Air Fryer Butternut Squash
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Looking for a quick and healthy side dish your family will actually eat? This air fryer butternut squash is the answer—crispy, tender, and ready in under 20 minutes. It’s the perfect winter squash recipe for easy meal prep to use in other recipes, too!
Why This Recipe is a Favorite
Using an air fryer is the quickest method for roasting vegetables, and it will keep your kitchen cooler than if you were using an oven!
Most kids like the slightly sweet flavor of caramelized butternut squash, and using cubes makes it easier for little fingers to hold.
This air fryer butternut squash recipe really is better than others out there. The reason? The squash is ready to use as soon as it comes out of the air fryer!
Learn how to cook anything in your air fryer with our free cook time chart!
Of course, it’s a delicious side dish with meals like Instant Pot pork chops and air fryer chicken thighs. But using cubes means it’s ready to puree for homemade baby food, or to use in other recipes, like butternut squash soup!
Happy Kitchen Secrets
Here are my most important mom tested cooking tips for making air fryer butternut squash! I’ve made this countless times to save you from a failed attempt.
- Arrange the squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- The size matters. Try to cut the butternut squash into 1-inch cubes to ensure that they air fry evenly.
- You can use pre-cut butternut squash to save a bit of time. Most stores stock it in the refrigerated section of the produce aisle.
Ingredient Notes
Grab these simple ingredients the next time you run to the grocery store. Then you can make this recipe whenever you want:
- Cubed butternut squash
- Extra virgin olive oil: Avocado oil or refined coconut oil are both great substitutes for olive oil.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Bring out the flavors of the squash with a bit of salt and pepper. Feel free to use more or less than the recipe calls for.
- Optional:
- Seasoning of your choice: Add extra flavor to the winter squash by seasoning it with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, or rosemary.
How to Easily Peel and Cut Butternut Squash
- Use a sharp knife to trim a bit off of both ends, so the squash can stand up flat on your cutting board.
- Remove the skin with a sturdy vegetable peeler, peeling from top to bottom in long strokes.
- Slice the butternut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the seeds OR save them to roast later, just like pumpkin seeds!
- Lay each half on a cutting board, flat side down, then use your knife to cut it into cubes about 1-inch in size.
How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash
This is the easiest way to cook tender butternut squash in the air fryer!
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- While the fryer preheats, peel and chop the veggie.
- Place the cubes in a bowl with oil and desired seasonings, then use your hands or a spoon to toss and evenly coat them.
- Transfer the pieces to the air fryer basket, spreading them out into a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure the butternut squash cooks evenly.
When it’s fork tender and slightly caramelized, the air fryer butternut squash is ready to eat or use as desired!
I love to use this method of cooking butternut squash when I want a quick and easy batch of butternut squash soup!
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover air fried squash to an airtight container or zip top plastic bag. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2-3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge before reheating.
To easily reheat, put it back into the air fryer, cooking at 350°F. until it warms through. Or, reheat in the microwave at 50% power (to prevent the leftovers from becoming mushy) or on a sheet pan in a 350°F. oven until it warms through.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash FAQ
If you end up with mushy squash, you likely either cooked it too long, or you overloaded the basket with too much squash, preventing it from cooking properly.
You can use frozen butternut squash if you would like, but it will likely need a few minutes of additional cook time. Frozen vegetables tend to cook a bit differently than fresh, so keep in mind that the texture may be different.
I’d love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Please leave a comment and rating below!
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: seasoning of your choice such as cinnamon, paprika, or rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Place cubed butternut squash in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any desired seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer seasoned squash cubes to the air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer.
- Air fry butternut squash at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Test the squash with a fork to ensure it’s tender and caramelized.
- Remove cooked butternut squash from the air fryer and serve as a side dish or use in various recipes.
Notes
- Arrange the squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- The size matters. Try to cut the butternut squash into 1-inch cubes to ensure that they air fry evenly.
- You can use pre-cut butternut squash to save a bit of time. Most stores stock it in the refrigerated section of the produce aisle.
Nutrition
2025 Update: This recipe is still a family favorite. It has been updated to simplify the cooking instructions and add extra cooking tips for our readers. We hope you love it as much as we do!
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer BBQ chicken drumsticks, skillet brown sugar glazed pork chops, and slow cooker chicken thighs are among some of our favorite main course dishes to pair with air fryer butternut squash. However, this recipe is so versatile, it goes so well with everything!
