Looking for a simple, delicious air fryer butternut squash recipe? Look no further! This 6 ingredient butternut squash in air fryer takes just minutes to prep, and cooks your squash perfectly without becoming mushy or dried out.
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Looking for a healthy side dish idea that isn’t potatoes? This savory, sweet air fryer butternut squash is great with chicken, fish, pork and beef.
Made with just a few spices, olive oil and paired with red onion, this butternut squash recipe comes together easily and with minimal prep.
In this post I’ll show you how to cut and peel a whole butternut squash, how to use your air fryer to cook butternut squash and what you can serve with this simple side dish.
What do I need to make butternut squash in air fryer?
- Fresh Butternut Squash – I recommend using fresh, butternut squash that has been cut into 1″ cubes. You can often find pre-cut, fresh butternut squash in your prepared produce section of your grocery store.
- Olive Oil – olive oil is needed to prevent the squash from sticking to your air fryer. You can also use avocado oil in place of EVOO.
- Red Onion – the addition of red onion is a great way to add savory flavor alongside with sweet squash. The purple color also adds a pretty contrast.
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Ground Pepper
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the recipe. Thanks!
How do I cut a butternut squash?
To cut a butternut squash, you’ll need a large, sharp knife, like a Chef’s or Santoku knife. Begin by cutting off the top and bottom of the squash.
Next, cut the squash in half. This will make it easier to handle and peel. Using a vegetable peeler, begin peeling off the exterior skin of the squash, exposing the orange flesh.
Once the squash is peeled, cut the bottom portion of the squash in half and scoop out the seeds and soft insides. Cut the squash into smaller 1″ cubes for even cooking.
Ingredient Substitutions and Recommendations:
- Apple – adding a peeled and diced apple can add some complimentary flavor to the squash.
- Bacon – smokey, savory bacon is a great addition to the sweet butternut squash. I recommend cutting the bacon into small pieces so it can cook crisply with the squash.
- Pecans – adding some pecan halves to the squash can add some great texture and crunch. The pecans will only need 2-4 minutes to toast in the air fryer, so add them at the very end of cooking the squash.
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the recipe at the bottom of the post. Thanks!
How long do I cook butternut squash in air fryer?
When cut into 1″ cubes, the squash will need about 16-18 minutes to fully cook and become lightly brown on the outside.
What temperature do I cook butternut squash in air fryer?
Preheat and cook the butternut squash at 400 degrees in your air fryer. Make sure you check the owners manual for your specific air fryer model, as preheat times can very from brand to brand.
For my Ninja Max XL, it needs 3 minutes to preheat at the cook temperature. I use and love this Ninja Max XL Air Fryer. You can get in below by clicking on the image or link.
One of the most highly-rated, reviewed and LOVED air fryers on the market! The Ninja Max XL Air Fryer is one of the most used appliances in our kitchen, as we use it almost every day!
Love cooking with an air fryer? Check out our other air fryer recipes:
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
- Maple Glazed Air Fryer Salmon
- Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Brats
- 8 Minute Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos
- Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
- Air Fryer Drumsticks Recipe
What can I serve with butternut squash?
Butternut squash is a very versatile side dish that goes with most proteins, including chicken, turkey, fish, pork and beef. Here are some of our favorite recipes to serve with butternut squash:
- Easy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
- Garlic Herb Roast Beef
- Brown Sugar Balsamic Grilled Chicken
- Apple Cider Glazed Pork Chops
- Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
If you loved this butternut squash recipe, check out these other recipes:
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Butternut Squash in Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer We use this Ninja Max XL air fryer almost daily! A fantastic cooking tool for quick dinners.
- Air Fryer Disposable Liners Helps make air fryer clean-up quick and easy. Food cooks crisply and evenly every time!
- Mixing Bowls These stainless steel mixing bowls are an essential cooking tool for every kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. butternut squash peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup red onion cut
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Peel and cut your butternut squash into 1" cubes. Add to a large mixing bowl.
- To the cubed butternut squash, add the red onion, olive oil, garlic salt, garlic powder and ground pepper. With a rubber scraper, toss the ingredients well to coat everything with the oil and spices.
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees.
- To the hot air fryer basket, add the squash mixture. Cook at 400 degrees for 8 minutes. Stop to toss the squash mixture. Cook for another 8 minutes, for a total cook time of 16 minutes. Squash and onion should be lightly browned on the edges.
- Serve right away while hot.
Notes
Nutrition
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