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

Acorn squash is a delicious and healthy treat that can be made in an air fryer with very little prep time. It is a great side dish for a mid-week meal or even Thanksgiving. You can cook it in an air fryer with just a few simple steps and a handful of ingredients. The best part? It's quicker than roasting it in an oven and leaves a unique nutty taste that is hard to resist.

How to cut and prepare acorn squash for air frying

To cut and prepare acorn squash for air frying, start by washing and drying the squash. Then, use a heavy, sharp knife to carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise. You can cut along the grooves of the squash, and if your knife can't slice through the stem, it should snap off or can be cut after air frying. Next, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and the stringy parts around them, which you can discard or wash and dry to roast later.

You can then cut the squash halves into thinner slices or half-moon shapes, which will be easier to eat and will cook faster. Place the cut squash in a medium-sized bowl and coat it with oil and your choice of sweet or savoury seasonings, or a simple mixture of melted butter and maple syrup. Mix well to ensure all the squash pieces are coated.

Finally, place the seasoned squash pieces into the air fryer basket, cut-side up, and air fry at 350°F to 375°F for 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the level of doneness you prefer. The squash is done when it is fork-tender and the edges are golden brown.

Seasoning and flavour combinations

Acorn squash has a nutty taste and goes well with both sweet and savoury seasonings. A simple seasoning combination is vegan butter with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. For a sweet flavour, you can add maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar. You can also add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a warming depth. For a savoury flavour, season with garlic, onion, oregano, or olive oil.

• Maple syrup, cinnamon, and butter
• Honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg
• Garlic, onion, and oregano
• Olive oil, honey, and cinnamon
• Brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt
• Butter, sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper
• Butter and maple syrup
• Olive oil and salt and pepper

Air frying temperature and timings

The air-frying temperature and timings for acorn squash depend on the size and thickness of the squash, the type of air fryer, and your desired texture. Acorn squash can be cooked whole or cut into halves or quarter-moon slices, which will also affect the cooking time.

If you are cooking the squash whole, one source recommends preheating your air fryer to 325°F and cooking for 20 minutes, then adding Italian sausage patties and cooking for another 10 minutes. Another source recommends preheating to 350°F and cooking for 18 to 25 minutes.

If you are cooking the squash in halves, one source recommends preheating to 325°F and cooking cut-side up for 20 minutes, then increasing the temperature to 375°F and cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Another source recommends cooking at 480°F for about 15 minutes or until tender, reducing the heat to 400°F if it is browning too quickly (total cooking time of 20 to 25 minutes).

If you are cooking the squash in quarter-moon slices, one source recommends cooking at 375°F for 16 to 20 minutes, flipping and rotating the slices halfway through.

Compared to roasting acorn squash in an oven, which can take 45 minutes or more, including preheating time, air frying is a much faster method.

Storing and reheating acorn squash

Acorn squash is a member of the winter squash family and can be stored very well in the cold months. Uncut ripe squash can be stored in a cool, dark, and dry area and can last for between 1 to 2 months. It is best to avoid storing it at room temperature in high temperatures as it can cause the squash to become stringy.

Ideally, only cut or cooked acorn squash should be refrigerated. Whole squash will suffer chill damage at temperatures below 50 F, and dry, hot air will cause a loss of moisture, resulting in a shorter shelf life. It is best to plan on using the acorn squash within two weeks of purchase as you will not know how long it has been in storage and under what conditions. Once cut, wrap the raw pieces in plastic wrap and refrigerate, using it within four days.

Cooked acorn squash can be sealed and refrigerated for up to four to five days. To freeze leftover cooked acorn squash, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze overnight. Then, move the squash to an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to six months.

To reheat the squash, you can use the air fryer at 350 F for 5 to 6 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for 45 to 90 seconds, or the oven at 400 F for about 10 minutes.

Serving suggestions

Acorn squash is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Side Dish

Acorn squash is a perfect side dish for fall and winter meals. Its natural sweetness makes it appealing to both children and adults, and it pairs well with a variety of proteins. Serve it alongside chicken tenders, pork chops, burgers, or salads. It can also be served with grains like rice, quinoa, or farro.

As a Main Course

For a heartier meal, serve the acorn squash as a main course. It can be stuffed with cheese and vegetables or served with a yogurt dipping sauce. You can also sprinkle feta cheese and pomegranate seeds on top for added flavour and visual appeal.

In Recipes

Acorn squash can be used in a variety of recipes. It can be mashed, chopped up, and added to soups, casseroles, or other dishes. It can be used in place of starchy vegetables like potatoes, butternut squash, or pumpkin.

Seasonings and Flavours

When it comes to seasonings, acorn squash is very versatile. It can be served sweet or savoury. For a sweet option, brush the squash with maple syrup, honey, or a mixture of melted butter and maple syrup. You can also add cinnamon for a sweet and spicy flavour. For a savoury option, brush the squash with olive oil or melted butter, and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Presentation

Acorn squash can be served in different ways depending on your preference. It can be cut into small pieces or slices, or served in halves. You can also serve it in the shell, which adds a unique presentation to your dish.

Frequently asked questions