This Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash recipe makes a wonderful side dish in 10 minutes. It works well with either fresh or frozen butternut squash and is easily roasted to perfection in the air fryer.
If you're looking for a healthy side dish that doesn't require a lot of time, look no further.
This Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe is an easy way to enjoy winter squashes. It would also make a perfect Thanksgiving side dish, considering that it doesn't take up that precious oven space.
❤Why you'll love this perfect side dish
- Taste & texture: crispy on the outside, warm and tender on the inside - this roasted butternut squash makes for a yummy side dish.
- Quick side dish: when we say 10 minutes of total cook time, we mean 10 minutes! Of course, this will vary depending on the type and model of your air fryer but overall, this is one of the easiest sides you'll make.
- Level of difficulty: super easy - just toss everything together and pop it in the air fryer.
- Picky eaters: this recipe is very flexible - season the fresh butternut squash with your favorite seasonings, making it sweet or savory (check out suggestions below)
🍲Ingredients
These simple ingredients can be found in any grocery store.
- butternut squash: one fresh medium butternut squash will do - you will need approximately 20 ounces or 4 cups of cubed squash
- extra virgin olive oil: avocado oil will work too as will healthy oil spray (i.e. avocado oil cooking spray)
- seasonings: we're doing a very basic paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder mix but feel free to omit or include others
- sea salt: this will enhance all the other flavors
See recipe card for exact quantities.
📖Substitutions and Variations
There are so many ways to enjoy this hardy winter vegetable.
- Spicy - add cayenne pepper to give it a kick
- Fall flavors - toss with a little cinnamon and maple syrup to bring out the excitement for fall
- Deluxe - roast with Parmesan cheese and bacon bits and top with green onions for those baked potato vibes
- Sweet flavors - just toss with a little brown sugar to enhance that natural sweetness in the squash
💭Helpful Tips
- 🕐Time Saving Tip: no shame in using store bought pre-cut butternut squash.
- 💲 Money Saving Tip: use whatever seasonings you have on hand.
- 🗓Make-Ahead Tip: toss with oil and seasonings in the morning for an easy side dish ready to be roasted for dinner time.
- 🚫Food Safety: use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds in your food
👩🏽🍳Step-by-Step Instructions
The printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience.
This Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash recipe calls for a few simple ingredients: butternut squash, extra virgin olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt.
Step 1. Cut and peel the squash. Dice butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. If using storebought cut squash, don't worry if some pieces are smaller than others. They will just cook faster.
Step 2. Combine the dry seasonings together: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt. You may also skip this step and directly season the squash instead of in a bowl.
💭Pro tip: To save time, buy pre-cut butternut squash. It makes this very easy side dish even easier and convenient on a busy weeknight.
Step 3. Add diced butternut squash to a small roasting sheet and toss with extra virgin olive oil and seasonings. If using air fryer basket, do this step in a large bowl. Spread them evenly in a single layer.
Step 4. Roast seasoned butternut squash cubes in a pre-heated air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or until fork tender to your liking.
💭Pro tip: If using basket-type air fryer, give the basket a quick shake halfway during cooking to ensure even browning.
Step 5. If you want a crispy squash on the surface - broil on high for the last 3 minutes of cook time. (Depending on your air fryer, this may require another cycle of preheating the air fryer.)
Step 6. Remove the roasted butternut squash from air fryer or from the basket of your air fryer. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy.
💭Pro tip: Cook times will vary depending on your air fryer. Roast the squash pieces to your personal preferences. Generally, basket-type air fryers will cook faster than toaster-oven convection air fryers.
🔪Helpful Tools & Links
Below are some affiliate links that may be helpful to you as you make this easy air fryer recipe. You can find some of these items cheaper at your local store but it helps to have a link so you know what you're looking for.
- Tools: chef knife, cutting board, large mixing bowl, extra-large air fryer, stainless steel baking sheet
- Ingredients: real salt, black pepper, olive oil, avocado oil spray, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder
- Storage Supplies: glass snap containers
🥗What to serve with butternut squash
This squash recipe will be a great addition to your meal during the holiday season. But it's also great to serve on busy weeknights because of how quick this comes together.
You can't go wrong pairing this roasted butternut squash with Chicken Potato Bake or this Baked Salmon with Mayonnaise.
💭Pro tip: Enjoy roasted butternut squash on top of a salad or in quinoa bowls.
♨️Storage and Reheating Instructions
To store: leftover squash can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Storage containers: these glass snap containers are perfect for leftovers
To reheat: preheat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat on stove top; add butternut squash cubes and toast until warmed through.
💬FAQs
If using whole butternut squash, trim both ends of the squash using a sharp knife. Secure the squash in your non-dominant hand, and using a sharp peeler in other hand peel the butternut squash skin. Cut the squash in half (it may help to have the squash stand upright on a cutting board). Scoop out the seeds from the inside of the squash. Cut the squash crosswise in half, then into smaller sections and lastly, into cubes.
Yes! That's actually the easiest way to cook frozen butternut squash. However, as with all frozen foods, it will have a high water content so your end result may not be the same. During the cooking process, the squash will first have to thaw before it browns.
For this recipe, increase the temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and add an additional 4 minutes to your total cook time when using frozen butternut squash. If not cooked through after the additional time, pop it for a few more minutes or set to broil so it simultaneously browns and cooks.
Looking for more healthy sides? Here are some ideas:
Did you make this? Please leave a ⭐ rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚
Printable Recipe
Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes approximately 20 ounces
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine dry seasonings together: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt.
- Toss cubed butternut squash with extra virgin olive oil and dried seasonings. Combine to coat well. If using basket-type air fryer, do this step in a medium bowl.
- Air fry butternut squash for 10 minutes or until cooked to your preferences. You may also broil for the last 3 minutes to get that caramelized brown surface.
- Remove butternut squash from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Serve warm.
Notes
- For ease and convenience, use a little olive oil spray instead of the extra virgin olive oil.
- Store bought pre-cut butternut squash works wonderfully in this recipe. Four cups will be approximately 20 ounces. (Prep time reflects pre-cut butternut squash)
- Depending on the type of air fryer, cooking time may be different. If using a basket-type air fryer, shake or flip the squash cubes halfway through cooking.
- To cook frozen butternut squash: increase the air fryer temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and add 4 extra minutes to your cook time.
Leave a Reply