Perfect Air Fryer Butternut Squash (Vegan and Gluten Free)

This tender air fryer butternut squash cooks in minutes and it makes the perfect healthy side dish to any meal. Thanks to the air fryer it comes out perfectly cooked and loaded with great flavor!

I know you are just going to love this air fryer butternut squash recipe because it just so good and it makes the best side dish EVER! It comes close to this mashed butternut squash which is a another reader favorite.

What makes this squash recipe so great is that it takes minutes to make and it can easily be stored and reheated. Which gives you a great addition to any meal all ready to go! I actually love squash as a snack as well since it is both filling and satisfying.

Butternut squash goes great with meatloaf, chicken or pork tenderloin.

Why you will love this air fryer butternut squash recipe

• Naturally gluten free
• Vegan
• Requires only a few simple ingredients
• Ready in under 20 minutes
• Perfectly cooked squash every time!

Is butternut squash good for you?

Yes it is! Of course, pretty much any vegetable is good for you but there are a few things about butternut squash that really make it a wonderful veggie to add to your diet. Here are a few reasons that may convince you to try it out!

• It is loaded with vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A and C as well as calcium.
• Eating squash can help build up your immune system due to it’s immune-boosting powers.
• Great source of fiber!
• It is good for for lowering blood sugar and it is low on the glycemic index

Here is so more great information about the benefits of butternut squash.

Air Fryer Butternut Squash Ingredients

• Butternut squash – Fresh works best in this recipe but you can use store-bought, cubed squash.
• Avocado oil – Olive oil also works.
• Salt and pepper – I kept this recipe pretty simple but you can also add your own spices as well. I like to add a pinch of chili powder or cajun seasoning to the squash for a nice spicy kick. Garlic powder and oregano also work as well.

Variations

• Squash – You can use acorn squash (peeled and diced), pumpkin or delicata squash.
• Seasonings – Paprika, garlic, cinnamon, ginger. Check more seasoning tips below.
• Oil – You can use olive oil, coconut oil or avocado oil in this recipe

How to cut butternut squash

1. Clean the outside of the squash and wipe it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
2. Cut both ends of the squash off about 1/4 inch from the top and bottom with a sharp kitchen knife.
3. Then cut the squash in half horizontally and use a vegetable peeler to peel the skin off until you reach the bright orange flesh of the squash.
4. Cut the long kneck of the squash by slicing it into planks and then cut the planks into 1-inch cubes.
5. Slice the base of the squash in half, lengthwise, scoop out the seeds and cut it into 1-inch cubes.

For more detailed steps and photos on how to cut butternut squash head to my Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe.

Can you used pre-peeled and cut squash for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought peeled and cubed squash. Although, I think the flavor is better if you peel and cut it yourself. Typically the pre-prepped cubed squash is slightly smaller than 1-inch cubes so you will need to adjust the cooking time if you are using it.

Do you need to peel the squash before cooking it?

In this recipe you do need to peel and cut the squash before cooking it. You can also cook it in the skin by slicing it in half, scoop out the seeds, drizzle it with olive oil and a little salt and pepper. Then place it cut side up in the air fryer and cook it at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes until it is tender. Then scoop out the flesh and mash it up for delicious mashed butternut squash or butternut squash soup.

How do you pick a ripe butternut squash?

When selecting a squash you want to consider a few things.

• The color of the squash should be a darker beige without any large dents or blemishes on it. The deeper the color the better.
• You also want to make sure that the skin of the squash is not too shiny and is more dull. A shiny squash means it has not fully ripened yet.
• Check the squash for any soft spots or mold, which will indicate the squash has gone bad.

How can you tell if a butternut squash has gone bad?

If a whole squash is slimy, moldy (especially on the stem) or has soft spots on it, then it is probably bad.

For squash that is cut and peeled, you want to check to see if it is slimy or moldy.

How long do you need to cook butternut squash in the air fryer?

In this recipe I cooked about 1-inch size cubes of squash for 17-20 minutes, until it was caramelized and cooked through. If you are using smaller pieces of squash then it will take less time. So make sure to check it while it is cooking and adjust as needed.

What is the best temperature to cook butternut squash in the air fryer?

The best temperature to cook the squash all the way through and caramelized it 400 degrees F.

How to make air fryer butternut squash

1. Cut and peel the squash. Use a sharp vegetable peeler or knife to peel the skin off of the squash until you get to the dark orange flesh. Then use a sharp kitchen knife to dice the squash into 1-inch, even size cubes. Check out this roasted butternut squash for more details on how to cut and peel a squash. It may take a few minutes to do but it’s pretty easy.
2. Add the cubed squash to a bowl and drizzle it with avocado oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper and toss.
3. Preheat the air fryer, if necessary to 400 degrees F. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray and add the squash to the basket in a single layer. Close and cook for 17-20 minutes, flipping the squash halfway through the cooking time.
4. Serve warm and enjoy!

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I have a Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer and I was able to cook all of the squash at once. I also tried this in my Cusinart tray air fryer and it all fit in one batch. If you have a smaller air fryer then you may need to cook the squash in batches. Make sure to shake the basket or toss the squash halfway through the cooking time to make sure it gets nice and golden on all sides.

What can you season butternut squash with?

Here are two seasoning combinations that I love for butternut squash. If you are using one of these variations then add the seasoning to the squash along with the salt and pepper before you cook it.

• Savory – 1/2 teaspoon garlic + 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
• Sweet – 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger + 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Servings suggestions

Air fryer butternut squash makes the perfect side dish to any meal. Here are a few other recipes that would go great with it!

• Air Fryer Whole Chicken
• Crispy Breaded Chicken Breast
• Healthy Air Fryer Meatloaf
• Salmon Patties
• Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Can I use frozen butternut squash in this recipe?

I do not recommend using frozen butternut squash in this recipe since it will not get as crispy and may turn out mushy.

How do you store and reheat cooked butternut squash?

To store this squash after you cook it, let it cool completely then transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat it at 350 degrees F right in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes. It may not be as crispy as it was when first cooked but the leftovers are still delicious!

More healthy butternut squash recipes to try!

• Sausage and apple stuffed butternut squash
• Healthy Butternut Squash Lasagna
• Curry Butternut Squash Soup
• Easy Butternut Squash Noodles
• Roasted Beets and Butternut Squash Salad

More air fryer recipes!

• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Air Fryer Ham
• 10 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies
• Easy Air Fryer Egg Rolls
• Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets

Did you make this recipe? If you did, then please leave a rating and comment below. You can also tag me on Instagram @pinchmegoodfood so I can see your creation.

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