This Roasted butternut squash air fryer recipe is delicious and the perfect Thanksgiving side dish that everyone is going to want more.
Ready in under twenty minutes and easy to prepare, this simple roasted butternut squash air fryer recipe is perfect if you don't have a lot of time and want to use the air fryer to make an easy side dish to put on your table but don’t want to compromise on flavor.
Air fryer roasted butternut squash is full of vitamins and minerals; it’s also packed with flavor! The slightly sweet and nutty flavors of the squash pair amazingly with the tartness of the cranberries, which in turn is complemented by the fruity notes in the parmesan cheese.
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I decided to try making my favorite roasted butternut squash recipe in the air fryer because I love crispy squash as part of a roast dinner in fall. And if you love roasted squash in the oven, wait until you try it in an air fryer. Air fried butternut squash is not only healthier, but it’s tastier too and takes less than half the time to cook.
Ingredients
- Fresh butternut squash. The fresher your squash, the better it will taste.
- Shallot. Shallots are smaller and sweeter than onions, with a milder flavor.
- Orange juice.
- Olive oil. Any cooking oil will work, but olive oil will add depth of flavor, and it’s good for you!
- Fresh rosemary. Using fresh rosemary rather than dried gives you a deeper flavor which is brought out even more by cooking.
- Ground cinnamon. Sweet and woody cinnamon brings out the sweetness in the butternut and adds a little spice.
- Salt and pepper.
- Dried cranberries. Dried cranberries are tart and intense, creating a contrasting flavor combination.
- Finely grated parmesan cheese. Beautiful when grated over the top.
How to cook butternut squash in the air fryer
Making air fryer roasted butternut squash is lovely and straightforward, and you don’t have to peel the butternut (thank goodness!)
- Begin by lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper. It’s vital to choose parchment paper that fits correctly to avoid burning.
- To prepare your butternut, quarter it lengthwise. Then, use a spoon to remove the seeds. (Don’t throw the seeds away, you can use them - see recipe tips for how.)
- Next, in a large bowl or sheet pan, toss together the squash, shallots, orange juice, olive oil, rosemary, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Then, lay the squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry to 380°F for 15 minutes, ensuring that you turn halfway through.
- After 15 minutes, add the cranberry, and cook for another two minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove from the basket and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Recipe tips
- Use a sharp knife to cut the butternut.
- Wash the squash before cutting if you're planning to cook with the skin on.
- If you don't like butternut skin, you can peel it before air frying.
- Add pecans or walnuts for extra crunch when adding the cranberries.
- Goat cheese will work for this recipe as well.
- Before serving, drizzle the squash with honey or maple syrup to add more sweetener to the dish.
How to cut butternut squash
If you’re making a roasted butternut squash air fryer recipe, all you need to do is quarter it lengthwise and then remove the seeds using a spoon. You can leave the skin on; it’s edible and delicious.
When you’re cutting butternut squash, make sure you use a good quality, sharp knife. Using a sharp knife is much safer than using a blunt one as it slices straight through, rather than risking sliding off and injuring you.
How can you tell if squash is bad?
Fresh squash will be firm, and it will have a consistent color all over. If you notice any squishy parts on your squash, you can cut them away and use whatever is left, as with most veggies.
However, if the whole thing feels soggy, is leaking liquid, or feels hollow inside, then it’s past its best and should be thrown away.
Don’t throw out butternut squash seeds!
When you scoop out your butternut squash, keep the seeds, and then roast them or fry them in a frying pan for a tasty snack that’s stuffed with nutrients. I haven't tried to make them in the air fryer yet.
Try them sprinkled with salt or with spices like chili, paprika, or cumin.
Is squash good in the air fryer?
Air fryer butternut squash is completely delicious! The squash cooks quickly in the air fryer, which seals in the flavors more than other methods. You’ll find that butternut squash in the air fryer is juicer, too.
Is roasted butternut squash healthy?
Butternut squash is low in calories and high in fiber, meaning that it will keep you fuller for longer. It’s also an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which all play an essential part in keeping your immune system healthy this winter.
How long to cook butternut squash in air fryer
It takes between fifteen and twenty minutes to cook butternut squash in the air fryer, depending on how tender or firm you like your vegetables. It’s much quicker to cook in the air fryer than in the oven!
What to serve with roasted butternut squash.
This recipe is a great light main meal for those days when you want a lot of flavor without a lot of calories. Try serving it with massaged kale and apple salad or beet and feta salad.
It also makes a delicious butternut squash side dish, pairing perfectly with this air fryer turkey breast, succulent pork tenderloin in the air fryer, or juicy air fryer cornish hen.
If you have leftover baked squash pieces, try tossing them in a salad or a pasta dish. Butternut is so versatile it goes with anything!
How to store air fryer butternut squash
To store your cooked butternut, wait for it to cool, and then put it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last 3-4 days.
How to reheat butternut squash in the air fryer
You can reheat butternut in the air fryer for about four to five minutes or until heated through.
It’s better to reheat your butternut in the air fryer than in the microwave because the microwave can cause it to go rubbery.
More squash recipes
- Butternut squash bisque
- Instant pot chickpea stew
- Perfect air fryer spaghetti squash
More air fryer recipes
- Air fryer chilaquiles
- Air fryer chicken fajitas
- Easy air fryer asparagus
- Healthy air fryer eggplant parmesan
- Smoked salmon taquitos in the air fryer
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Roasted Butternut Squash Air Fryer Recipe
Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ready in under twenty minutes and easy to prepare, this simple roasted butternut squash air fryer recipe is perfect if you don't have a lot of time and want to use the air fryer to make an easy side dish to put on your table but don’t want to compromise on flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 small butternut squash (about 1 ½ lb.)
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- Finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Line the air fryer basket with a parchment paper that fits the button of your air fryer. Quarter the squash lengthwise. With a spoon remove the seeds.
- In a large bowl, toss together the squash, shallots, orange juice, olive oil, rosemary, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer, air fry to 380ºF for 15 minutes turning halfway through, add the cranberry and cook for 2 more minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to cut the butternut.
- Wash the squash before cutting if you're planning to cook with the skin on.
- If you don't like butternut skin, you can peel it before air frying.
- Add pecans or walnuts for extra crunch when adding the cranberries.
- Goat cheese will work for this recipe as well.
- Before serving, drizzle the squash with honey or maple syrup to add more sweetener to the dish.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 97Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 100mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 3gSugar: 9gProtein: 1g
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information is calculated using a nutrition facts calculator. It is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on products used. When the recipe list salt to taste the amount of salt is not calculated, only the sodium in the other ingredients is calculated.
