Air Fryer Butternut Squash [Two Ways!]
User Reviews
5
Air Fryer Butternut Squash [Two Ways!]
Description
Air Fryer Butternut Squash [Two Ways!] guides you through preparing cubed butternut squash that's cooked at 400°F until tender and edged with crispiness. The squash cubes can be seasoned with either a savory blend including smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic, and onion powder, or a sweet mixture featuring maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of salt. The cooking process involves tossing the cubes with seasonings and either vegetable broth or syrup before placing them evenly in the air fryer basket.
The high heat and circulation of the air fryer produce squash pieces that are soft inside while developing a golden, slightly crispy surface. The savory seasoning adds smoky and spicy notes complementing the squash's natural sweetness. The sweet version enhances this sweetness further with warm spices and maple syrup, creating a dessert-like side.
This versatile dish can be served as a side for dinners or added to salads or grain bowls. The method saves time compared to roasting and requires minimal oil. For even cooking, cutting squash into uniform pieces is advised, and cooking times may vary with air fryer models, so checking for fork tenderness is recommended.
Leftover squash keeps refrigerated for a few days, and reheating can be done in the air fryer or toaster oven to regain crispiness. Pre-cut squash purchased from stores can save prep time but trimming into smaller cubes ensures even cooking.
Ingredients
Savoury Version
- 2 lb butternut squash approx 4 cups cubed into half inch pieces
- 2 tablespoon vegetable broth low sodium
- ½ teaspoon salt sea salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Sweet Version
- 2 lb butternut squash approx 4 cups cubed into half inch pieces
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt sea salt
Instructions
- Peel and chop your butternut squash into half inch cubes. See step by step photos above if needed.
- Place the cubed pieces in a large mixing bowl along with all the seasoning for the option you're making. Mix well and place in the basket of your air fryer in an even layer.
- Cook at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, depending on your model and give it a good mix at the halfway point. The squash is ready when it's fork tender and crispy around the edges.
Notes
- Cut squash into evenly sized pieces (about half-inch cubes) for uniform cooking.
- Smaller cubes cook faster, so adjust size to reduce cooking time if desired.
- Start checking doneness around 15 minutes as air fryer models differ in heat intensity.
- The squash is ready when fork tender with browned, crispy edges.
- Pre-cut squash from stores can be used but trim pieces smaller to cook evenly.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3-4 days; reheat in air fryer or toaster oven to restore texture.
- Nutritional data provided is for one quarter serving of the savory version; sweet version has about 131 calories per serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 106 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 106cal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Sodium | 306mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 798mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 24332IU | 487% |
| Vitamin C | 48mg | 53% |
| Calcium | 109mg | 11% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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