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Home » Sides » Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon Jessica Randhawa
September 1, 2022
4.85 from 13 votes


Last Updated September 1, 2022 | 0 Comments

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air fryer butternut squash pinterest pin image

Air Fryer Butternut Squash is a quick, easy, and delicious way to make perfectly tender and caramelized butternut squash. Made with less oil and simple seasonings, it’s the perfect fall side dish!

White plate filled with tender cubes of butternut squash cooked in the air fryer and garnished with chopped parsley.

Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe

This post is all about favorites. My favorite mini cooking appliance (the air fryer) and my favorite winter squash (the beloved butternut squash).

If you’ve never heard of or tried butternut squash, then you are in for a treat! Naturally sweet, butternut squash has a similar taste and flavor to sweet potatoes. Gluten-free and low in carbs, calories, and fat, it’s a great alternative to starchy potatoes and makes a great side dish for chicken, fish, or beef.

While the result is similar to roasting in the oven, cooking butternut squash in an air fryer is, quite possibly, the best method of cooking hard cubes of squash into soft and delicious bites of perfection.

How Long to Cook Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer?

Peeled and cubed butternut squash takes approximately 15-20 minutes to cook in an air fryer that has been preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Butternut squash that has been halved lengthwise and cooked with the seeds scooped out will take approximately 30-35 minutes in an air fryer that has been preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Uncooked seasoned butternut squash cubes in the basket of a large air fryer.

How to Cook Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer

1. Peel and cube your butternut squash. Learn more about how to pick, peel, and prepare butternut squash or save time and purchase pre-cut butternut squash.

2. Spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray and preheat to 400 degrees F.

3. In a large bowl toss the butternut squash with the olive oil, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder until coated. This results in a less sweet, more savory butternut squash. For a sweeter side dish, 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. 

4. Transfer the squash pieces to the air fryer basket arranged in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).

5. Cook for 10 minutes, remove the basket and gently stir or shake the basket. Continue to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the squash is tender and caramelized around the edges.

What Air Fryer Do I Use In My Recipes?

I own and use the COSORI Air Fryer for almost all of the recipes I make. It works great!

Cooked seasoned butternut squash cubes in the basket of a large air fryer.

Tips and Tricks

  • 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 charred and crispy edges, you may need to add additional cooking time.

More Butternut Squash Recipes,

  • Butternut Squash Soup (Stovetop and Slow Cooker)
  • Butternut Squash Tacos
  • Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe
  • Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
  • How to Roast Butternut Squash
  • Easy Instant Pot Risotto with Butternut Squash
  • Spiced Butternut Squash Chia Pudding
White plate filled with tender cubes of butternut squash cooked in the air fryer and garnished with chopped parsley.

Have you tried cooking Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer?

Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.

White plate filled with tender cubes of butternut squash cooked in the air fryer and garnished with chopped parsley.

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

4.85 from 13 votes
Chef: Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa
Air Fryer Butternut Squash is a quick, easy, and delicious way to make perfectly tender and caramelized butternut squash. Made with less oil and simple seasonings, it's the perfect fall side dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 16 mins
Total Time 26 mins
Course Side Dish, Vegetables
Cuisine American
Servings 4 as a side
Calories 105 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium butternut squash - approx. 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
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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

Calories: 105kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 589mg | Potassium: 670mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 19933IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 1mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword Air Fryer Butternut Squash, Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer, How to Cook Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer
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About Jessica

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

39 shares
Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

About Jessica Randhawa

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

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Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

I’m Jessica! Aka mom, wife, chef, and travel-obsessed photographer. Welcome to The Forked Spoon. Here you can browse hundreds of incredible family-friendly recipes covering dozens of diets, courses, and cuisines. Learn more about me.

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