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5.0 from 6 votes

Air Fryer Acorn Squash

This Air Fryer Acorn Squash is a delicious and healthy fall side dish that's easy to prepare. It's a great addition to your weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. Oven instructions included!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
22 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 98 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 1 medium acorn squash
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ ounce freshly grated parmesan cheese (about ¼ cup)
  • Optional: grated parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Optional: To soften the squash in the microwave before cutting it, pierce the squash all over with a small knife. Place it on a plate and microwave for 1 ½-2 minutes. Let squash cool a few minutes until it's cool enough to handle.
  2. Slice the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Place squash halves cut side down on a cutting board and slice into half moons, about ¾-inch thick.
  3. Place the squash slices in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and parmesan cheese. Toss to coat the slices well with the spices and cheese.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
  5. Place the squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to cook it in batches depending on the size of your air fryer). Sprinkle any remaining parmesan mixture from the bowl onto the squash. Cook 10-14 minutes until squash is light golden brown and fork tender. Flip the squash halfway through.
  6. Transfer cooked squash to a serving platter. Top with some additional freshly grated cheese, if desired.
To make this dish in the oven:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Place the squash slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until done.

Notes

  • Acorn squash can be difficult to cut so I recommend microwaving it for 1 ½-2 minutes first to soften it.  To soften acorn squash in the microwave, first make a few incisions in the squash using a knife or fork, to allow steam to escape. Then place the squash on a plate and microwave it on high heat for 2 minutes.  When the squash is cool enough to handle, slice it as per the recipe. The final cook time of the squash in the air fryer will depend on whether or not you microwave it first.  Microwaving it will make the final cook time shorter. I recommend using freshly grated parmesan cheese for this recipe.  It melts better than pre-grated cheese and makes such a difference in this dish. If you prefer a sweet acorn squash dish, try my maple glazed acorn squash. Leftover air fryer acorn squash can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Acorn squash can be difficult to cut so I recommend microwaving it for 1 ½-2 minutes first to soften it.  To soften acorn squash in the microwave, first make a few incisions in the squash using a knife or fork, to allow steam to escape. Then place the squash on a plate and microwave it on high heat for 2 minutes.  When the squash is cool enough to handle, slice it as per the recipe.
  • The final cook time of the squash in the air fryer will depend on whether or not you microwave it first.  Microwaving it will make the final cook time shorter.
  • I recommend using freshly grated parmesan cheese for this recipe.  It melts better than pre-grated cheese and makes such a difference in this dish.
  • If you prefer a sweet acorn squash dish, try my maple glazed acorn squash.
  • Leftover air fryer acorn squash can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 quarter squash Calories 98kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 12g (4%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 5g (8%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g Monounsaturated Fat 3g Cholesterol 5mg (2%) Sodium 242mg (10%) Potassium 391mg (11%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 0.02g (0%) Vitamin A 446IU (9%) Vitamin C 12mg (13%) Calcium 87mg (9%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 98

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 quarter squash
Calories 98kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 12g 4%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g 3%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Sodium 242mg 10%
Potassium 391mg 8%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 0.02g 0%
Vitamin A 446IU 9%
Vitamin C 12mg 13%
Calcium 87mg 9%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.