Air Fryer Butternut Squash

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This Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe is an easy fall and holiday side dish that requires just a few ingredients and comes together quickly in your air fryer. It’s seasoned with herbs and spices and a little maple syrup, so it roasts up sweet, savory and tender in the air fryer. Enjoy this recipe using squash cubes or squash halves. I’ve included instructions for both in the recipe.

Squash cubes served in a dish with a spoon.

Fall is most definitely my favorite time of year, and one of the reasons is because it’s butternut squash season!

I normally enjoy this sweet winter squash in creamy soups like roasted red pepper and butternut squash soup or carrot and butternut squash soup. It’s also delicious roasted, and it’s especially delicious prepared in the air fryer.

I first published this air fried butternut squash recipe in October 2019, back when I was using a toaster oven style air fryer for my recipes. Since my go-to is now a larger basket style air fryer, I decided to update the recipe to reflect this. I also included a few tweaks to the recipe, new photos and more helpful tips for readers.

What makes this air fryer butternut squash recipe so good?
Ingredients and substitutions
How to cut butternut squash into cubes
How to cook butternut squash cubes in the air fryer
How to roast butternut squash halves in the air fryer
What to serve with butternut squash
Storage and reheating tips
Key recipe tips
Recipe FAQs
More squash recipes
More air fryer recipes

What makes this air fryer butternut squash recipe so good?

The squash turns out so tender and sweet with caramelized edges. I normally eat half of the squash cubes straight out of the air fryer before they make it to the serving dish!
The dried sage that’s added to the mix of seasonings really takes the fall flavors up a notch.
We’re also adding maple syrup and smoked paprika for a sweet and smoky addition.
It’s a great recipe to prep for Thanksgiving or Christmas. You can peel and cut your squash a day in advance, and cooking it in the air fryer frees up valuable oven space.
The air fryer is also faster than roasting squash in the oven.
The recipe includes options to air fry the squash as cubes (similar to home fries) or halves (with the skin left on).

Ingredients and substitutions

Below is a brief overview of the ingredients and recommended substitutions. The recipe card at the end of this post includes the exact quantities used.

Ingredients to make air fryer butternut squash arranged individually on a wooden surface.

Butternut squash – You’ll need one medium-sized squash for this recipe, which will yield about 4 cups of cubed squash. I usually buy a 2 1/2 to 3 pound squash to make sure I have enough.
Oil – I used olive oil, but you can also use extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
Maple syrup – Adds a touch of sweetness and helps to caramelize the edges of the squash cubes. You can also substitute with brown sugar.
Italian seasoning – I love the mix of dried herbs in Italian-style seasoning. If you don’t have any, feel free to make your own with a mix of dried thyme, rosemary, marjoram, savory, sage, oregano and basil. Or use any combination of these herbs.
Dried sage – The Italian seasoning includes dried sage, but I love the pairing of butternut squash with sage, so I decided to add more. If you don’t have any, feel free to leave it out or just use more Italian seasoning.
Garlic powder – A staple in most of my savory dishes! I don’t recommend substituting with garlic salt as the squash will end up too salty.
Smoked paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness to the recipe. You can substitute with regular paprika but it won’t add the same smoky flavor.
Salt – Don’t go over board on salt, but feel free to add more to taste once the squash is ready to serve.

How to cut butternut squash into cubes

I have a separate post on how to peel and cut a butternut squash with step by step photos. Below is just a quick overview.

Make sure you have a large sharp knife and that your cutting surface is stable. Cut the top and bottom off the squash. By doing this, you can stand up the squash and it’s easier to work with.
Peel the squash with a vegetable peeler. I prefer a Y peeler but a swivel will work too. Avoid trying to peel it with a knife.
Once peeled, cut the squash in half where the neck meets the body. Stand the neck on its end and cut it in half. Cut each half into slices and then cut into 1-inch cubes.
Cut the body in half and scoop out the seeds. (Save the seeds to air fry them like these air fryer pumpkin seeds). Slice each half into slices and then chop the slices into 1-inch cubes.

How to cook butternut squash cubes in the air fryer

Below is a brief overview of the steps to make this recipe along with photos. For further details, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

Squash cubes tossed with oil and maple syrup with seasonings on the side. — **Step 1:** Add the squash cubes, oil and maple syrup to a bowl and toss to combine.

Squash cubes tossed with seasonings in a glass bowl. — **Step 2:** Add the seasonings and toss until the cubes are well coated.

Seasoned squash cubes in an air fryer basket. — **Step 3:** Arrange in a single layer in your air fryer basket.

Air fried butternut squash cubes in an air fryer basket. — **Step 4:** Air fry on 400F for 13-15 minutes, or until fork tender.

How to roast butternut squash halves in the air fryer

If you want to save time, just cut your squash in half, scoop out the seeds and air fry. No peeling or chopping required!

Butternut squash halves brushed with oil and arranged in air fryer basket. — **Step 1:** Cut your squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and any stringy flesh. Brush the flesh with one tablespoon of oil.

Squash halves air fried for 15 minutes. — **Step 2:** Air fry cut side up at 360F for 15 minutes.

Squash halves with maple syrup and seasonings sprinkled on. — **Step 3:** Carefully brush with remaining oil and maple syrup and sprinkle on the seasoning. (Only use about 1/4 of the seasoning that you would use for the squash cubes as there is much less surface area to cover).

Finished squash halves in an air fryer basket. — **Step 4:** Air fry for another 10-15 minutes, or until fork tender. When it’s cooled enough to handle, scoop the flesh out and enjoy it mashed, or in casseroles, soups or sauces.

What to serve with butternut squash

It makes the perfect holiday side dish to serve with your turkey or ham, sausage stuffing and Brussels sprouts!
My favorite way to dress up squash is with some homemade savory granola and fresh chopped parsley.
You can also add some roasted pumpkin seeds or toasted pecans. The crunchy texture with the fork tender squash is delicious!
You can also serve this squash in grain bowls or salads, like this roasted root vegetable salad.

Storage and reheating tips

The squash cubes are best served and enjoyed immediately. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

To reheat the squash cubes, air fry them on 400F for 3-5 minutes. Just note that they will have a softer texture once reheated.

The squash halves can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. I prefer to scoop out the squash first and then store it. When ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave for a minute or two.

Key recipe tips

Prepping squash halves. Make sure you buy a squash that fits in your air fryer. You can cut about 1/4 inch off the bottom to help stabilize it and make it easier to cut in half. You may also need to cut the stem off to fit it in your air fryer.
Size of squash cubes. When cutting the squash into cubes, you’ll want them to be close in size so they air fry evenly. This recipe uses 1-inch cubes. If you have smaller or larger cubes, you will need to adjust the air frying time.
Pre-cut squash. If you want to save a bit of time, you can buy pre-cut butternut squash cubes at your grocery store.
Single layer. You’ll want to air fry the squash cubes in a single layer so they cook evenly. Make sure to stop and shake the basket a few times while cooking.
Air fryers can vary. Different air fryer brands and sizes will differ so you may need to adjust the air frying time slightly depending on your air fryer. The squash is ready when it’s fork tender.
Spice it up. To add a little spice to the squash, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Avoid fresh herbs. You’ll want to stick with dried herbs and garlic powder for this recipe. Fresh chopped herbs and minced garlic do not coat the squash evenly and burn quickly. Save the fresh herbs for a garnish at the end!

Close up of air fried butternut squash cubes in a serving dish.

Recipe FAQs

Can you air fry frozen butternut squash cubes?

Fresh squash cubes are best for this recipe. While I sometimes use frozen butternut squash for other recipes, I don’t recommend using them in this air fryer recipe. The cubes get a bit watery, which results in a soft and mushy texture.

Do you need to peel the squash before air frying it?

If you are air frying the squash in halves, then you’ll want to leave the skin on. If you are air frying the squash as cubes, you’ll want to peel the skin.

Can another type of squash be used in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute buttercup squash, honeynut squash, acorn squash or sugar pumpkin in this recipe. Just note you may need to adjust the air frying time slightly.

More squash recipes

More air fryer recipes

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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