Looking for a tasty way to cook butternut squash? Butternut Squash in Air Fryer, besides being good for you, it turns into a yummy dish or snack. The air fryer makes butternut squash tender inside and crispy outside. It’s quick, simple, and a healthy choice for any time, especially weekdays.
Air frying cooks butternut squash fast and with even browning. It’s a healthier way to make dishes crispy, using little oil. The squash’s sweetness shines through, mixed with a nice crunch. This makes a truly special dish.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe
This recipe makes butternut squash quick and easy to prepare. It ends up perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside. The air fryer helps it cook evenly fast, with less oil.
Perfectly Crispy and Tender Texture
The air fryer caramelizes the butternut squash’s natural sugars. This creates a tasty mix of sweetness and crispness. Thanks to quick air circulation, each piece cooks just right. You get a crispy outside and a flavorful, soft inside.
Healthy and Low-Calorie Side Dish
Roasted butternut squash air fryer is great for those wanting more veggies. Air frying makes a dish that’s light on calories and fat. It’s a tasty, guilt-free side dish.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Butternut Squash
To make this tasty dish, you’ll need simple ingredients. The main one is a fresh butternut squash. You should peel, seed, and cut it into small cubes for even cooking.
Fresh Butternut Squash
Butternut squash works great in an air fryer. It’s sweet and firm, making it perfect for this method of cooking. You’ll get tender, golden-brown cubes every time.
Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
Coating the squash with olive oil or cooking spray is important. It helps the seasonings stick and ensures a crispy outside. This step is key to making your squash tasty.
Seasonings to Taste
You can make your butternut squash unique by choosing seasonings you love. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and more. Try different spices to discover your favorite mix.
How to Cook Butternut Squash in Air Fryer
To make tasty butternut squash in your air fryer, just follow these easy steps. This recipe gives you crispy squash with a soft inside. It’s a simple and quick way to eat this healthy veggie.
Prepping the Squash
First, peel the butternut squash and take out the seeds. Next, cut it into 1-inch cubes. Make them all the same size so they cook evenly. Then, add a bit of olive oil or cooking spray and your favorite spices. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or herbs.
Air Fryer Temperature and Timing
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat. After it’s ready, put the seasoned squash cubes in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they’re not crowded. Cook for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket or toss the cubes midway. This helps them cook crisp and tender.
Tossing and Flipping During Cooking
Tossing the cubes is important for even cooking. About halfway through, use tongs to turn them over. This makes all sides crispy. It’s a simple trick for a great texture.
Benefits of Air Frying Butternut Squash
Cooking butternut squash in an air fryer has many perks over other ways like oven roasting or frying. It’s a healthier option, using less oil or none. This makes the dish lower in calories. Plus, the air fryer cooks the air fried butternut squash quickly, so it’s great for busy nights.
Healthy Cooking Method
The air frying method uses very little oil, which is much healthier. The result is a low-calorie dish that still keeps the squash’s natural sweetness and nutrients. This beats traditional frying, which adds lots of fat and calories.
Faster Cooking Time
The air fryer cooks air fried butternut squash much quicker than the oven. This is a big time-saver, especially on busy days. It’s great for making butternut squash in the air fryer.
Crispy Texture without Frying
The air fryer’s hot air makes the butternut squash crispy on the outside. You get to enjoy the air fryer butternut squash’s natural sweetness and texture. And it’s all without the extra fat and calories from deep frying.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The crispy and tender air fryer butternut squash is a perfect side. It goes well with lots of main courses. Try it with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or baked salmon for a great meal. It also fits with meatloaf, pot roast, or braised beef.
Main Dish Accompaniments
Air fryer butternut squash is a great side for many main dishes. Its sweet taste alongside proteins like chicken, pork, or fish is wonderful. It also pairs well with heartier meals such as meatloaf or pot roast.
Delicious Dipping Sauces
Make your air fryer butternut squash even better with dipping sauces. Try a creamy garlic-herb sauce, a tangy balsamic glaze, or a zesty chimichurri. These sauces boost the flavor and turn the squash into an excellent snack or side dish.
More Great Recipes To Try:
- Easy Air Fryer Pound Cake Recipe
- Air Fryer Cinnamon Rolls: Quick & Easy Treat
- Easy Air Fryer Fruit Crumble Recipe
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra air fried butternut squash, here’s how to keep it for later. Just put it in a sealed container and store it in the fridge. It will last well for up to 4 days.
When it’s time to eat the reheating air fried butternut squash, you have a few choices. Toss it back in the air fryer, setting it to 350°F (175°C), for 3-5 minutes. This will make it hot and crispy again. Or, warm it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes. Either way, it will be ready to enjoy.
Conclusion
This air fryer butternut squash recipe is quick and yummy. It uses the air fryer to make squash crispy on the outside and soft inside. It’s a great choice for a healthy add-on to any meal.
Try making this recipe for a dish that’s both tasty and easy. The air fryer cooks the squash perfectly. You get all the flavor without too much fat or extra calories.
Looking for something easy to make or a healthy snack? This recipe for crispy butternut squash is a winner. It’s easy, good for you, and smells amazing as it cooks in the air fryer.
FAQ
How do I prepare the butternut squash for the air fryer?
To start, peel off the skin and get rid of the seeds. Then, cut the squash into 1-inch cubes. Doing this ensures the squash is cooked well in the air fryer.
What temperature should I set the air fryer to for cooking the butternut squash?
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for the best outcomes. This temp makes the butternut squash crispy outside but soft inside.
How long do I need to cook the butternut squash in the air fryer?
Cook the squash for 15-20 minutes. Remember to turn the cubes over halfway. This helps all sides to brown evenly.
Can I use different seasonings for the air fryer butternut squash?
Yes, you can try lots of seasonings to change the taste. Good choices are salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and herbs. Mix as you like.
How do I store and reheat leftover air fryer butternut squash?
Keep any leftover squash in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to 4 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This makes it crispy again.