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Roasted Butternut Squash in Air Fryer

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Make delicious roasted butternut squash quickly and easily in your air fryer. It is a great way to get a flavorful veggie side on your dinner plate!

serving bowl filled with cubes of air fryer roasted butternut squash.

Air fryer butternut squash is a fabulous fall side dish. Using your air fryer makes getting roasted butternut squash on the table even faster and you don’t have to heat up the oven. 

We usually season our squash with salt, pepper, and cinnamon or chili powder depending on our mood. But you can season yours however you like it best.

Winter squash is everywhere right now. I have a pile of butternut, acorn and delicata squash from our CSA on my buffet as we speak.

Hopefully you have a pile of squash somewhere too. Winter squash is fabulous because it stores well. So you can stock up now and have it last you through Christmas.

Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and helps concentrate the flavors. It is one of my favorite ways to fix so many vegetables.

Of course squash is no different. Roasted squash is absolutely amazing.

Roasting squash in the air fryer makes it quick. Plus it keeps the oven free for other things.

Prepping the Squash

The hardest part about roasting butternut squash is getting it diced and ready.  It can seem like an insurmountable task, but it really isn’t that bad.

cutting board full of butternut squash pieces in various stages of being cleaned, pealed and diced.

I use a chef knife to first cut a small slice off the top and bottom of the squash. Then I cut the squash in half between the thinner part and the bigger rounder part.

Then cut each half in half again through the middle. Scoop the seeds out of the middle

Cut each quarter into wedges similarly to how you would cut a pie. This is when I peel it.

I find it easier to peel the small pieces rather than the whole squash. I like using a paring knife but a good vegetable peeler works as well.

Then cut those spears into bite sized chunks. I like them about an inch or an inch and a half in size.

Now toss those chunks in a bit of oil and seasoning and throw them in the air fryer.  You’ll be ready to eat before you know it.

cubes of butternut squash tossed in oil and seasoning and ready to go into the air fryer.

Seasonings and Serving Suggestions

I love putting salt, pepper and cinnamon on my squash. The sweet and salty combination is amazing.

Chili powder is another great option for flavoring squash. It gives a little bit of sweet and heat.

You’ll want to keep an eye on it as it cooks. The actual cook time will depend on so many factors including the size of squash pieces and the brand and style of your air fryer.

The little chunks of delicious roasted squash will be fabulous as is. To take it to the next level, toss those cinnamon coated squash pieces in a Tablespoon of melted butter mixed with a Tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Holy cow… so good!

air fryer basket with roasted butternut squash cubes in it.

This squash is perfect paired with pork or chicken. It would also be a fabulous healthy side dish for your Thanksgiving turkey.

What seasonings go with butternut squash?

To highlight the sweeter side of the squash you can use spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom or cloves. For a more savory experience try chili powder, cayenne, rosemary, oregano or thyme.

More Great Squash Recipes

If you like savory roasted squash, you are going to love my air fryer roasted acorn squash with Parmesan cheese.

You may also like my maple glazed roasted veggies, they are on the sweeter side of vegetable goodness.

Or add squash to some other favorites and make things like butternut squash alfredo sauce for pasta. Butternut squash risotto is another favorite that can be a starter, side dish or meatless main.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a review in the recipe card.

serving bowl filled with cubes of air fryer roasted butternut squash.

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Carlee
Air fryer butternut squash is tender and delicious roasted squash in less time. Plus you don't have to turn on the oven. This recipe is a great way to get a flavorful vegetable on the table.
5 from 12 ratings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 71 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 medium butternut squash
  • 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon cinnamon or chili powder or seasoning of your choice
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 Tablespoon melted butter & 1 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions
 

  • Clean butternut squash. Then peel and cut into bite sized pieces, about 1to 1½ inches in size.
    1 medium butternut squash
  • Toss with oil and seasonings.
    1 Tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Place in air fryer and cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.  Check and toss a few times along the way.  Actually cook times will depend on your air fryer, the size of the cubes and how full the basket is.  The cubes should give when lightly squeezed. 
  • If desired, melt butter and stir in honey or syrup. Toss roasted squash in the mixture and enjoy! 
    Optional: 1 Tablespoon melted butter & 1 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 71kcalCarbohydrates: 9gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 370mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6g
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Recipe Rating




Karen Laliberte

Monday 28th of November 2022

Hi, I don't have an air fryer I was wondering how long to cook in the oven? By the way this sounds delicious. Thanks, Karen

Carlee

Monday 28th of November 2022

Thank you! You can roast butternut squash in the oven at 400F for about 30 minutes. I'd toss them about halfway through.

Andrea Nine

Wednesday 16th of October 2019

Count me in butternut! Lol. And I think you’ve finally convinced me to get an air fryer!!

Carlee

Thursday 17th of October 2019

Ha! Air fryers are fun!