This Air Fryer Butternut Squash is the ideal side dish for the holiday season. Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, it’s both quick and flavorful—making it a great addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table.
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to prepare this seasonal favorite, the air fryer is your best friend!
Using the air fryer cuts the cooking time in half and the hot circulating air gives the squash a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.
With minimal prep time, a few basic ingredients, and the magic of the air fryer, you’ll have a tasty side dish on the table in no time.
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Ingredients
Butternut squash has a mild, sweet and nutty flavor with a smooth texture.
Air frying it brings out its natural sweetness and makes it tender and caramelized.
Toss it with cinnamon and maple syrup and it's the perfect fall side dish!
Butternut Squash: Roasting it in the air fryer helps bring out its natural sweetness, creating caramelized edges while keeping the inside tender and soft.
Olive Oil: Oil helps brown and crisp up the squash cubes as it cooks in the air fryer. I don't recommend omitting it.
Maple Syrup: The addition of maple syrup gives the squash a nice sweet flavor and helps caramelize the outside.
Salt: Addition of salt brings out the natural flavors of the squash and balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon: Classic warming and cozy fall spice! Goes great with the flavor of butternut squash and maple syrup.
See recipe card for quantities.
Helpful Equipment
You'll need an air fryer for this recipe.
I have a Ninja Air Fryer that I love and highly recommend!
Please note that results vary depending on the brand of air fryer so adjust the timing and temperature as needed by checking on the squash often.
How to Make This Recipe
Air fryer butternut squash is tender on the inside, crisp on the outside, and packed with flavor. Plus, it cuts the cooking time in half compared to roasting in a traditional oven—what’s not to love?
The full written recipe can be found in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Cube the squash and toss in a large bowl.
Step 2: Toss the butternut squash with the olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well to combine.
Step 3: Place the squash in the air fryer (no preheating required) and cook at 375°F for 16-18 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes.
Step 4: Once the squash is fork-tender and golden, it's ready to enjoy!
Note: To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the basket. For the best results, cook in two batches so there's plenty of space for the air to circulate around the pieces.
Substitutions & Variations
Roasted butternut squash has a naturally sweet and savory flavor, and you can easily adjust the flavor by trying different seasonings and toppings.
Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper instead.
Make it savory: Omit the maple syrup and cinnamon, add herbs and garlic powder instead.
Try it smoky: Omit the cinnamon and add a pinch of smoked paprika.
Add more toppings: Balsamic glaze, vegan feta, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans would be delicious!
Serving Ideas
Butternut squash is a versatile side dish that pairs well with many foods, whether as a side or incorporated into a main meal.
With Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner: This would be delicious served with all the holiday classics like green bean casserole, almond milk mashed potatoes, vegan gravy, and vegan stuffing.
Salads: Toss the cubes with mixed greens, arugula, or spinach, and add toppings like vegan feta, cranberries, toasted pecans, and a balsamic dressing.
Grain Bowls: Load up a bowl with a grain of choice and top with roasted chickpeas, vegan feta, greens, roasted Brussels, and a maple dijon dressing.
Vegan Tacos: Omit the maple syrup and season with paprika and cumin then add to soft corn tortillas, along with black beans, avocado, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
Roasted Vegetable Medley: Serve alongside other roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and red onions for a flavorful side dish.
Tips & Tricks
Prepare the butternut squash: Be sure to peel the butternut squash before air frying, as the skin can be tough. Also, try to cut the squash into uniform cubes or pieces to ensure even cooking.
Save time by using pre-cut squash or frozen cubes right from the bag! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Don't skip the oil. It is essential for the best results.
Avoid overcrowding the basket. For the best results, cook in two batches to ensure there’s enough space between the pieces for proper air circulation and even cooking.
Shake or toss the squash halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispness on all sides.
Storage
Store: Cooked butternut squash can last about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator when cooled completely and then stored in an airtight container.
Reheat: Leftover squash will get a bit soggy but is still delicious. Reheat in the air fryer until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The skin can be tough and doesn't become tender when cooked so it's best to peel the squash before air frying.
Frozen butternut squash can be air fried, but it may take a few extra minutes to cook and won’t crisp up as much as fresh squash.
Yes, but be sure to cut the other vegetables into similar sizes and adjust the cooking time as needed. Some veggies, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, pair well with squash in the air fryer.
To reheat, simply place the squash back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes.
More Holiday Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium Butternut Squash
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
Instructions
- Cube the butternut squash by peeling the skin using a vegetable peeler or sharp knife, then slice off both ends. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and slice each half into 1-inch strips before cutting them into cubes.
- Toss the butternut squash cubes in a large bowl and coat with the olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well to combine.
- Place the squash in the air fryer (no preheating required) and cook at 375°F for 16-18 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes, until the squash is fork-tender and golden. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook in two batches.
- Garnish with desired toppings and enjoy!
Notes
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