Two Ways To Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air Fryer Butternut Squash is the best way to get crispy on the outside and tender on the insider butternut squash cubes or hassle-free halves!

 

So, I have to admit.  Butternut squash is not on my top list of favorite veggies unless it's in twice-baked form.  I've always wanted to love it, but I find it finicky to cook.  I could never get it right when roasting the cubes in the oven; it was never as crispy as I wanted it on the outside.  For some reason, the exception to this rule was the Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Zig Zags (probably due to the uniformity and small shape,) but I can't always get to Trader Joe's.  I order groceries a lot, and you can't order from there; plus, it's not super close to my house.  It's not super far, but there are a lot of grocery stores between here and Trader Joe's, Ya feel me? 

So, at some point this winter, I got to experimenting with the air fryer, and even though I never got around to posting it till now, I really loved the results of the air fryer butternut squash cubes.  Consistently great texture, which made it easy to add savory or classic cinnamon maple flavoring.  And for the heck of it, I tested a few recipes I found online that suggested making butternut squash halves in the air fryer.  I don't know how they got their results, but I'm glad I tested it because I found covering them to be super important to prevent burning, which wasn't the case with any other recipe!  S,o I'm sharing today here!

How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash Cubes

This is a visual how-to recipe card at the end of this post.  

This method is basically the exact same as if you were going to roast your butternut squash cubes, but instead, you place them on the air fryer rack.  I tossed my cubes with oil, salt, cinnamon, and a bit of nutmeg.  Cooke for 18-25 minutes at 375F; make sure to toss halfway through.  

Watch the video below for an easy tutorial on how I cut my butternut squash! And shameless plug, follow @hungryhobby on social media (@hungryhobby on IG.)  

 

How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash Halves

This is a visual how-to recipe card at the end of this post.  

For this method, you'll cut the stem end of your squash off, then slice the squash in half vertically.  Next, you'll scoop out the seeds.  I like to cut a crisscross/score pattern into the squash because it looks pretty, but this isn't 100% necessary.  Brush the cut side with oil and add desired seasonings.  Then, I recommend covering with foil.  I did try air frying cut side down instead of using foil; this will work, too, but it took longer and didn't have as pretty as a final result even if you flip it halfway through.  If you place the squash cut side up and do not use foil, it will burn.  Cook time will be 20-30 minutes, and the foil will be removed with 5-10 minutes remaining.  It's done when it's fork tender. 

Swaps and Substitutions 

Feel free to swap out seasonings as desired!  Butternut squash is a veggie, so it fits into every dietary pattern except those with sensitivities to winter squash and the carnivore diet (I can't believe that's still a diet.)  

How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Butternut Squash

To store: Let the squash cool completely, place it in an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to five days.  Use reheat mode on the air fryer to rewarm it, or just reheat it in the microwave. 

To freeze: Let the squash cool completely, place it in an airtight freezer-safe container, and store it for up to three months.  Defrost under refrigeration and reheat in the microwave.  

You May Also Like: 

• How to Cook A Whole Butternut Squash or Halves 
• Three Cheese Twice Baked Butternut Squash
• Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash Halves 
• Oven Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussel Salad