Air Fryer Butternut Squash Halves are a quick and easy side dish recipe! They're buttery soft with a sweet caramelized top.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
If you've never cooked with a whole butternut squash before, this is the perfect recipe to try! It can be made in the air fryer or the oven and it only takes about 10 minutes to prepare.
Air fried butternut squash is sweet, tender, and can be paired with a variety of recipes. It's also the perfect Thanksgiving side dish because it doesn't require oven space!
Easy - It doesn't get much easier than this recipe! Just cut the butternut squash in half, remove the seeds, season, and air fry!
Delicious - When you air fry or bake butternut squash with sugar it creates a delicious caramelized crust! I like to add a little cinnamon for a warm and cozy flavor.
Healthy - This recipe is made with only a handful of simple ingredients. Plus, butternut squash is a great source of nutrients and fiber!
🍴Ingredient Notes
- Butternut Squash - I used a medium sized butternut squash, but any size will work.
- Coconut Sugar - I like coconut sugar because it's unrefined but brown sugar will work too.
- Avocado Oil- In order for the cinnamon sugar mixture to stick, you'll need to rub on a cooking oil. Avocado Oil or Olive Oil will work!
- Cinnamon - My favorite cinnamon is Burlap and Barrel Royal Cinnamon.
- Salt - To bring out all the flavors, I used a little salt with the cinnamon sugar mixture, but you can also add flaky sea salt on top before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the coconut sugar for maple syrup. I suggest mixing it with the oil, cinnamon, and salt. Spread an even layer on each butternut squash.
- Add some herbs! Butternut squash tastes delicious with fresh thyme or sage.
- For a savory recipe, use a little garlic powder, cinnamon, paprika, and salt.
- Make it bite sized! Peel the butternut squash, cut into cubes, and toss the cubes in the cinnamon mixture. Spread the squash cubes on a baking sheet and bake or air fry at 375 degrees until tender.
- Bake instead of air frying. Baking usually takes a little longer than air frying. (Use the same temperature - 375 degrees.)
Air Fryer Options
I actually have two styles of air fryers and recommend both depending on what fits best with your lifestyle.
Oven Style Air Fryer
The first type of air fryer I have is what is shown in this post - the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Oven. This appliance is bigger and sits on my kitchen counter.
It looks more like a mini oven than an air fryer! You can use a baking tray or the metal basket. (It comes with both.)
This oven can air fry, toast, bake, or dehydrate and flips up to save on counter space when it's not in use. For this recipe I used the baking tray lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Basket Style Air Fryer
The second type of air fryer I have is a basket style air fryer. This air fryer is portable and can be stored in a pantry or cabinet. Both styles can be used with this recipe!
🍴Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Cut Butternut Squash
Start by cutting the butternut squash in half with a sharp knife. Use a spoon to remove all of the seeds and fibers.
Step 2: Cover in Avocado Oil
Next, brush the avocado oil onto each half of the butternut squash.
Step 3: Make Cinnamon Mixture
Mix together the cinnamon, salt, and coconut sugar in a small bowl with a spoon or whisk.
Step 4: Add Cinnamon Mixture
Then sprinkle on an even layer of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Place the squash halves face down in your air fryer.
Step 5: Air Fry Face Down
Air fry at 375 degrees for 25 minutes and then remove them from the oven and carefully flip them so they are facing up.
Step 6: Air Fry Face Up
Air fry for an additional 10 minutes or until fork tender and the top is caramelized. (Timing will vary depending on size.)
Remove from oven and serve hot!
Expert Tips
- Butternut squash skin is very hard which makes it difficult to cut into. Bake it while the oven is preheating for about 5-10 minutes to soften it. This will make it much easier to cut in half!
- Use a grapefruit spoon to remove the seeds and fibers from the butternut squash.
- Start with the butternut squash face down so it steams and cooks faster. Flip to caramelize the top.
- Use silicone brushes to add a little oil to each butternut squash. (Your fingers work too!)
If you love butternut squash, check out my Easy Butternut Squash Soup and my Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
For this recipe, you do not need to peel the butternut squash! Just cut in half and remove the seeds.
Yes! Air frying usually takes less time, but you will get the same results in the oven.
To make it softer, bake for a few minutes. Then remove the top stem and cut carefully with a sharp knife lengthwise until you have two halves.
How to store leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last about 3-4 days.
You can keep the cooked butternut squash in the skin or scoop it out to put it in a smaller container.
More fall inspired recipes!
After you make these Air Fried Butternut Squash Halves, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe!
Recipe Card
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Halves
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Butternut Squash, Cut in half
- 2 Tablespoons Coconut Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Avocado Oil or Olive Oil
- 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Start by cutting the butternut squash in half. Use a spoon to remove all of the seeds and fibers.
- Next, brush the avocado oil onto each half of the butternut squash.
- Mix together the cinnamon, salt, and coconut sugar in a small bowl with a spoon or whisk.
- Air fry at 375 degrees for 25 minutes and then remove them from the oven and carefully flip them so they are facing up. Air fry for an additional 10 minutes or until tender and the top is caramelized. (Timing will vary depending on size.)
- Remove from oven and serve hot!
Notes
Expert Tips
- Butternut squash skin is very hard which makes it difficult to cut into. Bake it while the oven is preheating for about 5-10 minutes to soften it. This will make it much easier to cut in half!
- Use a grapefruit spoon to remove the seeds and fibers from the butternut squash.
- Start with the butternut squash face down so it steams and cooks faster. Flip to caramelize the top.
- Use silicone brushes to add a little oil to each butternut squash. (Your fingers work too!)
How To Store Leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last about 3-4 days. You can keep the cooked butternut squash in the skin or scoop it out to put it in a smaller container.Nutrition
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Silas V. V. Middleton
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