Air-Fryer Butternut Squash

This amazing butternut squash recipe will make your family ask for seconds every single time! Anyone who loves crispy-tender vegetables will absolutely fall in love with this dish. The best part is it takes just 5 minutes to prep and comes out perfectly golden every time.

Recipe Details

Timing & Servings: Active Time: 5 minutes, Total Time: 25 minutes, Serves: 4 people.

Nutrition Profile: Gut Healthy, Anti-Inflammatory, Mediterranean Diet, Nut-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 84 Calories, 2g Fat, 17g Carbs, 2g Protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butternut squash: You’ll need 1 medium butternut squash cubed into 3/4-inch pieces, which gives you about 4 cups. I love how butternut squash gets so sweet and tender when it’s cooked this way!

Extra-virgin olive oil: Just 2 teaspoons is all you need to get those beautiful crispy edges. The olive oil helps all those wonderful spices stick to every piece.

Ground paprika: Half a teaspoon adds such a lovely warm color and mild smoky flavor. It makes the squash look absolutely gorgeous!

Salt: A quarter teaspoon brings out all the natural sweetness in the squash. Don’t skip this – it makes such a difference!

Ground pepper: Just a quarter teaspoon adds the perfect little kick. Fresh ground pepper works best if you have it.

Garlic powder: An eighth of a teaspoon gives you that subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the sweet squash. It’s the perfect finishing touch!

How to Make Air-Fryer Butternut Squash

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. While it’s heating up, grab a large bowl and toss the cubed squash with olive oil, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure every piece gets coated with those delicious seasonings!

Step 2: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray. Add the seasoned squash to the basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, then open the fryer and gently toss the pieces around. Cook for another 10 minutes until they’re lightly browned and crispy on the edges.

Easy and Quick Air-Fryer Butternut Squash Version

Want to make this even faster? You can buy pre-cut butternut squash from the grocery store! Just use 4 cups of the pre-cubed pieces and skip all the peeling and chopping. Toss with the same seasonings and cook exactly the same way. It saves you about 10 minutes of prep time and tastes just as amazing!

Serving Ideas

This butternut squash makes the perfect side dish for so many meals! It goes beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a simple green salad for a light dinner. I love serving it alongside some crusty bread and a protein for a complete, satisfying meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in a covered container. To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but the air fryer keeps them crispier!

Substitutions

No butternut squash? You can use acorn squash or delicata squash instead! Don’t have paprika? Try cumin or chili powder for a different flavor. Out of garlic powder? Fresh minced garlic works great too – just use about half a clove.

Pro Tips

• Cut evenly: Make sure all your squash pieces are about the same size so they cook evenly. This is the secret to perfect results every time!
• Don’t overcrowd: If you have a smaller air fryer, cook the squash in two batches. Crowded pieces won’t get crispy.
• Check doneness: The squash should be tender when pierced with a fork and golden brown on the edges. If it needs more time, cook for 2-3 more minutes.
• Season while warm: Add a pinch of extra salt or a squeeze of lemon juice while the squash is still warm for even more flavor!

FAQs

Can I make this without an air fryer?

You bet! Just roast the seasoned squash in a 425°F oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through. It won’t be quite as crispy, but it’ll still taste amazing!

How do I know when the butternut squash is done?

The squash is ready when it’s fork-tender and has golden brown, slightly crispy edges. If it’s still hard in the center, give it a few more minutes in the air fryer.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Sure! You can cube the squash and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. Just wait to add the seasonings until you’re ready to cook for the best flavor.

What’s the best way to cut butternut squash safely?

Start by cutting off both ends, then peel with a vegetable peeler. Cut it in half where the neck meets the bulb, then scoop out the seeds. Cut into strips, then cube. Take your time and use a sharp knife – you’ve got this!

I hope you love this butternut squash as much as my family does! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out – I always love hearing about your cooking adventures. Happy cooking, friend!