Air-Fryer Butternut Squash: A Healthy, Quick Treat?

Butternut squash is a versatile and nutrient-dense vegetable that can be prepared in a variety of ways. One popular method is to cook it in an air fryer, which results in a crispy and flavorful dish with a slightly crispy exterior and tender interior. This technique is quicker than oven-roasting and gives the squash a roasted taste without actually roasting it.

How to prepare butternut squash for the air fryer

Preparing butternut squash for the air fryer is a simple process, and a great way to cook this tasty vegetable. You can cut the squash into cubes or fries, season with your choice of spices, and cook until tender.

Step 1: Cut the Squash

First, you'll want to cut your butternut squash into either cubes or french fry shapes. The size of your cubes will affect the cooking time, so try to keep them around 1-inch in size. You can also cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and roast the halves.

Step 2: Season the Squash

Once your squash is cut, it's time to season it. You can use a variety of spices, such as olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, cinnamon, or nutmeg. Simply toss the squash with your chosen seasonings in a mixing bowl until it's evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook the Squash

Now it's time to cook your squash! Place the seasoned squash into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the pieces aren't overlapping too much. Set your air fryer to around 340-400°F (180°C) and cook for 12-25 minutes, depending on the size and shape of your squash pieces. Remember to shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even browning and cooking.

Tips and Tricks

• You can buy pre-cut butternut squash to save time.
• If you're using an aerosol cooking spray, avoid PAM or similar products as these can damage the coating of your air fryer basket.
• If you want to add a sweet touch to your squash, try tossing it with maple syrup or brown sugar before cooking.
• For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix.

Seasoning options

There are several seasoning options you can use to add flavour to your butternut squash when cooking it in an air fryer.

Savoury

If you want to create a savoury dish, you can use spices such as onion powder, garlic powder, sweet or smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. You can also add a small amount of brown sugar to enhance the savoury flavour. Alternatively, you can use a combination of dried rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, or Italian seasoning.

Sweet

For a sweeter flavour, you can add maple syrup or brown sugar, along with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. You can also try honey or nutmeg.

Spicy

For a spicy kick, you can add chilli powder, cumin, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Cheesy

For a cheesy flavour, you can top the butternut squash with grated parmesan cheese during the cooking process.

Sauces and dips

You can also serve your air-fried butternut squash with a variety of sauces or dips, such as tahini, honey, or a spicy kick like chipotle mayo or Chick-Fil-A sauce.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried butternut squash can vary depending on the size of the squash and the specific air fryer being used. It is recommended to keep an eye on the squash while it cooks and adjust the time and temperature as needed. Here are some general guidelines for cooking times and temperatures:

• For cubed butternut squash, cook at 340-356°F for 15-25 minutes.
• For halved butternut squash, cook at 356°F for 30 minutes.
• For French fry-shaped butternut squash, cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.

When cooking cubed or halved butternut squash, it is important to ensure that the pieces are in a single layer in the air fryer basket and not overcrowded. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking and caramelization. You may need to shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even browning and cooking.

It is also recommended to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the squash. This helps to ensure even cooking and can improve the final result.

Additionally, the type of oil or cooking spray used can impact the cooking time and temperature. Some oils, such as avocado oil, olive oil, or grapeseed oil, have a higher smoke point and are better suited for air frying. It is best to avoid cooking sprays like PAM, as they can damage the non-stick coating in the air fryer.

How to store leftover squash

When storing leftover squash, it's important to note the difference between whole, uncut squash, and cut or cooked squash. Whole, uncut squash should be stored in a cool, dark place, like a basement or closet, and not in the refrigerator, as the humidity will cause the squash to deteriorate. Under the right storage conditions, your butternut squash should last two to three months.

If you have cut butternut squash, it should be wrapped securely or placed in a resealable plastic bag or container before being stored in the refrigerator. Cut squash can be kept for up to five days.

Cooked butternut squash should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and should be used within four to five days.

You can also freeze butternut squash. Cut the squash into cubes and spread them out on a cookie sheet to flash freeze. Then, transfer the frozen squash to a freezer-safe container or plastic bag. Frozen squash will keep for up to a year, although it is best used within six months.

Other air fryer recipes

Butternut squash is not the only food you can cook in an air fryer. Here are some other air fryer recipes you can try:

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Air fryer chicken wings are some of the crispiest, juiciest wings you can make outside of a restaurant, and they take under an hour to cook.

Air Fryer Blooming Onion

If your go-to at Outback is a blooming onion, you'll love this air fryer version.

Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Air fryer mozzarella sticks are made entirely from kitchen staples, meaning you can indulge in this crispy, gooey snack whenever you like.

Air Fryer Tater Tots

These hot and crispy air fryer tater tots taste just like the ones from your favourite burger joint.

Air Fryer French Fries

An easy way to make crispy-on-the-outside, creamy-on-the-inside fries, with no deep-frying required.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

For the crispiest chicken tenders, look to the air fryer. Don't forget your favourite dipping sauce!

Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Thanks to the high fan speed and concentrated heat of the air fryer, these chocolate chip cookies are crispy on the outside and perfectly gooey on the inside.

Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls

These air fryer cinnamon rolls, which start with a tube of crescent roll dough, are ready in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them.

Air Fryer Baked Potato

A crispy air fryer baked potato is fluffy and tender on the inside and shatteringly crisp on the outside, thanks to the high fan speed and concentrated heat of the air fryer.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Cooked in the air fryer, these sweet potato fries are irresistibly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and kissed all over with a simple seasoning mix. Best of all, they’re ready in just 15 minutes.

Frequently asked questions