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.
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.
Table of contents
- 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.
- 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.
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!
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!
Recipe FAQs
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.
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.
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
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
- Air Fryer Pork Schnitzel
- Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
- Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!
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Print
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American, Canadian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air Fryer Butternut Squash is seasoned with herbs, spices and maple syrup and air fried until tender. Try it as squash cubes or halves!
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized butternut squash (about 2 1/2 – 3 lbs)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
For squash cubes:
- Peel and chop the squash into 1-inch cubes. You’ll need 4 cups of squash cubes. (See section above on how to cut a butternut squash).
- Add the squash cubes, oil and maple syrup to a bowl and toss to combine.
- Add the seasonings and toss until the cubes are well coated.
- Arrange in a single layer in your air fryer basket.
- Air fry on 400F for 13-15 minutes, or until fork tender, stopping a few times to shake the basket.
For squash halves:
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and any stringy flesh. Brush the flesh with one tablespoon of oil.
- Air fry flesh side up at 360F for 15 minutes.
- Carefully brush the flesh 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. You can also just season it with salt and pepper if you prefer).
- Air fry for another 10-15 minutes, or until fork tender.
Notes
- If you want to save a bit of time, you can buy pre-cut butternut squash cubes at your grocery store.
- Cut the squash cubes 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.
- Air fry the squash cubes in a single layer so they cook evenly, and shake the basket a few times to rotate them around.
- For the squash halves, make sure you buy a squash that fits in your air fryer. You may need to cut the stem off to fit it in.
- To add a little spice to the squash, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use dried herbs and garlic powder for this recipe. Fresh chopped herbs and minced garlic do not coat the squash evenly and burn quickly.
- 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.
So good! I used avocado oil and a honey butternut squash. I have the vortex plus and only needed 10 minutes of cook time. Thanks!!
Hi Carrie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe. And thanks for sharing your substitutions and the cook time for the Vortex Plus!
Perfect side dish at our Thanksgiving dinner this weekend.
So good to hear! Thanks Kelly!
We are new to a plant based diet and to the air fryer and love both. The butternut squash recipe is right on. I’ve applied it to some other “sturdy” veggies and it works great for those too. Way to go on this!
That’s so good to hear Julie! Thanks for letting me know. I’m glad you’re enjoying your air fryer!
I made this tonight. The seasonings were good however the squash was still a little more mushy than I care for. The next time I cook this I will do it at a slightly higher temperature
Hi Julie. Thanks for your feedback. If you air fry them at a higher temperature, just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
This is genius!! I was about to buy a butternut squash, but I didn’t know what to do with it. Now I need to buy a butternut squash AND an air fryer, or else I won’t be able to stop thinking about this!!
Haha! Thanks Cathleen! Hope you were able to buy both and give this recipe a try!
These look amazing, Leanne! The hubs has been asking me if I want an air fryer and I keep debating, because space and yet another appliance, but the more I’m seeing recipes like this one, the more I’m thinking I DO need one!
We love our air fryer! Thanks Jaida!
Loving all the tips you shared here to cut that butternut squash. I love it, but do not buy much as it is so difficult to cut, will follow your steps next time. The air fryer fries looks perfectly crisp
Thanks Renu! I’m you glad you find the tips helpful!
These butternut squash home fries look so delicious and cooking them in an air fryer is brilliant because they get perfectly crispy on the outside.
Thanks Jenni!
This squash looks just perfect. I definitely need to get an air-frier soon.
We love ours! Thanks Ramona!
This is cool. I have not tried butternut squash in air fryer. I am maki g this right now.
Hope you liked it! Thanks!
I’ve roasted butternut squash, but never thought of fries! Genius! And I love that they’re made in the air fryer. Love mine.
Thanks Christie!
I am new to having an air fryer – will definitely be trying this one with the squash from the garden!
Be sure to let me know what you think!
I don’t eat butternut squash nearly enough. I need to try this!
Hope you get a chance to make it!
My mum has an airfryer and her chips are always incredible so I’m sure this would be delicious too, with all those blackened garnly bits (yum!). I will pass the recipe on to her to try!
Thanks Alex! I hope your mom gets a chance to try the recipe!
Ok I think I need to get an air fryer solely for this recipe! It looks absolutely scrumptious and perfect for Thanksgiving. Love how thorough you explain things too.
Thanks so much! We love our air fryer!
This is such a lovely side dish, Leanne! The photographs looks delicious! Butternut squash is one of my favourite fall squashes. Thanks for all the tips and techniques. I am sure many folks will be making your Air Fryer Butternut Squash side dish recipe for Thanksgiving this year :).
Thanks for your kind comment Denise! Hope all is well!
Leanne, I’m SO happy you shared this recipe. I have lots of butternut squash leftover from an earlier recipe that I’ve been looking to find a use for. This is perfect for Thanksgiving weekend!
Great timing! Thanks Yvonne! Hope you liked it!
I’ve never tried making squash in my air fryer, I’ll have to try this soon!
Hope you get the chance!