Delicata Squash is so good roasted in the air fryer. With caramelized edges and a simple oil-spice blend, it turns into a versatile side dish in just a few minutes.
I (Eric) have a slightly controversial opinion about this squash: I think it’s better than butternut squash. It has a mild, sweet flavor and tastes slightly creamy when it’s roasted.
More importantly, it’s smaller and it’s easier to work with. Since the skin is edible, there’s no peeling involved (which can be a pain with butternut squash). You can eat the roasted skin or easily remove it from the cooked squash if you really don’t like it.
Ingredients
- Delicata squash – Look for a firm squash with a pale-yellow color and dark green stripes. The squash we used here weighed about 1.5 pounds (680 grams).
- Oil – We like to use avocado oil, but you can use your favorite neutral-tasting oil.
- Salt – We use regular table salt; adjust the amount to taste.
- Black pepper – Adds more flavor; adjust to taste.
- Garlic powder – For some extra flavor.
- Paprika – Adds some extra flavor and color, but feel free to skip.
- Granulated sugar – Optional if you want the squash to taste sweeter (use between 1/4 and 1/2 teaspoon). We don’t usually add it, because we find delicata squash delicious as is.
Recipe Tips
- There is no need to peel the squash since the skin of delicata squash is thin and edible. Just make sure you wash and scrub the outside of the squash before cutting. If you don’t want to eat the skin, you can easily remove it after air frying (it peels off the half moons nicely).
- Be sure to cut the squash into even pieces so they are done cooking at the same time.
- If this amount of squash doesn’t settle into a single-ish layer, cook it in two batches. If it’s too crowded, the squash will steam more and not get browned.
- You can swap the spices and ingredients to suit your taste. Delicata squash is already lightly sweet, but you could try a sweet version with cinnamon and maple syrup instead of garlic powder and paprika. Add the syrup near the end of the cooking time to avoid burning the sugar.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
First, wash and dry the squash. Then trim the ends.
Cut the delicata squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
Then cut the halves into half moons, about 1/2 inch thick.
Add the squash pieces to a bowl along with the oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and sugar (if using). Toss well.
Then preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and add the squash once it’s hot.
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, or until the delicata squash is tender and caramelized at the edges.
Then remove the squash and serve it as a side dish with meals of your choice.
We like to add this delicata squash to an Italian sausage and pesto pasta dish we make. The sweetness pairs nicely with the sausage and pesto, but it would also be great with Thanksgiving turkey and more. Enjoy!
Storage Tips
Leftover delicata squash stores nicely and reheats well, too. Place any leftovers into a sealed container once cooled and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
You can reheat them in the microwave, but we prefer the air fryer for just a minute or two at a lower temperature (300 degrees Fahrenheit).
Related Recipes
This squash recipe is just one of our many seasonal recipes. Here are some more squash recipes you can try:
Air Fryer Delicata Squash
Ingredients
- 1 delicata squash, about 1.5 pounds
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon granulated sugar, optional (we don't usually add it)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the squash, then trim the ends, halve it lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds (no peeling required). Slice the halves into half-moons about 1/2 inch thick.1 delicata squash
- Add the squash slices to a large mixing bowl with the oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and optional sugar. Toss well to coat.1 tablespoon oil, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon granulated sugar
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Once hot, add the squash in a single layer and air fry at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 12-15 minutes, or until tender and caramelized at the edges. Gently flip the squash moons halfway through the cooking time. Cook in two batches if the squash won't fit into the air fryer in one layer.
- When done, remove the delicata squash from the air fryer and serve it warm with mains of your choice.
Notes
- There is no need to peel the squash since delicata squash skin is thin and edible. Just make sure you wash and scrub the outside of the squash before cutting it. If you don’t want to eat the peel, you can easily remove it once cooked.
- Cut the delicata squash into even pieces so they are done cooking at the same time.
- If this amount of squash doesn’t settle into a single-ish layer, cook it in two batches. If the air fryer is too crowded, the squash will steam more and not brown as much.
- You can swap the spices to suit your taste. Delicata squash is already sweet, but you could make a sweet version with cinnamon and maple syrup instead of garlic powder and paprika. Add the syrup near the end of the cooking time to avoid burning the sugar.
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.
