Roasted Air Fryer Butternut Squash Halves results in tender, succulent flesh with a caramelized exterior. Topped with a simple maple cinnamon glaze, it cooks to perfection in about 30 minutes. Just halve the butternut squash, brush, and pop it in the air fryer!
You will love these roasted air fryer butternut squash halves recipe because it is an easy way to serve an impressive vegetable side dish for the holiday season. All you have to do is cut a squash in half and roast in your air fryer. If you are looking for a baked version, then check out this roasted butternut squash recipe in oven.
Like our collection of air fryer Thanksgiving recipes, this is not only perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, but also pairs perfectly well for weeknight veggie side dish along with shrimp, fish or chicken dishes. It is a fast and healthy way to cook your favorite fall squash.
Like the microwave acorn squash, roasting the butternut squash in air fryer elevates the natural sweetness, resulting in tender, succulent flesh that provides a versatile canvas for your preferred seasonings and flavors.
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Why you'll love it?
- Soft and tender with a caramelized crust.
- Infused with cinnamon and maple syrup.
- No cutting the butternut squash into cubes.
- Made healthy using maple syrup and olive oil.
Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.
- Butternut Squash - When shopping for butternut squash, look for one that feels heavy for it's size when picked up. The skin should have a matte finish and not be shiny. It should sound hollow if you give a tap and should have no green patches or blemishes.
- Oil - Use any neutral oil like olive, avocado or coconut oil.
- Maple syrup - It compliments the sweet flavor and helps in caramelization of the butternut squash.
- Spices - Basic pantry spices such as ground cinnamon, black pepper, and salt.
Seasoning variations
- Use brown sugar or honey instead of maple syrup.
- Melted butter, instead of olive oil, will add more flavor and help with the browning.
- Replace ground cinnamon with pumpkin spice.
- Add a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning blend.
How to make butternut squash in air fryer?
You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.
1 & 2. Make glaze - Mix maple syrup, salt, black pepper, cinnamon and ½ tablespoon olive oil together in a small bowl.
3 & 4. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise from stem to the bottom.
5. Scoop the seeds and pulp out of the cavity.
👩🍳 Don't toss the seeds! You can rinse and thoroughly dry them and toss the seeds with olive oil and seasonings. Bake in a preheated 325-degree oven until crisp and lightly browned, about 12 to 15 minutes. It makes a nutritious snack.
6. Brush some olive oil on the flesh side.
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7. Place the squash cut side down, in a preheated 380 degree air fryer and cook for 20 to 23 minutes, until tender.
8 & 9. Carefully turn the squash over with tongs.
10. Brush with the prepared glaze and cook at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes or until the surface is golden and caramelized.
How to cut a butternut squash into half?
If you find it intimidating to cut a butternut squash, you are not alone! However, there's no need to let its peculiar shape and tough exterior deter you from preparing it.
Using a sharp chef's knife, trim both the top stem end and the bottom. Alternatively, you can leave it whole for a striking presentation, as seen in the photos. To cut into halves, position the squash on its curved side on a cutting board and slice it in half down the center, yielding two equal halves.
Using a spoon, remove the seeds and any stringy portions from the interior of the curved side.
How to serve?
Like the Jiffys corn casserole, air fryer butternut squash is a versatile and delicious fall side dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Make into a casserole - Skip the maple syrup and cinnamon. Instead, air fry the butternut squash, then mash it without the skin. Use this delicious puree as the base for the creamy butternut squash casserole.
- As a side dish: Slice the cooked butternut squash halves and serve as a side dish for dinner.
- In a salad: Slice and toss with leafy greens, nuts, seeds, cheese, and your favorite salad dressing for a satisfying meal.
- In a whole grain bowl: Top cooked butternut squash with cooked grains like quinoa, farro, or brown rice, chicken or chickpeas, baby spinach and a drizzle with your favorite dressing.
- Soup: Blend the flesh with some chicken broth and seasonings. It is especially delicious, made like the Thai carrot soup, by replacing the carrots with squash.
- In pasta: Toss with cooked pasta, browned butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs like sage or parsley.
- Stuffed: They can be stuffed with various fillings such as whole grains, black beans, roasted vegetables, and cheese.
- Make tacos: Use as a filling for vegetarian tacos or burritos, along with black beans, salsa, and other toppings.
How to store, freeze, and reheat
- Fridge - Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days.
- Freezer - Freezing is a convenient way to preserve the flavor and texture for future use. Slice them and freeze in a air tight container for about 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to use, simply take out the desired portion from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator.
- Reheat - Air fry flesh side up in a pre heated 350 degree air fryer for 3 to 6 minutes, until warmed through.
Recipe tips
- Air Fryer size - I used a 6-quart Instant vortex air fryer and could fit a 21/2 pound butternut squash comfortably without overlapping. If using a large vegetable or a smaller air fryer, cook in batches.
- Cooking time - It depends on the size! A 21/2 pound butternut squash takes about 25 minutes to cook at 380 degrees and then a few more minutes at a higher temperature to brown. Adjust cooking time when using smaller or larger vegetables.
Recipe FAQs
The skin of the cooked butternut squash becomes tender and adds additional nutrients when cooked. If you find the skin a bit tough or prefer a smoother texture, you can remove it after cooking. Just wash the squash thoroughly before cooking to remove dirt or debris.
No! Peeling butternut squash is only necessary if you're cutting it into cubes or fries. For roasting or cooking it as halves, it's best to leave the skin on, which simplifies preparation. You can serve it as whole halves, slice it with the skin on, or scoop out the flesh for versatile presentation options.
Preheating ensures that the butternut squash cooks evenly and consistently. It also reduces the cooking time because your vegetables start cooking immediately, allowing you to achieve a crispy and caramelized exterior.
More Thanksgiving side dishes
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Halves
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash 2 to 3 pounds
- 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil divided
- 1 ½ tablespoons maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise from stem to the bottom. Scoop the seeds and pulp out of the cavity.
- Brush 1 tablespoon olive oil on the flesh side.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F. When hot, place the squash cut side down and cook for 20 to 23 minutes, or until tender (a knife can easily pierce into the flesh).
- Carefully flip the hot squash over with tongs and brush with the glaze.To make glaze - Mix maple syrup, salt, black pepper, cinnamon and remaining ½ tablespoon olive oil together in a small bowl.
- Increase your air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook the squash for 7 to 9 minutes or until the surface is golden and caramelized.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
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Trish
Absolutely delicious!! My squash was large but fit in my air fryer. I reduced the Maple Syrup bc I don’t like things too sweet. I used 1 tablespoon. Just right. Lots left over so I’ll freeze one half and finish off the other one. Thanks.
JJ
I love this recipe although admittedly i didn't use the glaze. I had to cut in 4 pieces due to small air fryer. I used olive oil, salt and pepper, and when done, vegan parmesan cheese. YUM! Great for work lunch. For my halloween party tomorrow, I am going to dice after cooking and top toasted baguettes slices along with diced tomatoes and parmesean cheese. Easiest way to cook it. Thanks!
Maria Doss
That’s so great to hear, and I love the idea of making them into toasts! Happy halloween - Maria ♡
Cynthia Winney
Delicious! Followed oven recipe.
Added Salt, pepper & garlic pepper along with the butter. Squash was tender & creamy on the inside & a little crusty on the outside. Perfect!
Maria Doss
That’s so great to hear, so glad you loved it - Maria ♡