Tillie Doyle
Air-fried butternut squash is a quick, simple, and healthy dish that can be made in a variety of ways. It is a great addition to salads, grain bowls, soups, and wraps, or can be served as a side dish. The cooking time for butternut squash cubes in an air fryer depends on the size of the cubes and the specific air fryer being used. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook butternut squash cubes in an air fryer, including preparation and cooking times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 15-35 minutes |
| Temperature | 180°C (356°F) or 390°F or 400°F |
| Preparation | Peel, deseed, and cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or cooking spray |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, cinnamon, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, maple syrup |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut butternut squash cubes
To cut a butternut squash into cubes, you will need a butternut squash, a vegetable peeler, a wooden cutting board, and a sharp chef's knife. It is important to use a sharp knife, as the skin of a butternut squash is thick and firm, making the vegetable hard to cut.
First, rinse the butternut squash to wash off any surface dirt. Then, place the squash on a cutting board and use the knife to slice off the stem and bottom. Next, cut the squash in half crosswise at the base of the neck, right before the bottom curves out. Cut the squash lengthwise, making your slices much closer together. Then, slice those thinner slabs into much thinner matchsticks. Finally, cut the matchsticks into cubes. Depending on your desired cube size, you can make them anywhere from roughly one-eighth to three-quarters of an inch.
If you are having trouble cutting the squash, you can soften it first. To do this, make several small slits in the skin of the squash to allow steam to escape. Then, place the squash in the microwave and cook on high for 2 to 3 minutes. The squash will be hot when you take it out, so use a towel or oven mitts to handle it. You can also soften the squash by roasting it in the oven before cutting it.
Once you have cut your butternut squash into cubes, you can either use them in recipes right away or store them for later. To store, place the cubes in an airtight bag or container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze the cubes by spreading them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and placing them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will keep for up to 10 to 12 months.
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Air fryer temperature and time
The temperature and time for cooking butternut squash cubes in an air fryer depend on the size of the cubes and the capacity of the air fryer. It is important to cut the butternut squash into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may also vary depending on the specific air fryer model.
For 1/2-inch cubes, the ideal temperature is 390°F for 15 minutes. It is recommended to toss the cubes every 5 minutes for even cooking and to achieve a crispy, golden finish.
For 1-inch cubes, the cooking time will be longer. One source recommends cooking at 390°F for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Another suggests cooking at 340°F for 20 to 23 minutes, shaking the basket a few times to ensure even browning and cooking. A third option is to cook at 180°C (356°F) for 30 minutes.
If you are using pre-cut butternut squash cubes, the cooking time may need to be adjusted based on their size. Smaller pieces may cook faster, while larger pieces may require additional time. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation, which is necessary for crisping and caramelizing the cubes.
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Oil and seasoning
The first step to achieving perfectly seasoned butternut squash cubes is to select the right oil. You can use extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or melted butter. It is recommended to avoid cooking sprays like PAM, as they can damage the non-stick coating in your air fryer basket.
Once you have chosen your oil, the next step is to prepare the butternut squash cubes. Place the cubes into a medium-sized mixing bowl and drizzle or toss them with the oil. You can also add a small amount of maple syrup or honey at this stage for extra flavour. Ensure the cubes are evenly coated by tossing or stirring the mixture.
Now it's time to add the seasonings. A simple option is to season the cubes with salt and pepper, but you can also get creative with spices such as onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and brown sugar. If you want to spice things up, add a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chili powder. Fresh herbs like rosemary, oregano, sage, or thyme can also be added after the squash is cooked.
After the cubes are seasoned, spread them across a large parchment-lined baking tray or directly into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space in between each cube to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will prevent the air from circulating properly and affect the caramelization process.
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Storing and reheating
Storing:
It is important to store your cooked butternut squash cubes properly to maintain their freshness and quality. Always store them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to four days when stored this way.
If you have chopped butternut squash that you haven't cooked yet, you can also store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Additionally, you can freeze butternut squash cubes for longer-term storage. Spread the cubes on a baking tray and flash-freeze them, then transfer them to a Ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to three to four months.
Reheating:
When it's time to enjoy your butternut squash cubes again, you have a few options for reheating:
- Air fryer: Place the cubes back into the air fryer at 350ºF for three to six minutes. This method will ensure they are warmed through and retain their crispy texture.
- Stovetop: Sauté the cubes in a pan with a small amount of oil over medium heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: If you're short on time, you can quickly reheat them in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 30 to 45 seconds until warmed through. However, microwaving will not give them the crispy texture that the air fryer or stovetop methods provide.
It is important to note that if you have added specific seasonings, such as garlic sage, it is recommended to skip the air fryer when reheating and opt for the microwave instead to preserve the flavors.
Now you can enjoy your delicious and crispy butternut squash cubes any time you like!
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Serving suggestions
Air-fried butternut squash is a versatile dish that can be served in multiple ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Salads
Add a warm, hearty element to your green salads by tossing in air-fried butternut cubes. They pair well with kale, spinach, or arugula, drizzled with a balsamic dressing. You can also use them in a butternut squash salad or a quinoa salad. For a nutritious grain bowl, use quinoa or wild rice as the base, topped with air-fried butternut squash, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and a dollop of ricotta or feta cheese.
Proteins
Serve your butternut squash as a side dish alongside a protein of your choice for a full, balanced meal. It goes well with roasted chicken, crispy baked pork chops, or tofu. You can also add it to scrambled eggs for a healthy breakfast side.
Pastas
Try adding roasted butternut squash to your pasta dishes. For example, you can make a roasted butternut squash pasta with tahini sauce.
Dips
Serve the air-fried butternut squash snack-style with a dipping sauce on the side. They taste great with a creamy garlic aioli, herbed yogurt sauce, or whipped feta dip.
Soups and Wraps
Air-fried butternut squash can be added to soups and wraps, either on its own or with other ingredients.
Seasonings
You can season your air-fried butternut squash with a variety of spices and oils. Try a mix of onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. You can also add a small amount of brown sugar or maple syrup to elevate the flavors. For a pinch of sweetness, add some cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
Reheating
To reheat, place the leftover squash in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 375°F for 1-2 minutes. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven, regular oven, or microwave, but note that the squash will get soft if microwaved.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking time depends on the size of the butternut squash cubes and the air fryer model. For 1/2-inch cubes, cook for 15 minutes at 390°F. For 1-inch cubes, cook for 20 minutes at 340°F or 30-35 minutes at 375°F/190°C.
First, peel the butternut squash and slice it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and chop off the top and bottom. Then, cut the squash into cubes. Place the cubes in a bowl and toss with oil, salt, and pepper.
The ideal temperature for cooking butternut squash cubes in an air fryer is between 340°F and 400°F. However, different air fryer models may require slightly different temperatures, so it is important to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer.
The butternut squash cubes are done when they are fork-tender and golden. To achieve this, shake the air fryer basket a few times while cooking to ensure even cooking.
