Air-Fryer Delicata Squash: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryer delicata squash is a quick and easy side dish that can be made in under 20 minutes. It is a tasty, healthy alternative to fries and is suitable for a range of diets, including low-carb, keto, Whole30, vegan and gluten-free. The skin of the delicata squash is edible, so there is no need to peel it. Simply scrub the skin, cut the squash into slices or rings, add oil and seasoning, and cook in the air fryer for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

How to cut and prepare delicata squash for the air fryer

To cut and prepare delicata squash for the air fryer, start by washing the squash under cold running water. You want to make sure the skin is nice and clean since you're going to be eating it. Pat the squash dry with paper towels or a kitchen towel.

With a sharp knife, trim both ends of the squash, then cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and pulp by scraping the inside with a spoon. You can also cut the squash into rings by slicing it whole, and then pull the seeds out from inside the rings at the end. No method is better than the other!

Next, slice the delicata squash into half-moon rings that are about 1/4-inch thick. Try to make them close in size so they cook evenly. The thinner they are, the quicker they'll cook, and vice versa.

Now you're ready to season and air-fry your delicata squash!

Some seasoning ideas include:

• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder
• Avocado oil, garlic powder, fresh rosemary, and sea salt
• Olive oil, salt, and rosemary
• Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, with maple syrup drizzled on top after cooking
• Chili powder and cayenne pepper
• Curry powder, cinnamon, and black pepper
• Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese

How to season delicata squash

Delicata squash is a versatile vegetable that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some ideas for how to season delicata squash:

Sweet Seasonings

For a sweeter taste, you can sprinkle the squash with cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. Drizzling maple syrup over the cooked squash will also add a touch of sweetness. For an extra sweet kick, try using sugar-free maple syrup or honey.

Spicy Seasonings

If you prefer your food with a bit of a kick, try using chilli powder and cayenne pepper to season your delicata squash. This combination will give it a nice spicy flavour.

Savoury Seasonings

For a more savoury taste, there are several options you can consider. One option is to use garlic powder and fresh rosemary, which will give the squash an earthy, garlicky flavour with a hint of pine. Another option is to use Italian seasoning, black pepper, or Cajun seasoning. You could also try a curry powder blend, combining curry powder with a small amount of cinnamon and black pepper.

Other Seasoning Ideas

Other seasonings that can be used include smoked paprika, oregano, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also get creative and experiment with your own favourite spice blends. Additionally, balsamic vinegar, grated Parmesan cheese, and a touch of sugar-free maple syrup or cinnamon can be added after cooking for extra flavour.

How to cook delicata squash in the air fryer

Air fryer delicata squash is a quick and easy side dish, perfect for autumn. With the air fryer, you can have roasted delicata squash on the table in about 15 to 20 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook delicata squash in an air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Delicata Squash

Start by washing the delicata squash, as you will be eating the skin. Cut off both ends of the squash, then slice it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and any stringy parts from the middle of each half.

Step 2: Slice the Squash

You can slice the squash into 1/4-inch thick rings or half-moon shapes. If you prefer, you can also cut the squash into fry shapes. The thickness of the slices will determine the cooking time and the level of crispiness. Thinner slices will result in crispier squash.

Step 3: Season the Squash

Place the squash slices in a medium to large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, avocado oil, or a neutral oil of your choice. You can also use a spray oil or cooking spray instead. Add your desired seasonings and toss the squash to coat evenly.

For a savoury option, try a combination of salt, garlic powder, and fresh or dried rosemary. If you prefer sweeter flavours, a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey will complement the natural sweetness of the squash. You can also experiment with other seasonings like Italian seasoning, curry powder, chili powder, or smoked paprika.

Step 4: Air Fry the Delicata Squash

Preheat your air fryer, if necessary. Place the seasoned squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that the pieces do not overlap. Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook for 10 to 14 minutes.

It is important to shake or turn the squash halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crisping on both sides. Depending on the thickness of your squash slices and the power of your air fryer, you may need to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the squash is browned and crispy.

Your air-fried delicata squash is now ready to be served! It is best enjoyed fresh and hot right out of the air fryer. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.

How to store and reheat delicata squash

Storing delicata squash is easy. You don't need to refrigerate it; simply keep it in a cool, dry location. To prevent rot, store it on a surface with good air circulation, such as a metal basket, colander, or perforated container. This squash will keep for weeks and sometimes even months when stored in a dry location, making it ideal for winter storage.

When it comes to reheating delicata squash, there are a few options. You can enjoy it hot straight out of the oven, at room temperature, or cold. If you have leftovers, you can gently reheat them in a skillet with a little extra butter. Alternatively, you can use your cooked squash in various recipes, such as adding it to soups, salads, or even making pancakes or pies.

What to serve with delicata squash

Delicata squash is a versatile ingredient that can be served as a side dish or incorporated into a main course. Here are some ideas on what to serve with it:

Side Dishes

Delicata squash can be served as a tasty and healthy side dish to complement a variety of main courses. Its mild and creamy flavour, with a hint of sweetness, makes it a great option to pair with heartier dishes. Some specific side dish ideas include:

• Salads: Delicata squash can be a great addition to a variety of salads, such as a Harvest Salad with Pickled Pomegranate Seeds, a Kale Caesar Salad, or a Roasted Delicata Squash, Pomegranate and Arugula Salad.
• Roasted vegetables: Try roasting delicata squash with other vegetables like grapes, chicken, or even on its own with herbs like rosemary.
• Hash browns: The natural sweetness of delicata squash pairs well with the savoury goodness of fried eggs and bacon in a hearty breakfast hash.

Main Courses

Delicata squash can also be incorporated into main courses, adding a touch of sweetness and creaminess to the dish. Some specific main course ideas include:

• Pasta: Delicata squash goes well with pasta, especially when paired with herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme. Try a Fall Delicata Squash Pasta or a Walnut Sage Pesto Pasta with Roasted Delicata Squash.
• Tacos: Give Taco night an autumnal spin by filling your tortillas with black beans and roasted delicata squash.
• Stuffed squash: Delicata squash can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as quinoa and chickpeas, spinach and beans, or sausage and peppers.
• Soups: Delicata squash adds a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness to soups, like a Delicata Squash Soup with Crispy Garlic Chickpeas or a Golden Delicata Squash Soup with Garlic Chickpeas.
• Gratin: Combine delicata squash with tomatoes or sausage, peppers, and cheese for a hearty gratin.
• Casseroles: Delicata squash is a great addition to casseroles, such as a Delicata Squash Cassoulet with Roasted Garlic or a Delicata Squash and Sausage Gratin.

With its mild flavour and creamy texture, delicata squash is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. So feel free to experiment and find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions