Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this Air Fryer Butternut Squash comes together in just 25 minutes. A touch of brown sugar and savory spices makes it a side dish everyone will love.
The first time I made this air fry butternut squash was for a holiday get-together, and it instantly became a favorite. The mix of brown sugar, garlic, and Italian seasoning gives it that irresistible sweet-savory flavor everyone raved about. Best of all, it's ready in under 30 minutes, making it just as great for weeknight meals as it is for special occasions.
If you love quick and easy air fryer recipes, you'll also want to try our air fryer tater tots and air fryer chicken breasts.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this air fried butternut squash is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute sides.
- Delicious Flavor: The mix of brown sugar, garlic, and Italian seasoning creates a sweet and savory balance everyone loves.
- Versatile Pairing: This butternut squash in the air fryer pairs great with chicken, pork, beef, or even holiday mains, making it a year-round go-to.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a squash, a drizzle of oil, and a few pantry spices to make this simple air fried squash.
Ingredients
- Butternut Squash: Choose a medium squash that is firm with no soft spots. Peel and cube into ¾ inch pieces for even cooking in the air fryer. For another tasty idea, try our butternut squash quinoa salad.
- Olive Oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor and crispiness. It helps the squash roast evenly and enhances the flavor of the seasonings.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that caramelizes in the air fryer.
- Seasonings: A combination of garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and salt adds savory, smoky, and aromatic flavor.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle cinnamon and a little extra brown sugar over the squash before air frying for a dessert-style twist. If you love cinnamon, don't miss our cinnamon chip bread recipe!
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasonings for a little heat.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss roasted squash with toasted pecans or walnuts after air frying for added texture and flavor.
- Savory-Sweet Mix: Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan over the squash after cooking for a salty, savory twist.
How to Air Fry Butternut Squash
Making air fryer roasted butternut squash is quick and simple. Just prep the squash, mix the seasonings, and let the air fryer do the work for a perfectly crispy-tender result. To start, set your air fryer to 400℉.
- Step 1: Combine the Spices. Combine all the spices in a large bowl while you prepare your squash.
- Step 2: Season the Squash. Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil and the seasoning mix until every piece is evenly coated.
- Step 3: Air Fry in Batches. Place half of the squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and fork-tender.
- Step 4: Serve and Enjoy. Repeat with the second batch, then plate the squash immediately for the best crispy edges. Serve as a side with our skillet chicken thighs.
Expert Tips
- Cut Evenly: Slice the squash into uniform ¾ inch cubes so all pieces cook at the same rate and develop a consistent golden color.
- Don't Overcrowd: Air fry the squash in a single layer and in batches if needed to ensure crispy edges rather than steaming.
- Toss Halfway: Shake or flip the squash halfway through cooking to get even browning on all sides.
- Storage Tip: Store leftover air fried squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and reheat in the air fryer to bring back crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this roasted butternut squash air fryer recipe as a quick and flavorful side for a weeknight dinner alongside grilled teriyaki chicken or creamy chicken and mushrooms.
- Make it part of a festive holiday spread, paired with garlic mashed potatoes and baked ham with brown sugar glaze.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can air fry frozen squash, but it may take a few extra minutes. Make sure to separate the pieces before cooking so they crisp evenly.
Cut the squash into uniform pieces, don't overcrowd the basket, and toss halfway through cooking to ensure golden, crispy edges.
You can reheat butternut squash in the air fryer, and it's the best way to keep it crispy. Preheat the air fryer to 350℉, place the squash in a single layer, and heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through for even warmth.
More Delicious Side Dishes
We would love it if you would leave a 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below. Then follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Share your favorite recipes or ask questions in my Facebook Group.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium butternut squash about 3 pounds, peeled and cubed into ¾" pieces
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and brown sugar. Whisk until well combined.
- In a large bowl, add cubed butternut squash and coat it in olive oil. Then sprinkle seasoning over the top and toss to coat.
- Air fry in two batches. First, preheat your air fryer to 400℉. Then place half of the squash in the air fryer in a single layer and fry for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until it is fork tender.
- Repeat the frying process for the second batch, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Cut the squash into evenly sized cubes so it cooks through at the same rate.
- Preheat the air fryer for the best results and crispy edges.
- Cook in batches and avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent steaming.
- Shake or flip the squash halfway through for even browning.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen
Such a yummy and easy side dish to make with dinner.