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

Cooking butternut squash in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this winter vegetable. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or incorporated into salads, grain bowls, soups, and wraps. The air fryer cooks the squash faster than an oven, yielding tender, golden, and slightly crispy squash cubes in half the time.

Choosing the right butternut squash

When choosing a butternut squash, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get a good one. Firstly, look for a squash that is heavy for its size. The overall size doesn't matter, but you want one that has some weight to it. This is an indication of its freshness and ripeness.

Secondly, pay attention to the shape. Choose a butternut squash with a longer and broader neck compared to the rounded bottom. The neck of the squash has more solid meat, so you'll get more out of it. A longer neck will also mean less peeling and chopping. Look for one that is fairly even in shape and width, as this will make it easier to chop into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.

The colour of the squash is also important. A good butternut squash should have a deep brown stem and a dark beige body. Avoid any with green spots or streaks, as this means they are not fully ripened. A pale spot on the body is fine, as this is just where the squash was lying on the ground in the field. You don't want one that is shiny or waxy, as this indicates it was picked too early. Go for a squash with a matte finish and even colour.

The thickness of the shell is another indicator of a good butternut squash. It should have a hard exterior; use your fingernail to gently prick the surface, and if your nail goes through easily, choose another. A firm, hard shell will ensure the squash has a good bite to it when cooked.

If you're buying pre-cut squash to save time, make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the size of the pieces. Smaller pieces will cook faster, so you may need to cut them down further to ensure even cooking.

Preparing the squash

If you want to save time, you can buy pre-cut butternut squash. However, keep in mind that these pieces are usually larger, so you may need to cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, you can also use pre-chopped bagged squash as a shortcut.

Once you have your cubed squash, place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil or any other cooking oil of your choice, such as avocado or vegetable oil. Avoid using cooking sprays, as these can damage the non-stick coating in your air fryer basket. Toss the cubes with the oil to coat them evenly.

Now it's time to season your squash. You can use a variety of spices, such as onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, cinnamon, or pumpkin pie spice. You can also add a small amount of brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey to elevate the flavours. Give the squash a good mix to ensure that the spices and oil are well combined.

Seasoning and oiling the squash

When it comes to seasoning, the options are endless. A simple option is to season with salt and pepper, but you can also add spices like onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper for a savoury kick. If you like your food on the sweeter side, cinnamon, brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey can be added for a fall-inspired dessert-like flavour. A small amount of brown sugar can also elevate savoury dishes. Fresh herbs like rosemary, oregano, sage, or thyme can be added after cooking for a nice touch of freshness.

If you want to spice things up, a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chilli powder before air frying will do the trick. For a savoury and sweet combination, try a mix of onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and a small amount of brown sugar. You can also add cranberries, pecans, and feta cheese to your butternut squash for a satisfying meal. Just remember, if you are adding maple syrup or honey, do so after cooking to avoid burning.

Cooking the squash

First, prepare the squash by peeling it with a vegetable peeler and chopping off the top and bottom. Then, cut the squash in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds. Next, cut the squash into cubes. The size of the cubes will determine the cooking time, with smaller cubes requiring less time in the air fryer. For even cooking, it is important to cut the squash into evenly sized pieces.

Place the cubed squash into a medium-sized mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil. Toss the squash to coat it evenly with oil. You can also add spices to the mixing bowl, such as onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat. Alternatively, you can season the squash with cinnamon, maple syrup, or brown sugar after cooking for a sweet finish.

Transfer the seasoned squash to the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there is space between the pieces for air to circulate. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the squash from getting crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, it may be necessary to cook the squash in batches.

Set the air fryer temperature to between 340°F and 400°F. The exact temperature and cooking time will depend on the size of your squash pieces and the specific model of your air fryer. For smaller cubes, a temperature of 380°F for 18 minutes is recommended, while larger pieces may require a lower temperature of 340°F for 20 to 23 minutes. Shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even browning and to avoid uneven cooking.

Once the squash is golden brown and fork-tender, it is ready to be served. Air fryer butternut squash makes a delicious and healthy side dish, and can also be added to salads, grain bowls, or enjoyed plain on its own. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Storing and reheating the squash

Before storing your butternut squash, let the leftovers reach room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge. If you're storing chopped butternut squash before cooking, it can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cooked leftovers will last in the fridge for 3–5 days.

To reheat your air-fried butternut squash, place it in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 3–5 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through reheating to ensure even cooking. You can also reheat the squash by sautéing it with a little oil or microwaving it, but it won't turn out crispy.

If you want to freeze your butternut squash, flash-freeze the pieces on a baking tray, then store them in a Ziplock bag for 3–4 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving. Frozen squash may not get as crispy or caramelized as fresh squash.

Frequently asked questions