Air Fryer Butternut Squash is a healthy and delicious alternative to other cooking methods. The vegetable is often overlooked but it is a delicious side dish that children love too. Cooking time is cut in half and a little maple syrup is also added.

Overhead view of cooked cubed butternut squash in a white bowl.

When prepared in the airfryer, butternut squash has a deep rich flavor as if it were roasted. There are slightly crispy edges with a tender inside.

I think a lot of people look at butternut squash and are a little intimidated. Maybe only because it's so large and they don't know what in the heck to do with it.

Have no fear! There are a very few simple steps to take until you can be enjoying a new vegetable or at least a newly prepared vegetable recipe.

Closeup cropped bowl of air fried butternut squash with rosemary.

Table of Contents

How to choose a butternut squash

For this recipe, you'll want to choose a smaller size since you only need four cups. Or just double the recipe.
Look for squash that is even in color and skin that does not have any bruises, wrinkles, or scratches.
It should feel hard and heavy for its size and the stem should be solid and hard.

You see? It's pretty hard to find a bad winter squash because they keep a really long time.

Ingredients

There are only 6 of them including the salt and pepper.
Butternut squash is big, delicious, and hardy.
Extra virgin olive oil for a wonderful taste after air fried.
Use maple syrup sparingly for just a touch of healthy sweetness.
Salt and pepper for the perfect seasonings.
Fresh rosemary embeds a lovely aroma.

Butternut squash being cut into thick slices and then cubed.

How to cut butternut squash

There are many ways to cut it but I prefer to slice it in half lengthwise first. This makes for a sturdier base when you start to cube.
Take a big sturdy spoon and start to scrape out the seeds in the center. It is a round shape.
Don't peel yet. Now lay a squash half down on its flat surface. Slice across about every inch, at the most. You want small cubes.
You can now cut away the hard skin side in a much safer way. See the photo above to see what I mean.
Cut away the skin and then cut into small cubes.

Clear bowl full of cubed veggies tossed with oil and maple syrup.

How to cook butternut squash

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir until well combined.
Prepare the air fryer for cooking by coating the basket with non-stick cooking spray.
Spread the prepared cubes in a single layer in the air frying basket.
Cook at 325 degrees for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking.
It is that simple and you won't believe how good it tastes.

Looking down into an air fryer basket with the vegetable spread out evenly.

FAQ's

What does butternut squash taste like?

It tastes a little bit like sweet potatoes. It's moist and sweet.

What's winter squash?

Butternut squash is winter squash. There are about 10 different varieties including acorn and turban. They are harvested in the autumn, are hard, and keep a very long time.

How does it grow?

They can be grown easily from seed and will germinate in warm soil. A long hot summer is needed and they get harvested as soon as the weather turns colder.

Can it be frozen?

Yes, it can be frozen cooked or not. Spread out the cubes on a baking sheet and freeze. After they are frozen you can bag them in a freezable bag.

Enjoy this recipe fresh. You can also enjoy leftovers for up to 4 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To reheat, use the microwave or heat in a pan on the stovetop.

A forkful of butternut squash is help close to the camera lens.

Variations

I love the combination of the maple and rosemary, but if you are looking for a different flavor, you can try these options below:

Simple Salt and Pepper.
Spicy- add cayenne and paprika.
Brown sugar and cinnamon are classic.
Garlic Herb
Pumpkin Spice and here is a homemade recipe for Pumpkin Pie Spice To make these variations, simply add different seasonings before placing the squash in the air fryer.

Side view of a cropped bowl of cooked vegetables with rosemary.

📋 Recipe