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

Air fryer acorn squash is a quick and easy meal to prepare. The acorn squash is first cut in half, then brushed with butter and a variety of seasonings, before being placed in the air fryer basket and cooked for around 20 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the squash, as well as the temperature of the air fryer, which can vary from 325°F to 480°F.

How to prepare acorn squash for air frying

To prepare acorn squash for air frying, first wash and dry the squash. Then, cut it in half along the ribs and scrape out the seeds and pulp from each half. You can discard these or wash and dry the seeds to roast later.

Next, brush the squash with melted butter, or a maple glaze if you prefer a vegan option. You can also add spices at this stage, such as salt, cayenne pepper or brown sugar.

Place the squash in the air fryer basket, cut-side up, with space between each half. If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat it to 350F.

How to cook acorn squash in an air fryer

Cooking acorn squash in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. First, prepare the squash by washing and drying it, then cut it in half along the ribs. Scrape out the seeds and pulp from each half, and either discard them or wash and dry the seeds to roast later. Next, place the squash in the air fryer basket, cut-side up, and brush with melted butter. If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 325-350°F. Air fry the squash for 18-25 minutes, or until it can be easily pierced with a fork.

Once the squash is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and serve hot, or allow it to cool before peeling and mashing. You can also drizzle the squash with extra maple syrup and a sprinkle of sea salt or cayenne pepper.

The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the squash, as well as the temperature of your air fryer. If the squash isn't ready after the recommended cooking time, continue cooking in 5-7 minute increments until it is tender.

How to glaze acorn squash

To glaze acorn squash, you'll first need to prepare the squash. Wash and dry the squash, then cut it in half along the ribs. Scrape out the seeds and pulp from each half (you can discard these or wash and dry the seeds to roast later).

Next, you'll need to make your glaze. You can use a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and spices such as salt, cayenne pepper, or cinnamon. Brush the glaze generously over the open-faced squash halves.

Place the glazed squash halves in your air fryer basket, cut-side up, leaving space between them. Set your air fryer to 325°F-480°F and cook for 15-25 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your squash. If your squash isn't tender after 15 minutes, cook for an additional 5-7 minutes and check again.

Once the squash is fork-tender, it's ready to serve. You can drizzle with extra maple syrup and a sprinkle of sea salt, if desired.

How to serve acorn squash

Acorn squash is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

Firstly, prepare the acorn squash by washing, drying, and cutting it in half along the ribs. Scrape out the seeds and pulp, which can be discarded or washed, dried, and roasted later. Then, place the squash in the air fryer basket, cut-side up, and air fry at a temperature between 325°F and 480°F for 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness and the size and thickness of the squash.

Once the squash is cooked, it can be served in several ways. One option is to brush the squash halves with melted butter and top with a brown sugar mixture or maple syrup. Sprinkle with sea salt and cayenne pepper to taste. Another option is to drizzle the squash with extra maple syrup and a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet and savoury dish.

For a vegan option, simply omit the butter and use a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter. The squash can also be served as a side dish alongside roasted vegetables, grains, or proteins. Additionally, the cooked squash can be peeled and mashed for a creamy and smooth texture, perfect for a puree or soup base.

When serving, it is recommended to cut the acorn squash into halves or half-moon shapes to make it easier to eat. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious acorn squash prepared in the air fryer!

How to bake acorn squash in the oven

Acorn squash is a tasty and nutritious vegetable that can be cooked in an air fryer or baked in the oven. Here's a detailed guide on how to bake acorn squash in the oven:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is preheating, prepare the acorn squash by washing and drying it. Cut the squash in half along the ribs, then scrape out the seeds and pulp. You can discard the seeds and pulp, or wash and dry the seeds to roast them later.

Brush the cut sides of the squash halves with melted butter, oil, or a glaze. You can also sprinkle on some spices, such as salt, cayenne pepper, or brown sugar, if desired. Place the prepared squash halves, cut-side up, in a baking dish.

Bake the acorn squash in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The exact baking time will depend on the size and thickness of your squash. Check for doneness by piercing the squash with a fork; it should be tender and the flesh should come off easily. If it's not quite done, bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, then check again.

Once the acorn squash is baked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and serve hot. You can also let it cool and then peel and mash it if you prefer. Enjoy your delicious and healthy baked acorn squash!

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