Seasoned with dried sage and finished with a drizzle of pure maple syrup, Air Fryer Butternut Squash is an easy side dish recipe that’s sure to please. Enjoy warm as a vegetable side dish or add to salads, grain bowls or pasta.
If you're looking for a simple, healthy and delicious way to prepare butternut squash, look no further than your air fryer.
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Air Fried Butternut Squash
Butternut squash becomes beautifully tender and slightly caramelized when air-fried.
This easy air fryer method will give you squash that has crispy, caramelized edges and is tender on the inside.
Cooking in your air fryer takes less time than roasting in your oven and that’s always welcome on busy weeknights.
Whether you’re serving air fried squash as a side dish, tossing it into a salad, or snacking on it straight from the basket, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Air fried butternut squash is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s easy to make and incredibly versatile.
Whether you're cooking up a quick weeknight side dish or preparing a meal-prep staple, this recipe has an irresistible flavor. in every bite.
Enjoy the crispy, caramelized perfection of air-fried butternut squash with every forkful you take!
Keep your air fryer out and make these easy air fryer recipes too!
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How to air fry butternut squash
This is a quick overview of how to make this airfried butternut squash recipe. Scroll down for the full recipe instructions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card below
- Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the butternut squash, olive oil, melted butter, dried sage, garlic powder, kosher salt and pepper and toss until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Arrange the squash cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking in batches, if necessary
- Step 3: Air fry at 400F for 15-20 minutes until the squash is tender, golden brown and crispy on the edges, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. Drizzle with maple syrup and toss gently before serving.
Hint: To guarantee even cooking, be sure that the squash pieces are all about the same size
Expert recipe tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – You may have to cook the squash in batches if necessary to ensure that the squash doesn’t steam but rather cooks to form crispy edges.
- Pre-cut butternut squash – I used precut butternut squash to same time but if you can’t find precut butternut squash at your grocery store you can buy 1 medium whole butternut squash, peel it, remove the seeds, and dice into 1-inch cubes.
- Same size pieces – To guarantee even cooking, be sure that the squash pieces are all about the same size
- 100% pure maple syrup – Be sure to use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Maple flavored pancake syrup is not the same and will not give you as much yummy flavor
- Pumpkin seeds - Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds for added crunch and texture
Substitutions
- Butternut squash – Acorn squash, sugar pumpkin or delicata squash can be used in place of butternut squash
- Butter – You can replace the 1 Tablespoon butter with an additional 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- Dried sage - You can substitute dried oregano, dried marjoram or dried Italian seasoning for the dried sage
- Maple syrup – Honey or agave syrup make great substitutes for maple syrup
- Olive oil – Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a neutral, high-heat option.
- Sage - Rubbed sage can be used in place of dried sage. Just double the amount when subbing it
Variations
- Sweeter seasonings – Try cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweeter variation
- Smoky – Add smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
- Spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of spice and heat
- Mexican - season the squash with chili powder and cumin or taco seasoning for a Mexican flavor
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
Storage
- Refrigeration - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing - Freeze leftover squash in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating - Reheat squash in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness and until heated through
- As always, be sure to check more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Ingredients
Ingredients for easy air fryer butternut squash recipe
- Fresh Butternut Squash – This sweet, nutty, and slightly earthy winter squash has a vibrant orange flesh packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Olive Oil – Helps the squash crisp up while adding a rich, slightly fruity flavor.
- Butter – Adds a luscious, creamy finish to the squash with dairy notes that complement its natural sweetness.
- Dried Sage – Brings an earthy, slightly peppery warmth to the recipe
- Garlic Powder – Adds a savory depth of flavor
- Kosher Salt – Enhances all the flavors while balancing the sweetness and richness of the squash
- Pepper – Provides a mild kick and enhances the overall seasoning
- Pure Maple Syrup – Flavorful natural sweetness that deepens the caramelization and adds a delightful sweet contrast to the savory flavors
Butternut Squash Recipes
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What to serve with
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this squash recipe:
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
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Ingredients
- 1 pound cubed butternut squash (cubed into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon butter , melted
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon 100% pure maple syrup
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Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the butternut squash, olive oil, melted butter,dried sage, garlic powder, kosher salt and pepper and toss until evenly coated.
- Arrange the squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket. For even cooking, avoid overcrowding. You may need to cook the squash in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry at 400F for 15-20 minutes until the squash is tender, golden brown and crispy on the edges, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and toss gently before serving.
I love cooking withmy air fryer and this recipe has become a go-to vegetable side dish for dinner.