If you’re looking for a simple side dish that is great for fall and winter, try this air fryer butternut squash recipe.
You only need a few ingredients to end up with butternut squash cubes that are tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. We love making them in the air fryer because it is faster than the oven.
Our favorite way to serve these butternut squash cubes is in a pasta dish made with spaghetti, green pesto, and cooked, sliced Italian sausages.
But they are very versatile and make a great side dish for lots of different mains.
Ingredients
- Butternut squash – Use a firm butternut squash without soft spots.
- Oil – We use avocado oil, but you can also use sunflower, canola, or vegetable oil.
- Salt – Adjust to taste.
- Ground Pepper – Adds extra flavor.
- Garlic Powder – Optional, but it adds a bit of extra flavor.
Recipe Tips
- If you have to peel and cut the butternut squash first, you can follow these steps: First, cut off the ends. Then peel the squash using a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon. Now cut the squash into long strips, and then into small cubes, approximately 1/2 – 3/4 inch thick.
- You can change up the spices to suit your preferences (e.g. you can add some cayenne pepper for a hint of spice).
- Pierce a few butternut squash cubes with a fork to check if they are done. The squash pieces can be deceivingly soft on the inside while still looking like they need to be cooked longer!
- Since every air fryer is different (and the size of the overall squash cubes may vary), your cooking time might vary slightly.
- You might also be interested in making butternut squash fries in the air fryer – same squash, different form!
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Recipe Video
Step-by-Step Instructions
We’re starting with already cut-up butternut squash. If you have to peel and cut your butternut squash first, you can use the steps in the recipe tips section above as guidance.
Add the butternut squash cubes to a mixing bowl. Also add the oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and/or other spices of your choice.
Toss until the butternut squash is evenly coated.
Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (about 195 degrees Fahrenheit). When it is hot, add the butternut squash.
The pieces should settle in one even layer with little overlap so they cook evenly. If you can’t fit that much squash into your air fryer, you can make less or cook it in two batches.
Air fry the squash for 18-22 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned on the outside.
Shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes to help move the squash cubes around. Since every air fryer is slightly different, your cooking time can vary.
When the butternut squash is done, remove it from the air fryer. You can garnish it with some fresh chopped parsley before serving if desired. Enjoy!
Storage Tips
You can store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Just keep in mind that it will get mushier over time due to the moisture.
To reheat it, you can toss the butternut squash cubes back in the air fryer to draw out some of the excess moisture, but microwaving is also a fast option.
Related Recipes
For more tasty side dishes, check out these other vegetable side dishes that pair great with lots of different main dishes:
- Air Fried Spaghetti Squash
- Air Fryer Acorn Squash
- Air Fryer Parmesan Baby Carrots
- Air Fryer Onions
- Easy Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
- Air Fried Turnip Fries
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 4 cups butternut squash, cut into ½ to ¾ inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper, more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Add the butternut squash cubes to a medium-sized bowl along with the oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and/or other spices of your choice. Toss until the butternut squash is evenly coated in oil and spices.4 cups butternut squash, 2 teaspoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Fahrenheit).
- When it is hot, add the butternut squash in one even layer with little overlap so that they cook evenly. If you can't fit that much squash into your air fryer, you can make less or cook it in two batches.
- Cook the squash at 380 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Fahrenheit) for 18-22 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned on the outside. Shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes to help move the squash cubes.
- When the butternut squash is done, remove it from the air fryer. You can garnish it with fresh, chopped parsley before serving if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you have to peel and cut the butternut squash first, you can follow these steps: First, cut off the ends. Then peel the squash using a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon. Now cut the squash into long strips, and then into small cubes, approximately 1/2 – 3/4 inch thick.
- You can change up the seasoning to suit your taste, e.g. add some cayenne pepper for a hint of spice.
- Pierce a few butternut squash cubes with a fork to check if they are done before removing them from the air fryer.
- The exact cooking time can vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the butternut squash cubes.
Nutrition
This nutritional information has been estimated by an online nutrition calculator. It should only be seen as a rough calculation and not a replacement for professional dietary advice.
