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

Cooking butternut squash in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this tasty vegetable. The squash is seasoned with olive oil and spices, and then cooked in the air fryer for around 20 minutes, until it is tender and golden. You can also add cranberries, maple syrup, and other seasonings to the squash before cooking.

How to prepare butternut squash for the air fryer

Preparing butternut squash for the air fryer is simple. First, use a sharp knife to slice the butternut squash in half lengthways. Then, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard them. Next, carefully slice the skin off the squash and cut the squash into cubes. Place the cubes into a medium or large bowl and toss with olive oil and seasonings. You can use onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne, salt, brown sugar, or pepper. Once the squash is well coated, pour it into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, it may be tough to get it all in one layer, so it's okay if they overlap slightly, but make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking so the pieces cook evenly.

Cooking times and temperatures vary depending on the recipe and your desired texture. For crispy and tender squash, cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 16 to 18 minutes. For fork-tender squash, cook at 340 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 23 minutes. If you like your squash softer, try cooking at 356 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.

The best temperature to cook butternut squash in an air fryer

If you're cooking a larger squash, it's best to cook it in two batches so the pieces aren't overlapping in the air fryer. You can cook butternut squash at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 16 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the squash is golden brown and tender. If you like your squash extra crispy, you can cook it for a further 3 to 4 minutes.

Alternatively, you can cook butternut squash at 340 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 23 minutes, again shaking the basket halfway through, until the squash is fork-tender and golden.

For a lower temperature option, you can cook butternut squash at 356 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 30 minutes.

How long to cook butternut squash in an air fryer

Cooking butternut squash in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this tasty vegetable. The first step is to cut the butternut squash into cubes. Then, place the cubes into a bowl and toss with olive oil and seasonings. You can use salt and pepper, or try a mixture of onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne, salt and brown sugar. Once the squash is well coated, place the pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer.

The cooking time will depend on the temperature you set your air fryer to. At 400 degrees Fahrenheit, cook the squash for 16 to 20 minutes. At 340 degrees Fahrenheit, it will take 20 to 23 minutes. If you prefer a lower temperature, you can cook the squash at 356 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure the squash cooks evenly. The squash is ready when it is tender and golden brown.

How to season butternut squash for the air fryer

To season butternut squash for the air fryer, first cut the squash in half lengthways, then use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds. Next, peel the skin off the squash and cut the flesh into 1.5cm cubes. Place the cubes into a medium or large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the squash with the oil and add seasonings such as salt and pepper. You can also add onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne, and brown sugar if you want a spicier flavour. Once the squash is well coated, pour it into the air fryer basket and cook until crispy and tender.

How to serve butternut squash cooked in an air fryer

Cooking butternut squash in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this tasty and nutritious vegetable. Once cooked, you can serve it in a variety of ways.

Firstly, you can serve it as a side dish. The squash goes well with roasted meats, such as chicken or pork, and can be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.

You can also add it to a salad. The sweetness of the squash pairs well with bitter leaves like rocket or watercress, and you can also add some nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

For a heartier meal, you could use the squash as a base for a vegetarian main course. Try serving it with quinoa or rice, and topping with fried halloumi or feta cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

Finally, you could also puree the cooked squash and use it as a sauce or soup base. Add some stock and blend until smooth, then season to taste. This makes a great starter or light lunch, especially when served with some crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions