Air Fryer Butternut Squash (Home Fries)

Air Fryer Butternut Squash is an easy holiday side dish that requires just a few ingredients and comes together quickly in the air fryer. These butternut squash fries are seasoned with herbs, spices and maple syrup, so they strike just the right balance of sweet and spicy.

The Canadian Thanksgiving is a little over a week away so I thought it was time I shared a side dish for the upcoming holiday season. Which really means these air fryer butternut squash home fries will be on repeat from now until Christmas!

They cook up in about half the time as they do in the oven, and they have a touch of heat from the chipotle pepper and a hint of sweetness from the maple syrup that caramelizes around the squash cubes.

I’m pretty sure you’re going to love these squash fries just as much as I do.

Here’s how we do it…..

Ingredients for Air Fryer Butternut Squash:

• Butternut squash cubes
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Maple syrup
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Kosher salt
• Ground chipotle chili pepper

How to cut a butternut squash:

I’m not going to lie. I used to buy pre-cut butternut squash cubes as I was always a bit nervous about cutting squash. But after watching this video from The Kitchn on how to peel and cut a butternut squash, it’s not as hard as you might think.

• Make sure you have a large sharp knife and that your cutting surface is stable. I’ve actually started placing a damp cloth under mine to prevent it from moving.

• Cut the top and bottom off the squash. By doing this, you can stand up the squash and it’s easier to work with. I also buy smaller butternut squash as I find them easier to manage.

• Peel the squash with a vegetable peeler. Please don’t use a knife like I used to do. A peeler is much easier!

• Once peeled, cut the squash in half where the neck meets the body. Then cut the neck into rounds and cut each round into 1-inch cubes.

• Cut the body in half and scoop out the seeds. Chop each half into 1-inch cubes. Don’t worry if they are not all precisely 1-inch in size.

How to roast Butternut Squash in the air fryer:

• Once you have your butternut squash cut, add the cubes to a bowl along with the remaining ingredients. Toss until the cubes are well coated.

• Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry on 400F for 15-20 minutes, or until fork tender and a little crispy on the outside. Give them a shake or stir at the mid-way point.

• Carefully remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.

How to serve air fryer butternut squash fries:

• These are a perfect holiday side dish served along side your turkey or ham.

• My favourite way to dress them up is with some homemade savoury granola and goat cheese crumbles sprinkled on top.

• You can also add some raw pumpkin seeds or pecans on top if you don’t have time to make granola, and forego the cheese to keep them dairy-free and vegan.

• And if holiday side dishes aren’t your thing, these home fries go perfectly on top of a grain bowl or leafy green salad.

Can you use frozen butternut squash cubes in this air fryer recipe?

While I use frozen butternut squash cubes for other recipes, I don’t recommend using them in this air fryer recipe. The cubes get a bit watery, which results in a less than firm texture for these squash home fries.

Can you re-heat these air fryer home fries?

These air fryer squash cubes are best served and enjoyed immediately. But if you have leftovers, you can re-heat them in the microwave or in the oven on a low temperature. Just keep in mind that they will have a softer texture compared to when they first came out of the air fryer.

Some tips for making this Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe:

• If you want to save a bit of time, or you just don’t want to tackle cutting a squash, buy pre-cut butternut squash cubes at your grocery store.

• When cutting the squash into cubes, you want them to be close in size so they air fry evenly. But don’t worry if the cubes are not all precisely 1-inch in size. (I definitely don’t break out my measuring tape!)

• These squash fries have a spicy kick. If that’s not your thing, you can reduce the amount of ground chipotle pepper you add to the recipe, or leave it out altogether.

• Stick with dried herbs and spices for this air fryer recipe. I attempted to make it with fresh herbs and minced garlic, and it just didn’t stick to the squash as well as dried herbs and spices. And the fresh herbs and garlic just fell through the air fryer basket!

• Time your meal so your squash comes out of the air fryer when you’re ready to eat. If the fries are left sitting for too long, they will lose some of their firm and crispy texture.

Pin this Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe to make for Thanksgiving!

Other air fryer recipes you might enjoy:

• Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes have a chili lime seasoning and work well as a side dish or a straight up snack.

• Air Fryer Tortilla Chips are a healthier way to enjoy all of those dips you’re going to be whipping up during the holiday season.

• Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets from Carmy are a quick, easy and healthier version of a childhood favourite.

If you make this Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe, I would love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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Flavours of Fall

Welcome to Flavours of Fall where we celebrate all things associated with fall like squash, apples, pecans, sweaters, football; you get the idea!  Ellen from Family Around the Table and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures have gathered 24 bloggers who have over 100 recipes they’re sharing this week in celebration of cool weather and sweatshirts.  We hope you find many must make recipes so get your pinning, tweeting, and sharing fingers ready!

Here’s what we made for Friday:

Beverages
Cold Brew Pumpkin Spice Latte by Palatable Pastime
Pomegranate Ginger Whiskey Sour by The Redhead Baker
Slow Cooker Spiked Apple Cider by Cheese Curd In Paradise
Vanilla Caramel Apple Latte by Blogghetti

Breakfast
Pecan Cinnamon Rolls by Red Cottage Chronicles
Pumpkin Pie Pecan Butter by Daily Dish Recipes

Savory
Air Fryer Butternut Squash by Crumb Top Baking
Roasted Fall Veggies Tacos by Our Good Life

Desserts
Bourbon Pecan Pie Affogato by Books n’ Cooks
Caramel Apple Autumn Spice Parfait by The Freshman Cook
Spice Cake with Caramel Frosting by Sweet Beginnings

Make sure you like Fall Flavors on Facebook and follow the Fall Flavors on Pinterest, too!