There’s something magical about butternut squash. It’s sweet, savory, and hearty enough to pair with almost anything. Now, imagine making it in the air fryer—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and done in no time. If you’re like me and can’t resist a recipe that’s both easy and tasty, this butternut squash in air fryer is about to become your new go-to. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Let’s talk details: the ingredients, the process, and, of course, the FAQs. Spoiler alert: This recipe is ridiculously simple. Whether you’re an air fryer newbie or a seasoned pro, this dish will deliver every single time.
Why Cook Butternut Squash in Air Fryer?
Honestly, air frying is a game-changer. It gives you that perfect roast-like crispness without having to crank up your oven (or your AC—because let’s be real, ovens make the kitchen HOT). Plus, it cooks faster. Who doesn’t love saving time?
With butternut squash, air frying caramelizes the natural sugars beautifully while keeping the inside soft and creamy. Add a few simple spices, and BAM—restaurant-quality squash at home. It’s like the perfect balance between cozy comfort food and something fancy you’d serve to impress guests.
Why You’ll Love Butternut Squash in Air Fryer
Let’s face it—weeknight dinners can be a total scramble, especially when you’re trying to whip up something healthy and delicious. That’s where this butternut squash in air fryer comes in clutch. It’s not just easy; it’s foolproof. With just a few pantry staples and 25 minutes, you’ll have a side dish that’s crispy, tender, and packed with flavor.
This recipe is perfect for those moments when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The air fryer handles all the heavy lifting, giving you a dish that tastes like it’s been slow-roasted to perfection—but in half the time. Plus, with the combination of sweet paprika, garlic, and Italian seasoning, you’re guaranteed bold, satisfying flavors in every bite.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe ticks all the boxes. And let’s not forget how versatile it is—you can pair it with anything from roasted chicken to a cozy fall salad. Keep reading, because this is about to become your new favorite way to cook butternut squash.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Butternut Squash in Air Fryer
Let’s break it down. You don’t need anything fancy here—just pantry staples and one beautiful butternut squash.
- 4 cups butternut squash: Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes. Fresh is best, but pre-cut works if you’re in a pinch. (No judgment—those squash are tough to peel!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For that golden crispiness.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a little depth to the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better.
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika: A hint of smoky sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning: The perfect herb blend for a savory twist.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: It brings out all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper: A little heat for balance.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Butternut Squash in Air Fryer
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer needs preheating (some don’t), give it about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking, and trust me, it’s worth the extra time.
2. Prep the Squash
Peel your butternut squash (or grab that pre-cut bag from the store—again, no judgment). Chop it into 1-inch cubes. Smaller cubes cook faster and get crispier, but don’t go too small, or they might burn.
3. Season Like a Pro
In a large mixing bowl, toss your squash cubes with olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is coated evenly—this is what gives them that bold flavor.
4. Air Fry to Perfection
Place the squash in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd—it’s tempting, but overcrowding = soggy squash. Cook for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping.
5. Serve and Enjoy
When your squash is golden brown and fork-tender, it’s ready to serve. Sprinkle with a little extra salt or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. That’s it—dig in!
Why Butternut Squash in Air Fryer Is Perfect for Fall
Fall is the season of cozy vibes, pumpkin spice everything, and, of course, squash. Butternut squash is a fall favorite for a reason—it’s hearty, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrients like vitamin A and fiber. Cooking butternut squash in an air fryer takes all those amazing qualities and amplifies them. The air fryer caramelizes the edges just enough to bring out its natural sweetness while keeping the inside creamy and satisfying. Plus, you won’t have to wait forever for it to roast in the oven. For busy fall evenings, this recipe is an absolute lifesaver.
Tips for the Best Butternut Squash in Air Fryer
- Don’t skip the oil: It might be tempting to go oil-free, but a little olive oil is key for that crispy texture. If you’re cutting calories, you can use a spray oil to coat evenly.
- Cut evenly: Uniform cubes cook more evenly. If some pieces are too big, they’ll end up undercooked while the smaller ones might burn.
- Shake, shake, shake: Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps ensure all sides get that golden crisp.
- Work in batches if needed: If your air fryer is on the smaller side, don’t try to cram everything in at once. Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness.
- Play with flavors: While this seasoning mix is chef’s kiss, you can switch it up with curry powder, chili flakes, or even cinnamon and brown sugar for a sweeter twist.
How to Store and Reheat Butternut Squash in Air Fryer
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (it’s so good, that’s rare!), storing and reheating your butternut squash is super easy. First, let the squash cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, the air fryer is your best friend again. Simply pop the squash back into the basket and reheat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. This brings back that crispy texture and keeps the squash tasting fresh. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too, but it won’t have the same crispiness.
FAQs About Butternut Squash in Air Fryer
Yes, but keep in mind frozen squash tends to have more moisture, which can make it less crispy. To combat this, pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning and air frying.
Pop your leftover squash in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, toss it back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp it up again.
Good news—it already is! Just double-check your spices to ensure they’re gluten-free (most are, but it’s always good to be safe).
Yes, peeling is recommended. The skin is edible but can be tough and chewy, which isn’t ideal for this recipe.
No worries! You can roast the squash in the oven at 425°F for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious way to prepare butternut squash, the air fryer is your answer. This recipe checks all the boxes—it’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to fit into any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy side dish, mixing it into a salad, or meal prepping for the week, butternut squash in air fryer is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to get amazing results. With a handful of spices, a drizzle of olive oil, and your trusty air fryer, you can transform simple butternut squash into a crispy, caramelized, and totally irresistible dish.
So grab your air fryer, get those cubes seasoned, and let the magic happen. You’re going to love how easy and delicious this is—and your family (or your taste buds) will thank you. Happy cooking!
