Marianne Martinez
Cooking cubed butternut squash in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare this versatile and nutritious vegetable. It is a great alternative to potatoes when cutting down on carbs and can be served as a side dish or added to salads. The air fryer saves time by cooking the squash faster than an oven, and it can be seasoned with a variety of spices and oils to suit your taste.
How to Cook Cubed Butternut Squash in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking Oil | Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil, or Melted Butter |
| Spices | Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon, Salt, and Pepper |
| Sweeteners | Brown Sugar, Honey, Coconut Sugar, or Maple Syrup |
| Add-ins | Cranberries, Feta, and Pecans |
| Cut Size | 1-inch Cubes or 1.5cm Cubes |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 340F, 356F, 360F, 375F/190C, 380 °F/193 °C, 390°F, or 400F |
| Cooking Time | 12-23 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut butternut squash into cubes
To cut butternut squash into cubes, you'll need a sharp knife, a vegetable peeler, and a wooden cutting board. Some recipes recommend using a chef's knife. You can also use a microwave to soften the squash before cutting, but this is optional.
First, use a sharp knife to cut off the ends of the squash. Then, use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife to remove the skin. Next, cut the squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Cut each half into 1-inch half-moon slices, and then cut those slices into cubes. You can also cut each half into quarters and then make crosswise cuts to create cubes. Depending on the size of the squash, you may need to cut the slices into smaller pieces before cubing them.
If you want to soften the squash before cutting, make several small slits in the skin and microwave it for 2-3 minutes on high. The squash will be hot when it comes out of the microwave, so be sure to use oven mitts or a towel when handling it.
Once you have your cubes, you can either cook them right away or store them for later. Cubed butternut squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for cubed butternut squash in an air fryer will depend on the size of the cubes and your air fryer basket. It's important to cut the butternut squash into evenly sized cubes to ensure they cook evenly. The cubes should be around 1-inch in size.
If you are using a smaller air fryer basket, you may need to cook the butternut squash in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. This will ensure that the butternut squash cooks evenly and becomes caramelized. It is recommended to leave some space between the cubes in the air fryer basket.
The cooking temperature for cubed butternut squash in an air fryer can range from 340°F to 400°F. The higher the temperature, the shorter the cooking time. At 340°F, the cooking time is around 20 to 23 minutes. At 380°F, the cooking time is about 18 minutes. If you are cooking at 400°F, the cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
It is a good idea to shake the air fryer basket a few times during cooking to ensure even browning and cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket and the number of batches you need to cook, you may need to add a few minutes to the total cooking time.
Additionally, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the butternut squash cubes. Smaller cubes will cook faster, while larger cubes may need a few extra minutes. It is important to test the doneness of the butternut squash with a fork to ensure it is tender. If the squash is not tender, you can cook it for an additional 5 minutes and test again.
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Seasoning options
When it comes to seasoning your cubed butternut squash, there are a variety of options to choose from. You can go for a simple option of seasoning the squash with salt and pepper, or get creative with different spices and ingredients.
One option is to use a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. A small amount of brown sugar can also be added to this mix to elevate the flavours. Alternatively, you can try a mix of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add cinnamon to this mix for a touch of sweetness.
If you're looking for a sweeter option, you can toss the cubed butternut squash in olive oil and maple syrup, or use coconut sugar, brown sugar, or honey instead of maple syrup. This sweet option can be served with add-ins like feta, cranberries, and pecans.
Additionally, you can try seasoning the squash with avocado oil or olive oil, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. This combination will give your squash a unique flavour.
Remember, you can always adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences and get creative with different ingredients to find your perfect flavour combination.
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How to store leftovers
Leftover cooked butternut squash can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you're ready to reheat, you can use an air fryer set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
You can also freeze cooked butternut squash for up to 3 months. Spread the uncooked squash pieces across a baking tray and place them in the freezer. Once they are frozen, transfer the pieces to a freezer bag. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, you can use an air fryer, sauté them with a little oil, or microwave them (but they won't be crispy).
If you're storing chopped butternut squash before cooking it, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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How to reheat leftovers
If you have any leftover air-fried butternut squash, you can easily reheat it in the air fryer to restore its crispiness. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the leftover butternut squash in the air fryer basket. Ensure that the pieces are in a single layer with some space between them. Overlapping pieces may require a slightly longer reheating time.
- Air fry the leftovers for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
- Remove the squash from the air fryer once it's heated through and slightly crisp.
- Serve and enjoy!
Note: You can also reheat the leftovers by sautéing them with a little oil on a stovetop or microwaving them, but these methods may not yield the same crispness as the air fryer.
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Frequently asked questions
First, peel and cut the butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. Next, toss the cubes with oil and seasonings in a bowl to evenly coat them. Then, transfer the seasoned squash to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Finally, air fry at 340°F for 20-23 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking.
The temperature for cooking cubed butternut squash in an air fryer ranges from 340°F to 400°F.
It takes about 20 to 23 minutes to cook cubed butternut squash in an air fryer.
You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or grapeseed oil to cook cubed butternut squash in an air fryer.
You can season cubed butternut squash with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and brown sugar or honey.
