Air Fryer Butternut Squash

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQ’s

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.

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.