Cody Casey
Air fryer delicata squash is a quick, easy, and tasty side dish that can be made in about 15 minutes. It is a healthy, low-carb alternative to fries, with a creamy texture and a sweet, nutty flavour. The thin skin of the delicata squash becomes tender when cooked, making it fully edible and a good source of fibre. To make this dish, simply wash and slice the squash, toss it in oil and your choice of seasonings, arrange the slices in the air fryer basket, and cook at 400°F for 10-15 minutes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 10-15 minutes |
| Oven temperature | 400°F |
| Cook time in oven | 15-30 minutes |
| Oven temperature | 400°F |
| Reheat temperature | 350°F |
| Reheat time | 2-3 minutes |
| Reheat time in oven | 3-5 minutes |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days |
| Freezing | Slice the squash, freeze on a sheet pan, then transfer to an airtight container for 2-3 months |
| Seasonings | Salt, pepper, olive oil, rosemary, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, chili powder, cayenne pepper, curry powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, parsley, basil, Parmesan cheese |
| Dipping sauces | Roasted garlic aioli, honey mustard dressing, honey ginger vinaigrette, fig balsamic dressing |
| Health benefits | High in fibre, vitamin C, carotenoids, vitamin A, potassium, and low in carbohydrates |
| Skin | Thin, tender, edible |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut delicata squash for air frying
Air fryer delicata squash is a quick and easy side dish to make. The first step is to prepare the squash by washing it and cutting off the ends. Then, slice the squash into 3 or 4 pieces lengthwise to make it more manageable.
Next, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and the stringy parts from the middle of each piece. You can either cut the squash in half lengthwise and then scoop out the seeds, or you can cut the squash into rings and pull the seeds out from inside the rings. Both methods are equally effective.
After removing the seeds, slice each squash piece into 1/2-inch thick crescent moon-shaped slices. The thickness of the slices will determine how long you need to cook the squash, with thinner slices resulting in crispier squash.
Once the squash is sliced, toss the pieces with oil, salt, and any desired spices in a large bowl. Arrange the seasoned slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring that the pieces do not overlap. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and air fry for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
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Seasoning and spices for delicata squash
Delicata squash has a naturally sweet flavour, which can be enhanced with spices and seasonings. The thin skin of the squash becomes tender when cooked, so there is no need to peel it.
When preparing to cook delicata squash in an air fryer, you can slice the squash into half-moon or crescent shapes, toss it with oil, salt, and pepper, and add any other spices you like. Spices and herbs that go well with delicata squash include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, parsley, rosemary, and sage. You can also try a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat, or cinnamon for a sweeter flavour.
If you want to get creative, you can try different combinations of spices and seasonings. For a savoury flavour, you could use olive oil, garlic, and sage. For a spicy kick, add some chilli powder and cayenne pepper. A curry powder blend with cinnamon and black pepper can also be a great option. For an Italian twist, try a combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
You can also experiment with different serving styles. For a sweet treat, drizzle the cooked squash with maple syrup or brown sugar. For a more savoury option, serve it with a dipping sauce such as roasted garlic aioli, honey mustard dressing, or fig balsamic dressing. Delicata squash can be a delicious and healthy side dish, and with so many seasoning options, you can easily customise it to your taste!
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Dipping sauces for air-fried delicata squash
Air-fried delicata squash is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for delicious and complementary sauces:
Roasted Garlic Aioli
The robust flavour of roasted garlic is a perfect match for the mild sweetness of the squash. The aioli provides a creamy texture that pairs well with the crispness of the air-fried squash.
Honey Mustard Dressing
A classic combination of honey and mustard creates a tangy and slightly sweet sauce. The honey mustard dressing adds a vibrant flavour to the squash, making it a tasty snack or side dish.
Honey-Goat Cheese Dipping Sauce
For those who enjoy the combination of sweet and savoury, this sauce is a delightful choice. The honey adds a touch of sweetness to the creamy goat cheese, resulting in a rich and indulgent dipping experience.
Tangy Greek Yogurt Dip
Greek yogurt provides a tangy and creamy base for a dipping sauce. Seasoned simply with salt and pepper, this dip allows the natural sweetness of the delicata squash to shine through. For an added kick, consider sprinkling on some paprika or cayenne pepper.
Honey Ginger Vinaigrette
Honey ginger vinaigrette offers a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavours. The honey lends a touch of sweetness, while the ginger adds a subtle spiciness. This vinaigrette is a refreshing and light option to pair with the air-fried squash.
Awesome Sauce
For something a little different, try the "Awesome" Sauce. This sauce is a combination of mayo, tomato paste, horseradish, and seasoning. It provides a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy experience that pairs beautifully with the squash.
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How to reheat delicata squash in an air fryer
Reheating delicata squash in an air fryer is a simple process. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. While the air fryer is heating up, take your leftover delicata squash out of the refrigerator. Delicata squash can be safely stored in an airtight container for up to five days, so it should still be good to eat.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the delicata squash inside and heat for 2-3 minutes. This will ensure the delicata squash is warmed through without burning or overcooking it. You may want to shake the air fryer basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
Delicata squash is a variety of winter squash known for its edible thin skin, creamy texture, and slightly sweet taste. It is a versatile ingredient that can be seasoned in a variety of ways and served as a side dish or added to salads, grain bowls, or flatbreads.
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Health benefits of delicata squash
Delicata squash is a low-calorie, nutritious winter squash. It is a good source of dietary fibre, particularly if you eat the skin, and is gluten-free. It is also a powerhouse of carotenoids and vitamin A, providing about 1370 IU per 3.5 oz (100 g) and 820 μg of β-carotene. Vitamin A is an important antioxidant that helps in cell growth and mucosal repair, fighting cancer, and maintaining good vision. Delicata squash also contains vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in immune support and regulation. It is especially beneficial during the cold and flu season when our bodies need vitamin C the most.
Delicata squash is also a good source of potassium, an important intracellular electrolyte. Potassium helps to reduce blood pressure and heart rate by countering the pressing effects of sodium. Additionally, delicata squash contains modest levels of other B-complex vitamins, such as thiamin, pantothenic acid, and riboflavin. It also contains minerals like selenium, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc.
The thin skin of delicata squash becomes tender when cooked, making it completely edible and delicious. Its subtle sweetness makes it versatile, allowing it to be prepared in a savoury or sweet fashion. Delicata squash is a healthy alternative to other side dishes, as it contains no fat or cholesterol and is low in carbohydrates. It can be a great substitute for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 15 minutes to cook delicata squash in an air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 400°F.
First, wash the squash. Then, cut off the ends and slice the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and loose inner flesh with a spoon. Next, slice the squash into half-moon or crescent shapes. The thickness of the slices will determine how crispy the cooked squash will be; thinner slices will be crispier.
Delicata squash has a subtly sweet flavor, so it can be prepared in a savory or sweet fashion. Seasonings include salt, pepper, olive oil, rosemary, cinnamon, chili powder, cayenne pepper, curry powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
