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 vegan or vegetarian main dish or an elegant family style side dish.
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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.
- Butternut squash
- Plant-based Butter (or regular butter, if not vegan)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cinnamon
- Olive oil
Are you looking for more delicious Air Fryer recipes? Give these reader favorites a try!
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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.
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.

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.

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.


Air Fryer Butternut Squash
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.






I have a small acorn squash and was wondering if I could substitute it for the Butternut with similar preparation method?
Yes, absolutely! You may just have to adjust the cook time depending on the size of the squash. Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Thanks so much...
Been on my veggie journey and this is my go to mid day snack. It's quick healthy and delicious.
This looks absolutely perfect for a busy weeknight! Pinning this one!
I loved using my air fryer for this! Came out sooo perfectly and so easy to make too. This is my new holiday go-to!
This was so good! I stuffed the bottom with taco meat after I cooked them. Yummy.
I love how deeply sweet these get from roasting them. I'm already thinking about new ways to use these!
We absolutely loved this. I stuffed it with sloppy Joe meat, and the kids absolutely loved it.
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!
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.
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.
Love how easy this recipe is to make. Using the air fryer makes it so simple and yields extra delicious squash.