Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe

There are so many delicious recipes that can be made in the air fryer. With very few ingredients, meat and vegetables can be transformed into a delectable meal in no time at all. This Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe is no exception. Just add a little olive oil, cinnamon, salt and pepper to this favorite fall harvest vegetable. Then, pop it in the air fryer to create an amazing vegetarian main dish or an elegant family style side dish.
 
Overhead view of butternut squash on a plate.

There are so many delicious recipes that can be made in the air fryer. With very few ingredients, meat and vegetables can be transformed into a delectable meal in no time at all. This Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe is no exception. Just add a little olive oil, cinnamon, salt and pepper to this favorite fall harvest vegetable. Then, pop it in the air fryer to create an amazing vegan or vegetarian main dish or an elegant family style side dish.

Air Fryer Butternut Squash Pin*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.

What do I need to make the Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe?

There are just a few items needed for this simple recipe and you will likely already have them right on hand. Here is what you will need to make butternut squash in your air fryer.

Ingredients for butternut squash recipe in the Air Fryer.

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How do I make Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer?

One thing that is so wonderful about most air fryer recipes is they are simple to make. There are just a two steps to making the butternut squash recipe. Here is what you will need to do.

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Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash

Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees, if necessary. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the all seeds with a spoon. Brush the squash halves with olive oil and sprinkle on the salt, pepper and cinnamon. 

Butternut squash cut in half lengthwise with salt, pepper and cinnamon sprinkled on top.

Step 2: Cook the Squash

Place the squash in the air fryer, flesh side down. Cook for a total of 45 minutes in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  After 35 minutes, flip the squash and cook for another 10 minutes to lightly brown the tops. Remove the squash from the air fryer and add the plant-based butter (or regular butter) to the bottom of each squash, serve and enjoy.

Overhead view of butternut squash with melted butter on a plate.

Air Fryer Butternut Squash Tips & Tricks

  • Use different seasonings: Pumpkin pie spice can be used instead of cinnamon. You can also add a dash of nutmeg. If you prefer savory, try adding a sprinkle of rosemary or sage instead of using cinnamon. If you like spicy, add a touch of cayenne with the cinnamon for a sweet and spicy combo.
  • Use a sharp knife: Butternut squash can be difficult to cut through. It is essential that you use a sharp knife to cut the squash. One trick to use is to pierce the squash with a fork or knife, than put in the microwave for two minutes to soften. 

Overhead view of butternut squash on a plate.

Overhead view of butternut squash on a plate.

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

There are so many delicious recipes that can be made in the air fryer. With very few ingredients, meat and vegetables can be transformed into a delectable meal in no time at all. This Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe is no exception. Just add a little olive oil, cinnamon, salt and pepper to this favorite fall harvest vegetable. Then, pop it in the air fryer to create an amazing vegetarian main dish or an elegant family style side dish.
 
5 from 10 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Air Fryer, Vegetarian
Keyword: Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 2 main dishes or 4 if serving as a side dish.
Calories: 274kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 butternut squash
  • Olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons plant-based butter (such as Earth Balance) or regular butter if not vegan (may also omit entirely)

Instructions

  • Cut your butternut squash in half lengthwise.
  • Scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
  • Brush the squash halves with olive oil and sprinkle on the salt, pepper and cinnamon.
  • Place the squash in the air fryer, flesh side down.
  • Cook for 45 minutes total at 350 Fahrenheit degrees.
  • Flip the squash at the 35 minute mark and cook for another 10 minutes.
  • Remove, add the plant-based butter to each squash and enjoy.

Notes

Air Fryer Butternut Squash Tips & Tricks

  • Use different seasonings: Pumpkin pie spice can be used instead of cinnamon. You can also add a dash of nutmeg. If you prefer savory, try adding a sprinkle of rosemary or sage instead of using cinnamon. If you like spicy, add a touch of cayenne with the cinnamon for a sweet and spicy combo.
  • Use a sharp knife: Butternut squash can be difficult to cut through. It is essential that you use a sharp knife to cut the squash. One trick to use is to pierce the squash with a fork or knife, than put in the microwave for two minutes to soften. 

Nutrition

Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 2441mg | Potassium: 1341mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 40221IU | Vitamin C: 79mg | Calcium: 199mg | Iron: 3mg

13 Comments

  1. I have a small acorn squash and was wondering if I could substitute it for the Butternut with similar preparation method?
    1. Yes, absolutely! You may just have to adjust the cook time depending on the size of the squash. Hope you enjoy it! :-)
  2. I love the flavor of this recipe. I also love how versatile it is. I'm already thinking about all the fillings I can add to it!

    5 stars

  3. Aww, yeah. This is fully awesome! I had some leftover chili, and I added that to the squash after cooking it and topped it with cheese. Om nom nom.

    5 stars

  4. Made this as a side for dinner tonight and it was so easy. Crispy edges, tender inside, and the air fryer made cleanup a breeze.

    5 stars

5 from 10 votes

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