free radicals. This helps to protect against health issues such as arthritis, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and certain cancers.

Acorn squash is also a good source of vitamin A, which is important for eye health, and vitamin C, which supports the immune system. It is also a good source of B vitamins, which are involved in red blood cell production and metabolism, as well as the electrolytes magnesium and potassium, which are critical for muscle function and blood pressure regulation.

Acorn squash is also a good source of fibre, which is important for digestive health and can help to prevent constipation, support regular bowel movements and strengthen the immune system.

In addition, acorn squash can help to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. This is because it provides a good ratio of heart-healthy vitamins to calories. Studies have shown that carotenoids like those found in acorn squash can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease when they come from food sources.

Finally, acorn squash is low in calories but high in nutrients, making it a healthy and nutritious food choice.

How to make mashed acorn squash

• Wash the acorn squash to remove any dirt.
• Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise. You can do this by using a sharp, heavy kitchen knife and slicing through the stem.
• Use a spoon to scoop out and remove the seeds and any stringy parts from the centre of the squash.
• If desired, you can now add some butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and/or cayenne pepper to the squash.
• Place the squash halves into the air fryer basket, cut side up. Please note that depending on the size of your air fryer, you may only be able to fit one half at a time.
• Air fry the squash at 325-375°F for 20 minutes.
• If you have not already added butter, you can now flip the squash halves over and add a pat of butter to the centre of each.
• Air fry the squash for an additional 10-15 minutes at 375-400°F until the squash is fork-tender.
• Once the squash is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly.
• Scoop out the flesh of the squash and place it in a bowl.
• Mash the squash with a fork or potato masher until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Serve and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions