This Air Fryer Butternut Squash is roasted to perfection and seasoned sweet with cinnamon or savory with onion and garlic. Grab fresh or frozen vegetables, either will work for this side dish!
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Butternut squash can typically be found in most grocery stores year-round, but many prefer to consume it throughout the fall. It's the perfect fruit to add to your rotation.
Table of Contents
How Does it Taste?
It reminds me a lot of sweet potatoes. It's sweet, buttery, and has a slight nutty flavor. The texture is much softer than a sweet potato.
How to Cut and Prepare the Squash
- Start by cutting the stem and the bottom off the squash.
- Use a vegetable peeler and remove the skin from the squash.
- From there, slice the squash in half horizontally.
- Scoop out the inside flesh and seeds.
Do You Have to Peel It?
You can eat the skin, so there's no need to peel it, if you don't want to. Simply halve it, scoop out the seeds and chop it into chunks. Peeling is a matter of preference. You can also grab peeled butternut squash in the refrigerated produce section of stores like Trader Joe's.
Is Butternut Squash Healthy?
It's technically a fruit. Butternut squash is low in calories but high in nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. A one-cup serving of cooked butternut squash provides more than 450% of the Recommended Daily intake for vitamin A and over 50% of the RDI for vitamin C.
Can You Eat Butternut Squash Seeds
Yes! The seeds actually have nutritional value. You can eat them just like you would pumpkin seeds.
How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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- Peel and cut the butternut squash into chunks ½ to an 1 inch thick.
- Drizzle the squash in cooking oil and sprinkle with spices.
- Air fry.
Air Fryer Temperature
I recommend 400 degrees.
Cook Time/How Long to Cook
Cook the squash until it is tender, typically 12-15 minutes.
Frozen Squash
Frozen squash can be used and cooked at the same temperature. You will need to add a few additional minutes to the cooking time. Cook until tender.
How to Reheat
Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees until warm.
Additional Spices and Ways to Season It
Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Homemade Blackened Seasoning
Homemade Chili Seasoning
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Homemade BBQ Seasoning and Rub
Pair With these Recipes
Butternut Squash Chili
Panera Butternut Squash Soup
Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast
Teriyaki Chicken Wings
Hot Honey Wings
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Ingredients
- 4 cups butternut squash Peeled and seeded chopped into cubes about ½-1 inch thick. This was 1 butternut squash for me.
- Cooking oil I use olive oil.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- It's important your chunks of squash are equally sliced and sized, otherwise the smaller pieces will cook and char faster than the others.
- Spray or drizzle the squash chunks in cooking oil then sprinkle the spices throughout.
- Place the squash in the air fryer basket. Air fry on 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes until tender.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Debbie says
This came out so good! I left out the cinnamon and used regular paprika because the hubs doesn’t like any smoked flavor. I used fresh pre-cut butternut squash and it took 15 minutes to come out perfectly. The smaller prices were crispy for me and the bigger pieces were nice and tender. Seasoning was spot on. This is a great side dish and I will definitely be making it again. Thank you!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you will make it again!
Sydney says
So good this is the perfect side dish!!! This was delicious
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Jill says
So easy to make, especially when you buy precut butternut squash from Trader Joe’s. If you know, you know. 😉
staysnatched says
haha yes! If you know, you know!
Monica R says
This was another easy recipe! I used the precut squash from TJs, and it turned out great for my harvest bowls. Brandi makes it easy to make healthy choices, and eliminates excuses for not nourishing your body. I'll definitely make this again!
staysnatched says
I'm glad you loved it!
Kasey says
I made this earlier today with a frozen bag and everyone loved it! I will definitely be making it again.
staysnatched says
I’m glad to hear it!