Instant Pot Acorn Squash
User Reviews
5
-
Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
121 kcal
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Course
Side Dish
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Cuisine
American, International
Instant Pot Acorn Squash
Description
To prepare Instant Pot Acorn Squash, the squash is halved, seeded, and placed on a trivet above cold water in the pressure cooker. Cooking times vary by size—smaller squash cooks under high pressure for 4 minutes with a 10-minute natural release, while larger ones require 6 to 7 minutes. This method yields a tender interior without overcooking the flesh.
After cooking, a maple butter sauce is made by combining melted unsalted butter, maple syrup, salt, and optionally nutmeg, which adds warmth and subtle spice. The sauce is then served over the soft squash halves, enhancing their naturally sweet and nutty flavor.
This dish works well as an easy side for various meals, especially during fall. The recipe notes encourage adjusting cooking time based on personal texture preference and squash size and recommend rating the recipe after trying it.
Ingredients
- 1 whole acorn squash , halved & seeded
- 1 cup (250ml) water cold
- 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup (or substitute with 2 tbsp (25g) brown sugar)
- A pinch salt
- ⅛ teaspoon (0.3g) nutmeg (optional)
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Acorn Squash: Rinse and pat dry the acorn squash. With a very sharp knife cut the acorn squash in half. Be careful! With a spoon, scrape out seeds and stringy bits in the acorn squash.*Pro Tip: You can save the seeds for later if you want to roast them in the oven.
- Pressure Cook Acorn Squash: Add 1 cup (250 ml) of cold water and a trivet in Instant Pot. Place the halved & seeded acorn squash on the trivet. Lightly season with a bit of coarse salt. Close the lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing position.Smaller Acorn Squash (13" circumference) - Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 4 minutes, then 10 minutes Natural Release.Larger Acorn Squash (17" circumference) - Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 6 - 7 minutes, then 10 minutes Natural Release.Open the lid carefully.
- Make Maple Butter Sauce: Melt 2 tbsp (28g) butter in a microwave or on the stovetop. In a small mixing bowl, mix 2 tbsp (30ml) maple syrup, 2 tbsp (28g) melted unsalted butter, a pinch of salt, and ⅛ tsp (0.3g) nutmeg (optional) together. The maple butter sauce will thicken as it cools down. Set aside.
- Apply Sauce & Serve: Generously apply the maple butter sauce on the acorn squash & serve.
- Optional - Caramelize Acorn Squash: You can use an oven, toaster oven, Instant Pot Duo Crisp's or Air Fryer Lid for this step. Option 1 - Oven/Toaster Oven: Place the acorn squash on an oven tray under the "Broil" function (or the highest temperature setting) for a few minutes until the maple butter sauce is caramelized. Option 2 - Air Fryer Lid: Place the air fryer basket with the tray on the middle rack in the Instant Pot. Place the acorn squash on the air fryer tray. Place the air fryer lid on Instant Pot. Press the "Broil" button, set the Temperature to 400°F and Cooking Time to 20 minutes. *For Air Fryer Lid: It will take roughly 8 - 11 minutes + preheat time.
Notes
- Adjust pressure cooking time depending on the size of your acorn squash and desired softness.
- You can save the seeds from the squash to roast later as a snack.
- After pressure cooking, let the squash release pressure naturally for the best texture.
- Rate the recipe after trying it to share your experience.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 121 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 121kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 8mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 396mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 570IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 46mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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