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

Air fryer acorn squash is a simple, delicious, and versatile dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. It is a great option for a quick and healthy side dish, offering a range of health benefits, and can be easily customised with different seasonings to suit your taste. The air fryer also helps to create a delicious caramelisation on the squash, without the need for lengthy roasting times.

Choosing and preparing your acorn squash

First, you'll want to select a ripe squash. Look for one that is heavy for its size, with smooth, dull skin and avoid any with soft spots. It should be primarily dark green, although some orange is okay.

Once you've selected your squash, it's time to prepare it for cooking. Start by washing the squash to remove any dirt or residue. Then, using a sharp, heavy kitchen knife, carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise, slicing through the stem if possible. If the stem is too tough to cut through, you can try snapping it off or cutting it away first before slicing the rest of the squash.

Next, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membrane from each half. You can discard these or rinse and dry them to roast later as a snack.

At this point, you can choose to slice the squash into quarters, slices, or cubes, depending on your preferred serving size and the size of your air fryer basket. If you plan to stuff the squash or make mashed squash, it's best to leave it in halves.

Before cooking, you can also choose to peel the squash. The skin is edible and will become tender when cooked, but some people prefer to remove it. If you want to peel it before cooking, use a sharp knife to slice away strips of the skin, being careful as this will also remove some of the flesh. Alternatively, you can lightly cook the squash first by microwaving it for around 3-4 minutes or boiling it for 12-15 minutes, making it easier to peel once it has cooled.

Now your acorn squash is ready to be cooked and seasoned according to your chosen recipe!

Seasoning options

• Savory: Smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Sweet: Cinnamon, honey, or maple syrup.
• Salty: Flaky salt.
• Sweet and salty: Brown sugar, maple syrup, and butter.
• Savory and spicy: Garlic, cumin, and lime juice.
• Savory and herby: Olive oil, salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and rosemary.
• Spicy: Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Smoky: Smoked paprika.
• Curried: Curry powder or garam masala.
• Savory and simple: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and thyme or rosemary.
• Savory and nutty: Add chopped walnuts or pecans on top.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking acorn squash in an air fryer will depend on the size of your squash, the size of your air fryer, and your desired texture.

Most recipes recommend air frying at a temperature between 325-480°F for 10-35 minutes.

Step 1: Prepare the Squash

Wash and dry the squash. Carefully cut the acorn squash in half, lengthwise. You can do this by slicing through the stem or removing the stem first. Use a sharp, heavy kitchen knife and push down with your other hand to help slice through the hard squash.

Step 2: Remove the Seeds

Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and membrane from each half. You can discard the seeds or rinse and dry them to roast later as a snack.

Step 3: Season the Squash

You can season the squash with a variety of ingredients, such as butter, olive oil, salt, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, or cayenne pepper. Brush the seasonings onto the squash or mix them in a bowl and brush the mixture onto the squash.

Step 4: Air Fry the Squash

Place the squash in the air fryer basket, cut-side down. If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 325°F for 5 minutes.

Air fry the squash at 325-350°F for 18-20 minutes. Then, flip the squash so it is cut-side up and air fry for an additional 10-15 minutes at 375-400°F, or until the squash is tender and the cut surface is browned.

The total cooking time will be around 30-35 minutes, but start checking the squash after 25-30 minutes to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the squash from the air fryer and serve. You can drizzle with extra maple syrup, sprinkle with salt, or add a pat of butter to the center of each squash half before serving.

Tips:

• Evenly slice the squash so that it cooks evenly, and leave space between the pieces in the air fryer basket.
• Avoid using cooking sprays as they can damage the non-stick coating. Instead, use oil sprays or brush the squash with oil.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your squash, as well as the model of your air fryer.
• You can also adjust the size of the squash by cutting it into halves, slices, or cubes.

Storing and reheating instructions

Storing your air fryer acorn squash:

• Store your cooked acorn squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• If you want to store it for longer, you can keep it in the freezer for up to a year. First, remove the skin and discard it, then place the cooked squash in a freezer-safe, zip-top bag. Squeeze out all the air, seal the bag, and lay it flat in the freezer.

Reheating your air fryer acorn squash:

• Reheat your acorn squash in the air fryer at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through. This should take around 2-3 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave until warmed through.

Acorn squash health benefits

Acorn squash is a nutritious food with a range of health benefits. Firstly, it is rich in antioxidants, which can help to boost the immune system and protect against certain diseases. Acorn squash contains vitamin C, which helps to strengthen bones and blood vessels, as well as vitamin A, which is important for lung, heart and organ health.

The squash is also a good source of fibre, which aids digestive health and helps to prevent constipation, supporting regular bowel movements. Acorn squash is also high in carotenoids, which have been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, lung cancer, mental decline and eye disorders.

The B vitamins found in acorn squash play a role in red blood cell production and metabolism, while the magnesium and potassium content are important for muscle function and blood pressure regulation.

Acorn squash is also a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It can be baked, roasted or cooked in the microwave, and added to salads, pies, breads and muffins.

Frequently asked questions