Tillie Doyle
Air fryer butternut squash is a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that can be made in about half the time it takes to cook in an oven. It can be seasoned with a variety of spices and oils to elevate the flavor and is a great addition to salads, grain bowls, soups, wraps, and more. It can also be served as a simple snack or side dish. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook butternut squash cubes in an air fryer, including preparation tips and cooking times.
Characteristics and Values Table for Air Frying Butternut Squash Cubes
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, melted ghee, melted butter, macadamia oil |
| Spices | Onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, brown sugar |
| Squash Size | 1-inch cubes, 1/2-inch cubes, 1.5cm cubes |
| Squash Preparation | Peel the squash, cut off the top and bottom, slice in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, cut into half-moon slices, then dice |
| Squash Layering | Single layer with space in between, avoid overcrowding the basket |
| Squash Quantity | 1 medium-sized butternut squash, 2 16-oz packages |
| Cooking Time | 15-23 minutes, depending on the size of the squash cubes and the air fryer |
| Cooking Temperature | 340-400°F (171-204°C) |
| Reheating | Place in the air fryer at 375°F for 1-2 minutes |
| 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 into cubes
To cut butternut squash into cubes, start by chopping off the top and bottom of the squash using a sharp chef's knife. This creates a flat surface so that the squash can stand upright. Next, use a vegetable peeler to peel the squash. With the squash standing upright, cut it in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Now, cut the squash into 1-inch half-moon slices, before dicing these slices into cubes.
You can also cut butternut squash into cubes without first cutting it in half lengthwise. After chopping off the ends and peeling the squash, slice the skin from the outside of the squash. Then, use a spoon to remove the seeds and dice the squash into cubes.
The size of the cubes will depend on your preference and the specific recipe you are following. Cubes of around 1-inch (or 2.5 cm) are common, but you can also cut the squash into smaller 0.5-inch cubes or larger 1.5-inch cubes.
It is important to cut the squash into evenly sized cubes so that they cook at the same rate. If the cubes are different sizes, some may be undercooked or overcooked.
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How to season butternut squash cubes
When it comes to seasoning butternut squash cubes for the air fryer, you have a variety of options to choose from. Here are some detailed instructions on how to season them:
Spices and Herbs:
You can season butternut squash cubes with a variety of spices and herbs to enhance their flavour. Common spice combinations include onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. You can also add a small amount of brown sugar to elevate the flavours, but this is optional. Mix these spices together in a small bowl before tossing them with the cooked squash and some oil.
Oils:
Using oil is essential when cooking butternut squash in an air fryer, as it helps to crisp up the squash and ensures even cooking. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or any other cooking oil of your choice. Spray oils, such as olive oil spray or grapeseed oil spray, are also a great option as they require less oil to coat the squash evenly.
Cinnamon:
For a sweet and savoury flavour, cinnamon is a great option to season butternut squash cubes. Simply sprinkle cinnamon over the squash cubes before placing them in the air fryer. You can also add more cinnamon halfway through the cooking process if you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavour.
Salt and Pepper:
A classic combination, salt and pepper are simple yet effective seasonings for butternut squash cubes. Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper over the squash cubes before or after cooking, depending on your preference. You can also add other spices, such as garlic powder or onion powder, to enhance the flavour further.
Maple Syrup:
For a sweeter option, you can drizzle maple syrup over the butternut squash cubes before air frying. However, it is important to note that sugary ingredients like maple syrup can cause the squash to burn more easily, so use it sparingly.
Remember, the beauty of seasoning is that you can adjust to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of spices, herbs, and oils to find your perfect butternut squash cube seasoning!
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How long to cook butternut squash cubes in an air fryer
Cooking butternut squash cubes in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. The first step is to peel and cube the butternut squash into even-sized cubes, ideally around 1-inch thick. The peel can be left on, but it may become papery once cooked. Next, place the cubes in a bowl and toss them with oil olive oil, avocado oil, or another cooking oil of your choice. You can also add seasonings such as salt, pepper, cinnamon, or a spice mix.
Once the cubes are coated, spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper air circulation, which is necessary for crisping and caramelizing the squash. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the squash in batches.
Now, you can air fry the butternut squash cubes. The cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the size of your squash cubes and your air fryer. Most recipes recommend cooking at a temperature between 340-400°F for 15-20 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking. The squash is done when it is fork-tender and golden.
For smaller squash cubes or pre-cut squash, the cooking time may be shorter, around 10-15 minutes. Larger squash cubes or frozen squash may require additional cooking time. It is important to monitor the squash during cooking and adjust the time as needed.
Once the butternut squash cubes are cooked to your desired level of doneness, you can serve them as a side dish or add them to salads, grain bowls, or other recipes. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
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What temperature to cook butternut squash cubes in an air fryer
When cooking butternut squash cubes in an air fryer, the temperature you cook at will depend on the result you want. For example, if you want to roast the butternut squash cubes, you should cook them at 356 °F (180 °C) for 15 minutes. If your squash is cut into smaller pieces, you may want to cook at a higher temperature for a shorter time. For example, if you want to air fry butternut squash cubes that are around 0.5-inch pieces, you can cook them at 380 °F (193 °C) for 18 minutes.
If you want to cook your butternut squash cubes at a higher temperature, you can cook them at 390 °F for 15 minutes, tossing the cubes every 5 minutes to ensure even crispness. You can also cook butternut squash cubes at 400 °F, shaking halfway through cooking. The cook time will depend on the size of your chopped pieces.
If you are cooking frozen butternut squash cubes, you should cook in batches and leave space between the pieces. You should also add extra time to the cooking process.
It's important to note that all air fryers heat differently, so it's a good idea to check on your butternut squash cubes periodically to ensure they don't burn. Additionally, if you are cooking a large batch of butternut squash cubes, the cook time will be longer.
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How to store leftover butternut squash cubes
To store leftover butternut squash cubes, you should place them in an airtight container or bag and store them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for 4–5 days. You can also store them in the freezer for 3–4 months.
If you are storing raw butternut squash cubes, you can place them in a glass container with an airtight lid. Pour about a 1/4″ of cold water into the bottom of the dish—just enough to stop the squash from drying out. Then, take 1–2 wet paper towels and lay them on top of the cubes before placing the lid on and putting the container in the fridge. Consume within 7–10 days.
When picking a butternut squash to buy, look for one that is on the heavier side with a matte, not waxy, exterior. Avoid squashes with blemishes, rotting parts, or soft areas. Look for darker colours, such as rich amber and orange.
To store whole butternut squash, keep it in a cool, dry, dark place, somewhere just below room temperature (50–55°F). Avoid storing it in the fridge, as the low temperature and humidity can cause the squash to spoil faster and affect its texture.
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Frequently asked questions
First, peel and cut the butternut squash into cubes. Then, toss the cubes with oil and your choice of seasonings in a bowl. Next, place the seasoned squash into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Finally, air fry at 340°F for 20 to 23 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking.
You can use olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or any other cooking oil of your choice.
It takes about 20 to 23 minutes to cook butternut squash cubes in an air fryer at 340°F. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the squash cubes and the specific air fryer being used.
