Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Winter squash is popular throughout the fall and winter months because of its long shelf life. It makes a simple side dish, and air fried butternut squash can be used in various delicious recipes.

You can enjoy air fryer butternut squash as is or mash it and add the squash to other healthy recipes, and it cooks so much faster than baking. 

Air fryer butternut squash is flavorful, warm, and comforting. The squash cooks up nutty and silky and complements any dinner entree, so you can serve it with almost any meal. The flavor is slightly sweet, nutty, and rich.

Roasted squash also cooks quickly, so it’s perfect for any night of the week. Make this easy butternut squash in air fryer and serve it with delicious Air Fryer Turkey Legs, this Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breast, or Air Fryer Steak Bites for a quick and simple dinner the whole family will love!

Why Make This Recipe

• Simple – Just cut, season and cook. It doesn’t get any more simple than that.  
• A Fall Favorite – Air Fried Butternut squash has a nutty, earthy flavor that pairs well with fall meals, including Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinner. 
• Great For Other Recipes – Roasted butternut squash lends incredible flavor to other recipes. After cooking butternut squash in air fryer, you can scoop out the flesh and use it in butternut squash soup, for mashed butternut squash, or as a filling for pasta.  

Ingredient Notes

• Butternut Squash – Butternut squash can vary in size. Select a fresh squash that will fit into your air fryer basket. 
• Olive Oil – Use your favorite light, neutral flavored oil, such as avocado oil or an olive oil spray. 
• Maple Syrup – Use real maple syrup. You can also substitute with brown sugar. 
• Salt – To taste.
• Fresh Thyme sprigs – For a fresh flavor. You can also use rosemary or sage. 
• Walnut Pieces – Adds crunch. Substitute pecan pieces or omit them altogether. 

Ready to make this air fryer butternut squash? Gather your ingredients and I will show you…

How To Cook Butternut Squash In Air Fryer

Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F / 190 degrees C.
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. 
3. Brush the butternut squash halves with olive oil and place them cut side up in the air fryer basket. 
4. Place a few thyme sprigs on each half, drizzle with the maple syrup and sprinkle on some salt. 
5. Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
6. If desired: about 8 minutes before cook time is done, coat walnut pieces with maple syrup and place into the hollow of each half.

Expert Tips

• Larger squash may not fit into the air fryer basket, so choose the squash carefully. 
• Cut butternut squash in half lengthwise with a sharp chef’s knife. 
• To serve, cut each butternut squash half into one-inch squash pieces that look like half moons, or scoop out the roasted squash and mash. 
• If the squash is not as tender as you would like, continue cooking for several minutes. 
• The cooking time can vary depending on the size of the butternut squash and the make and model of your air fryer. 

Delicious Variations

• Add Additional Seasonings – The simplicity of syrup and kosher salt is what makes this recipe appealing, but you can undoubtedly season the squash as you like. Try adding pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, or Italian seasoning for a savory version of butternut squash air fryer. 

Prep Ahead And Storage

• Prep Ahead – If using for other recipes, cook the squash in the air fryer in advance. 
• Store –  keep leftovers in an airtight container inside the fridge for 4 days.
• Freeze – Mash the leftover squash and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. 
• Reheat – Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in the air fryer until warmed through. 

FAQs

More Recipes You May Like

Why not try this Air Fryer Stuffing, delicious Air Fryer Corn Ribs, family loved Air Fryer Cabbage and this guest favorite Air Fryer Sweet Potato Pie.

Serving Suggestions

• Air Fryer Ham.
• Air Fryer Turkey Breast.
• Air Fryer Stuffing.
• Easy Air Fryer Green Beans.
• Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce.
• Instant Pot Brussel Sprouts.

Best Equipment To Use

• The Best Air Fryer.
• Awesome Air Fryer Accessories.
• Measuring spoons.
• Best ever sea salt flakes.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 2 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Thank you for reading my butternut squash air fryer recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog. 

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