Description
This easy and flavorful Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe delivers tender, caramelized squash cubes seasoned with warm spices and a hint of sweetness. Ready in 45 minutes, it makes a perfect side dish for fall meals or a cozy addition to salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash (5 cups cubed)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or pure maple syrup)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the squash: Peel and dice the butternut squash into 1-inch chunks and place them in a large bowl.
- Season the squash: Add olive oil, brown sugar (or maple syrup), salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the bowl. Toss everything well to evenly coat the squash cubes with oil and seasonings.
- Preheat and load air fryer: Transfer the seasoned squash cubes to the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. The squash pieces don’t need to be in a single layer, but avoid overcrowding the basket.
- Air fry the squash: Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Shake the basket every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking. Continue until the squash is fork-tender and golden but not burnt.
- Serve and store: Serve the squash immediately as a side dish. Leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for a quick, cozy fall side dish and pairs well with Thanksgiving meals or autumn salads.
- You can substitute brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast the squash in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes.
- Shaking the air fryer basket periodically ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- Store leftovers properly and reheat in the air fryer to keep the squash crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 114 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 297 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
