Air Fryer Butternut Squash is a quick, easy, and healthy way to make perfectly tender and caramelized butternut squash. Made with less oil and simple seasonings, it’s the perfect fall side dish!
Need a quick refresher on the basics of butternut squash? Be sure to check out my posts on How to Roast Butternut Squash, How to Pick, Peel, and Prepare Butternut Squash, and How to Cook Instant Pot Butternut Squash (Whole and Cubed).
Perfect Air Fryer Butternut Squash Cubes
I love my air fryer and use it all the time! It’s one of my must-have kitchen essentials and an excellent method for cooking butternut squash.
There are several advantages to air-frying butternut squash – especially if you’re cooking a smaller quantity.
- Quick & Even Cooking: Air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens. It takes 15-20 minutes to roast cubed butternut squash in an air fryer, compared to 30ish minutes in an oven. The air fryer also circulates the heat, minimizing chances of uneven cooking or burning.
- Less Oil: Very little oil is needed, making the dish healthier without compromising flavor.
- Convenience: The air fryer preheats in seconds, compared to conventional ovens, which can take 10-15 minutes! They’re also more energy efficient.
Despite its advantages, the air fryer has one major disadvantage: a limited capacity. If you are planning to cube and cook an entire large butternut squash, expect to cook it in multiple batches.
Key Ingredients
Find the printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.
- Butternut Squash: Butternut squash is gluten-free and low in carbs, calories, and fat. It’s naturally sweet and tastes similar to sweet potatoes. For best results, peel and chop your own squash into small, 1-inch cubes.
- Oil: I like to use olive oil or avocado oil.
- Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Variations
- Sweet: Maple syrup, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. If using maple syrup, wait to toss with the squash until it’s finished cooking.
- Heat: Garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Fresh herbs: Toss the squash with fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or oregano just after it comes out of the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash
1. Prepare the butternut squash: Peel and cube your butternut squash. Learn more here about how to pick, peel, and prepare butternut squash. Note: I do not recommend purchasing pre-cut and cubed butternut squash. The pieces are often chopped unevenly, and freshness is sometimes questionable.
2. Prepare the air fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and preheat to 400 degrees F.
3. Season: In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash with the olive oil, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder until coated.
4. Transfer: Put the butternut squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer (some overlapping is ok, but avoid overcrowding).
5. Cook: Cook for 10 minutes, then remove the basket and gently shake so that the butternut squash browns and cooks evenly. Continue to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the squash is tender and caramelized around the edges.
How Long to Cook Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer
- Peeled and cubed: 15-20 minutes in an air fryer preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Halved lengthwise: 30-35 minutes in an air fryer preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Recipe Tips
- Cut the squash into equal size pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes. This allows for even cooking.
- Shake the basket or gently toss the butternut squash at least once during cooking. This also allows for more even cooking.
- For crispy edges, you may need to add additional cooking time.
Storage and Reheating
Transfer the cooled squash to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat leftovers in the air fryer, place the squash in a preheated 350°F (175°C) air fryer and reheat for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave, but the air fryer will give the best results.
Cooking Tools for this Recipe
Check out all of my kitchen essentials. (Amazon affiliate links*)
- COSORI Air Fryer
- Silicone air fryer liners
- Mixing Bowl – Either stainless steel or glass mixing bowl.
- Cutting boards
- Large Santoku knife (my preference) or Chef’s knife – For chopping.
- Paring knife – For peeling.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Meatballs
- Super Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
BROWSE all of my AIR FRYER and BUTTERNUT SQUASH RECIPES
RECIPE CARD
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash - approx. 3-4 cups, peeled and cubed
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder -
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley - to garnish, optional
Instructions
- Spray the inside basket of the air fryer with non-stick cooking spray and preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the peeled and cubed butternut squash in a large bowl and toss with the olive oil, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Transfer the squash to the air fryer basket arranged in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, remove the basket and gently stir. Continue to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the squash is tender and caramelized around the edges.
Jessica’s Notes
- As written, this recipe is gluten-free and vegan.
- For sweet butternut squash, try tossing it with 1 tablespoon oil, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon before cooking.
- Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in your air fryer preheated to 380 degrees F for 2-3 minutes.
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
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