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

Butternut squash is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and soups to curries and risottos. Cooking butternut squash in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this tasty vegetable, and it can be ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you're looking for a healthy side dish or a tasty addition to your favourite recipes, air-fried butternut squash is a great option.

How to prepare butternut squash for the air fryer

Preparing butternut squash for the air fryer is simple and can be done in a few easy steps.

Firstly, you will need to peel the butternut squash. This can be done with a sharp knife or a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, cut off the ends of the squash and then slice it in half lengthways. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from the centre of the squash and discard them.

Next, you can either cut the squash into cubes or leave it in halves, depending on your preference. If you are cutting it into cubes, aim for cubes of around 1-inch in size. If you are leaving the squash in halves, you can also slice it into 1" thick pieces after it has been cooked.

Once your squash is prepared, place the pieces into a bowl and toss with olive oil and your desired seasonings. You can either use a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, or try something more complex such as a mix of onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. You could also add a small amount of brown sugar to enhance the flavours.

Finally, place the seasoned squash into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that the pieces are not overlapping. If your squash is in halves, place them cut-side down. Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and time (see below) and cook until tender.

Cooking Times and Temperatures

• For squash halves, cook at 350°F/180°C for 30-50 minutes.
• For squash cubes, cook at 380°F/193°C for around 18 minutes, or at 340°F for 20-23 minutes.
• If your squash is pre-cut and therefore larger, you may need to cook for longer, around 30-35 minutes at 375°F/190°C.

How to store and reheat leftover butternut squash

Storing leftover butternut squash is simple. If you have cooked butternut squash, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Consume it within four to five days. You can reheat the squash in a microwave or saucepan.

If you want to store uncooked butternut squash for longer, you can freeze it. First, peel the squash and cut it into one-inch cubes. Then, spread the cubes on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

Alternatively, you can store whole, raw butternut squash at room temperature for one to three months. Place the squash in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as the humidity will cause the squash to deteriorate.

How to make sweet, spicy and savoury butternut squash

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized butternut squash
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Cracked black pepper
• Sea salt
• Cinnamon
• Chilli powder
• Brown sugar
• Garlic powder
• Ground cumin

Method:

First, cut the butternut squash in half lengthways and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Next, cut the squash into 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.

Now it's time to add your spices. For a sweet and savoury flavour, season the squash with cinnamon, a pinch of sea salt, and black pepper. If you like your butternut squash spicy, add chilli powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin. You can also add brown sugar for extra sweetness. Toss the squash until the cubes are evenly coated.

Place the seasoned squash cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 380°F/193°C for around 18 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes until the squash is golden and tender. For a softer squash, cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Your sweet, spicy, and savoury butternut squash is now ready to be enjoyed!

How to cut and peel butternut squash

Butternut squash can be daunting to prepare, but with a few easy steps, you can quickly peel and chop it without too much difficulty. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut and peel butternut squash:

Step 1: Prepare your tools and the squash

Using a large, sharp knife, cut off about a quarter of an inch from the bottom and the stem end of the squash. This will help stabilise the squash and make it easier to peel and cut. You can also use a rubber mallet to gently tap on the ends of the knife to help push it through the thick and dense squash.

Step 2: Peel the squash

Using a sharp vegetable peeler, hold the squash in one hand and peel off the outer layer. You can also place the squash upright on a cutting board and use downward strokes with the peeler. If you want to soften the skin before peeling, poke holes all over the squash with a fork or paring knife and microwave it for about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Cut the squash in half

Stand the peeled squash upright on a cutting board. Make a long cut down the middle from top to bottom with a heavy chef's knife. You can also use a rubber mallet to gently tap on the knife to help cut through the squash.

Step 4: Scrape out the seeds and pulp

Use a metal spoon to scrape out the seeds and stringy pulp from the squash halves. You can choose to discard the seeds or prepare them like toasted pumpkin seeds.

Step 5: Cut the squash halves into your desired size

Lay the squash halves, cut side down, on the cutting board for stability. Cut the squash into slices or cubes, depending on your preference and recipe requirements. For cubing the squash, stack a few slices at a time and make lengthwise cuts, then make crosswise cuts to create cubes.

Now your butternut squash is ready to be cooked in your desired method, such as roasting, sautéing, or air frying!

How to make butternut squash soup

Ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized butternut squash
• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of cracked black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Your choice of stock or broth
• Cream, milk, or dairy-free milk (optional)

Method:

• Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife.
• Scoop out the seeds and pulp with a spoon and discard them.
• Drizzle olive oil over the cut side of the squash.
• Season with salt and pepper. Use your hands or a pastry brush to rub the oil and seasoning over the exposed squash.
• Place the squash halves, skin side down, into the air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 30-50 minutes, or until tender.
• Once cooked, remove the squash from the air fryer and let it cool slightly.
• Scoop out the roasted squash flesh and place it into a blender.
• Add your choice of stock or broth to the blender.
• If desired, add cream, milk, or dairy-free milk for a creamier soup.
• Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips:

• The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your butternut squash. For best results, test the squash with a fork to ensure it is tender.
• You can also add various spices and seasonings to the soup, such as garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or cinnamon, to enhance the flavor.
• If you prefer a sweeter soup, you can add maple syrup or brown sugar to taste.
• For a thicker soup, you can add cooked grains, such as farro or quinoa, to the blender.

Frequently asked questions