One of the easiest ways to cook winter squash? In the air fryer! This air fryer squash is creamy inside, caramelized outside, and full of flavor.
Use butternut squash, kabocha squash, honeynut, or another favorite squash (or pumpkin!) This method of roasting squash is such an easy way to make a fast and healthy side dish. Squash in air fryer for the win!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Squash
- Ingredients
- Best Varieties for Cooking Squash in Air Fryer
- How to Make Air Fryer Squash
- Tips for Success
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Squash
If you’re here reading this post, you’re probably already head over heels with your air fryer. You can make everything from air fryer pizza to air fryer Brussels sprouts and everything in between in this magical little appliance!
Air Fryer Squash, though, is my new favorite thing to whip up in my air fryer. It makes cooking a healthy side super simple and easy. And I love how the air fryer crisps up and caramelizes the outside of just about any winter squash for squash cubes that are delicious on their own, in salads, tossed in pasta or risotto … so many options.
Squash in air fryer … I will never quit you!
Ingredients
I’ve kept it super simple for this air fryer squash – it’s more a method than a recipe. Feel free to add spices like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder, or herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor.
- Winter squash – Here, I’m using kabocha squash. I’m a big fan if its creamy, nutty, and sweet flavor. Butternut squash is also a big fave. You’ll want to peel, de-seed, and cube your winter squash to cook it in the air fryer. More in the next section about great squashes for cooking in the air fryer!
- Oil – I prefer the gold standard, olive oil. You can also use any high-heat-tolerant oil like canola or avocado oil.
- Salt & pepper – For enhancing the flavors of your squash.
Best Varieties for Cooking Squash in Air Fryer
Just about any winter squash or pumpkin will work well in the air fryer. I have a guide to over 70 different types of squash so that you can pick and choose which squash you might want to try, or identify that mystery squash you’re holding.
Here are some of my favorites for air-fryer squash. You’ll want to peel these first.
- Kabocha squash
- Butternut squash
- Gold nugget squash
- Long Island Cheese pumpkin
- Baby Hubbard or blue ballet squash
- Buttercup squash
- Flat White Boer pumpkin
And here are some no-peeling-necessary winter squashes. They have thinner, edible skin, so the prep is even easier.
- Delicata squash
- Black Futsu squash
- Honeynut squash
- Red Kuri squash
How to Make Air Fryer Squash
First, you’ll peel your squash. I use a vegetable peeler. Then, cut off the stem end to create a flat surface. Place the squash on the now-flat side, and, depending on the size of your squash, cut through the middle or into quarters.
Use an ice cream scoop to remove the seeds, and then cut your squash into 1 to 2 inch chunks.
Place the squash into a large bowl and drizzle with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss until all of the pieces are coated.
And then add them to your air fryer basket!
Air fry your squash at 375°F (190°C) for about 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The squash will be tender and slightly crispy and caramelized on the outside when it’s done.
Tips for Success
- Prep ahead: You can peel and cut the pumpkin cubes ahead of time and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days ahead of time. Season and air fry just before serving for the best results.
- Spread the squash cubes in a single layer. You want the air to be able to reach most of the sides of each piece of squash, or else your squash runs the risk of being more steamed than air fried.
I hope you love this method of cooking squash as much as we do! It’s such an easy way to cook winter squash and transform it into wonderful, caramelized bites of pure deliciousness!
Air Fryer Winter Squash
Ingredients
- 4-5 cups winter squash (such as kabocha or butternut, peeled, de-seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (+ more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (+ more to taste)
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the squash cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix well until all of the squash pieces are coated.
- Spread the squash in a single layer in your air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
- Air fry for 18-19 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the squash cubes are tender and slightly crispy on the outside. Serve.
