Crispy and perfect, roasted Air Fryer Butternut Squash is a fast and delicious side dish. You’ll love that it’s packed with so much flavor! No air fryer? You’ll find oven-baking options as well.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Everyone loves a speedy and healthy side dish and this air fryer butternut squash does not disappoint!
Ready in a flash and easily adaptable to each person’s preference, this is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again.
No air fryer? Our crispy butternut squash recipe is oven-roasted to perfection.
If you’re in the market for an air fryer, this is the model we have and love. You need very few accessories to go with it but I do love to have some air fryer parchment and a Misto on hand at all times.
And if you have any squash leftover, make some Spicy Vegan Butternut Squash Soup or this Butternut Squash Chili. And if you want to make something fun, check out these Baked Butternut Squash Fries.
Ingredients
This recipe uses:
- Butternut squash (surprise!)
- Oil – I used olive oil
- Flaky salt
What Kind of Butternut Squash Can I Use in an Air Fryer?
You can buy butternut squash “pre-cubed” or whole. If you purchase a whole squash, Katie over at Hey Nutrition Lady has a great tutorial on how to cut butternut squash.
I have used frozen butternut squash cubes in the air fryer, and it couldn’t be easier. I find it works best if the air fryer has been preheated for two minutes before adding the squash. And do not defrost the squash before cooking. Related: How to Roast Frozen Vegetables
How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash
*I’ll walk you through it here with some photos and tips, and you’ll also find a printable recipe card at the bottom of the post with exact measurements, etc. You can also click “jump to recipe” to skip down.
Start by adding the butternut squash to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Toss the cubes with olive oil (I use a silicone spatula) to evenly coat them.
Brush the basket of the air fryer with olive oil, or use air fryer parchment. Pro tip: don’t apply cooking spray directly to the basket of your air fryer as it can damage the non-stick coating.
Bake the squash cubes for 8 minutes at 380˚F. Give the basket a little shake and then cook the cubes for an additional 10-13 minutes, or until they are the perfect texture for you.
Toss the squash with flaky salt and go live your best life.
How to Cook Whole Butternut Squash in an Air Fryer
While cubes are my go-to, sometimes you just want to cook a butternut squash cut in half. I get it and I’ve got your back.
Carefully cut the squash in half horizontally, and remove the seeds. If you’re asking yourself “should I peel my butternut squash before roasting?”, the answer is: it’s up to you!
If you want to peel it, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. If you don’t, you’ll just scoop the squash out after it has finished roasting. You’ve got options.
Brush the olive oil over both sides of the squash and roast the halves, cut side up, at 350˚F for 25-30 minutes, or until you can easily pierce through the thickest part of the squash with the tip of a sharp knife.
Variations
For sweetened whole butternut squash: lightly brush the squash with a bit of olive oil, and then place 1 tsp of butter, 1 tsp of brown sugar, and 1/4-1/2 tsp in each half of the squash. Bake at 350˚F for 25-30 minutes.
For sweetened butternut squash cubes: toss the cubes with 1 tsp of olive oil and bake at 380˚F for 8 minutes. Before shaking the basket, toss the cubes with 1 tsp of melted butter, 2 tsp of brown sugar, and 1/4-1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon. Bake for an additional 10-13 minutes.
For extra crispy butternut squash cubes: toss the cubes in 1 tsp of cornstarch or arrowroot powder before tossing them with olive oil.
Additional flavoring options:
- Toss squash with 1/2-1 tsp of garlic powder.
- Sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika on top of the finished squash.
- After shaking the squash cubes, tuck in a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and then cook for an additional 10-13 minutes.
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT
Storing Leftovers: Allow the squash to fully cool before storing it in an air-tight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Reheating Leftovers: You can reheat the butternut squash for 3-5 minutes in the air fryer at 400˚F, in the oven at 400˚F for 5-10 minutes, or in the microwave for 1 minute.
Repurposing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, mash them up and add flour tablespoon by tablespoon until the mixture is barely sticky. Make into patties. Heat avocado or coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until the bottom is light brown and has a crunchy sear (2-3 minutes). Flip and cook the other side. Remove to a plate lined with a paper towel or newspaper.
Freezing: Allow leftover squash to fully cool before freezing on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 2-3 hours and then transfer to freezer-safe storage for 2-3 months.
What TO SERVE With Air Fryer BUTTERNUT SQUASH
I like to use air-fried butternut squash as a side for my dry brine roasted chicken, paleo salmon cakes, or incorporate it into a sheet pan dinner.
And we love to top it with homemade tartar sauce, chipotle sauce, or homemade cilantro chimichurri.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- Do your best to cut the squash into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- If you’d like the squash to cook faster, cut the pieces small; almost diced. Check after 10 minutes of cooking.
- If using frozen butternut squash, do NOT defrost it before placing it in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer at 380˚F for 2 minutes before adding squash.
- If you’re using an oven-style air fryer, the cooking time will remain the same. Switch trays or gently toss the cubes on the trays after 8 minutes.
- Every person prefers their veggies roasted to a specific level. Use common sense and check on your squash during the cooking process to see what works best for you.
WEIGHT WATCHERS POINTS
One serving of butternut squash in the air fryer has 1 WW Freestyle SmartPoints.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 16 oz cubed butternut squash {~4 cups}
- 1.5 tsp olive oil {avocado oil works great too}
- 1/8 tsp flaky sea salt {I used Maldon}
Instructions
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Cubes
- In a medium mixing bowl, drizzle butternut squash cubes with olive oil. Gently toss to coat.16 oz cubed butternut squash
- Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil and add squash cubes.1.5 tsp olive oil
- Bake for 8 minutes at 380˚F.
- Shake the basket and cook for another 10-13 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your butternut squash.
- Sprinkle with flaky salt.1/8 tsp flaky sea salt
Whole Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer
- Carefully cut the squash in half horizontally, and remove the seeds. Peeling is optional.
- Brush the olive oil over both sides of the squash.
- Roast the halves, cut side up, at 350˚F for 25-30 minutes, or until you can easily pierce through the thickest part of the squash with the tip of a sharp knife
Notes
- Do your best to cut the squash into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- If you’d like the squash to cook faster, cut the pieces small; almost diced. Check after 10 minutes of cooking.
- If using frozen squash, do not defrost before cooking, and preheat the air fryer for 2 minutes at 380˚F.
- Every person prefers their veggies roasted to a specific level. Use common sense and check on your squash during the cooking process to see what works best for you.
- Cook squash on a rimmed baking sheet in an oven preheated to 435˚F.
- Bake for 23-28 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time.
Shop this Post:
(may include affiliate links)
