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    Home » Recipes » Recipes

    Air Fryer Butternut Squash

    Published: Feb 9, 2020 · Modified: Oct 8, 2022 by Ashlee Welter · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 5 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This air fryer butternut squash recipe is delicious and easy to make! Butternut squash cubes are coated with olive, seasoned with a blend of spices, and cooked in the air fryer to perfection!

    bowl of air fryer butternut squash cubes with pumpkin seeds

    Cooking butternut squash in the air fryer is such an easy way dish to prepare. It takes under 30 minutes to make! This healthy veggie side dish pairs well with almost any main entrée and tastes delicious!

    If you love this recipe, check out my gluten free scalloped potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts and asparagus, or instant pot asparagus recipes!

    Jump to:
    • Reasons to Love This
    • Ingredients Needed
    • How to Pick A Good Butternut Squash
    • Step by Step Instructions
    • Leftovers
    • Variations
    • How to Serve This Recipe
    • Nutritional Information
    • Why Cook Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Favorite Side Dishes
    • Air Fryer Butternut Squash

    Reasons to Love This

    • This recipe is healthy! Cooking the squash in the air fryer gives it flavor without having to add a lot of extra oil.
    • The seasoning that is used on these squash cubes creates a savory flavor that adds life to the dish, yet doesn't go overboard.
    • Air fryer squash pairs well with almost any meal. Whether it's pasta, grilled meat or a sandwich, this squash is the perfect compliment.
    • The air fryer squash is easy to make. It takes only 15 minutes to cook!

    Ingredients Needed

    • Butternut Squash- This can be made with fresh or frozen butternut squash. The cooking time will vary slightly if you use frozen butternut squash. I personally prefer to make it with fresh squash!
    • Olive Oil- select a high quality extra virgin olive oil. you can substitute canola oil or melted coconut oil in place of olive oil.
    • Seasonings- this blend of seasonings creates a savory flavor for the squash. You can substitute "everything but the bagel seasoning" as well.

    How to Pick A Good Butternut Squash

    • Skin: make sure the skin is smooth and free of any dents, bruises or mold.
    • Firm: the butternut squash should be firm. It should not be soft or mushy.
    • Color: the squash should be a shade of beige. When cut open, the interior flesh is a bright yellow/orange color.

    Step by Step Instructions

    how to cut butternut squash

    Cut the Squash

    Step 1: Cut off both ends of the squash. Slice the squash in half length-wise, so that the seeds are showing in the middle. Remove all seeds using a spoon.

    TIP: I've found it easier to use a strawberry peeler to remove seeds because it has sharp edges on it.

    Step 2: Remove the skin from the squash by cutting it off with a knife of by using a vegetable peeler.

    Step 3: Slice the squash into cubes. Try to make all pieces a similar size so that they cook evenly. It's ok if not all pieces are the exact shape of a cube- some may be a triangle or rectangle shape depending on the part of the squash that's cut.

    Prepare and Cook

    Place the cut squash cubes in a bowl. Toss with olive oil until all pieces are coated. Add the seasonings and mix well.

    Place the seasoned squash cubes in the basket of the air fryer. Cook at 400F for 15 minutes. Stir and then cook an additional 5 minutes.

    Remove from air fryer and serve hot!

    airfryer butternut squash on a black plate

    Leftovers

    Place leftover squash in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat these by warming them in the microwave or by placing them in a saucepan with olive oil and sautéing until hot.

    Variations

    This air fryer squash recipe is a savory version; however, you can also make it sweet or spicy. Ingredients are listed below for several variations, follow the original cooking instructions/times listed in the recipe:

    Sweet Version: use 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1tsp of brown sugar

    Spicy Version: use 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

    How to Serve This Recipe

    These butternut squash cubes make an excellent side dish! They compliment almost any meal nicely! Here are some of my favorite ways to pair them:

    • Serve as a side dish to your favorite grilled meat.
    • Make these for a holiday meal and serve with turkey, ham or brisket!
    • Serve these as a side dish to a sandwich, wrap or soup!
    • Pair with a main entree, such as chicken stuffed peppers, baked boneless wings or avocado chicken pesto pasta.

    Nutritional Information

    Butternut squash has quite a few nutritional benefits!

    Butternut squash is considered a nutrient-dense food, which means that it is a low calorie food with high nutrient content. This article goes through all the health benefits of butternut squash if you're interested!

    • Potassium: butternut squash is packed with potassium. In fact, it actually has more potassium than a banana! Depending on your nutritional needs, this may be beneficial.
    • Vitamin A: butternut squash is high in Vitamin A.
    • Healthy Fat: This recipe uses olive oil as it's method of fat. This is considered is a healthy type of fat!

    Why Cook Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer?

    Using an air fryer to cook butternut squash has several benefits:

    • The air circulates around every side of the squash, which creates a shorter cooking time and more evenly cooked product.
    • There is very little mess to clean up because you don't need to worry about washing large baking pans.
    • Air fryer squash is a healthier method of cooking as opposed to frying squash in a pan of oil.
    air fryer butternut squash on a plate with chicken and avocado

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I Use Frozen Butternut Squash Cubes in the Air Fryer?

    Frozen squash can be used in the Air Fryer. Cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly. Using frozen squash is a great way to save time, as the squash is already pre-cut.

    Can I Cook Butternut Squash in the Oven?

    Butternut squash cubes can be cooked in the oven if preferred. Prepare and season the butternut squash cubes as suggested in the recipe and then place the cubes on a greased cookie sheet. Cook in a preheated oven at 400F for 20-25 minutes.

    Does The Squash Have to Be Peeled?

    When making air fryer squash, it is recommended to peel the squash prior to cooking.

    More Favorite Side Dishes

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      Healthy Sweet Potato Fries
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    bowl of air fryer butternut squash cubes with pumpkin seeds

    Air Fryer Butternut Squash

    Ashlee Welter
    Air Fryer Butternut Squash consists of squash cubes which are coated with olive oil, seasoned with a blend of spices and then cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 115 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 medium butternut squash about 2.5 cups of cubes
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¾ teaspoon poppy seeds
    • ¼ teaspoon white sesame seeds
    • ½ teaspoon dried minced garlic
    • ½ teaspoon dried onion flakes
    • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

    Instructions
     

    • Remove skin and seeds from butternut squash. Cut into ¼ inch cubes.
    • Place squash cubes in a medium size bowl. Pour in olive oil and mix until all pieces of squash are coated.
    • Add poppy seads, sesame seeds, garlic, onion flakes and sea salt. Mix well.
    • Preheat air fryer to 400F.
    • Place squash evenly in the air fryer. Cubes can be touching but should be stacked. (You may have to make multiple batches).
    • Cook 15 minutes. Stir and cook an additional 5 minutes.

    Notes

    To make in the oven: 
    This air fryer squash can also be made in the oven. To make an oven-roasted version of the squash, place seasoned squash cubes on a greased cookie sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400F for 20-25 minutes
    Frozen Butternut squash: 
    Thaw/defrost in the microwave. Remove all extra liquid. Use 2.5 cups of frozen squash.
    Leftovers:
    Place leftover squash in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat these by warming them in the microwave or by placing them in a saucepan with olive oil and sautéing until hot.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 660mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 19931IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @pinchofwellness or tag #pinchofwellness!

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    Comments

    1. how many dosing is in 30 ml cbd oil says

      June 14, 2022 at 3:05 am

      Hello everybody ! can anyone recommend where I can purchase Eclipse CBD CBD Tincture Full Spectrum Peppermint 600mg 1000mg?

      Reply
    2. Annie says

      February 24, 2022 at 7:44 pm

      5 stars
      Turns out really good and easy to make. I always use frozen squash it and works perfect.

      Reply
    5 from 1 vote

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    ashlee welter pinch of wellness

    Hi, I'm Ashlee! I'm a Registered Dietitian with over 12 years of experience in nutrition, cooking, and health! I am an expert in developing gluten free and healthy recipes!

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