What To Know
- But with an air fryer, you can enjoy perfectly cooked butternut squash in a fraction of the time.
- The hot air circulating in the air fryer creates a crispy exterior on the butternut squash, while the inside remains tender and flavorful.
- Arrange the cubed butternut squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded.
Wondering how to cook butternut squash in an air fryer? You’re in the right place! This versatile winter squash is incredibly delicious, but it can be a bit of a pain to prepare. Traditional roasting methods often require preheating the oven and can take a long time. But with an air fryer, you can enjoy perfectly cooked butternut squash in a fraction of the time.
Why Air Fry Butternut Squash?
There are many reasons why air frying butternut squash is a game-changer:
- Fast Cooking Time: Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly, often cutting down on cooking time by half compared to traditional methods.
- Crispy Texture: The hot air circulating in the air fryer creates a crispy exterior on the butternut squash, while the inside remains tender and flavorful.
- Minimal Oil: Air frying requires very little oil, making it a healthier option than deep frying.
- Easy Cleanup: Air fryers are generally easy to clean, especially compared to oven baking.
Choosing the Right Butternut Squash
The first step to making delicious air fryer butternut squash is selecting the perfect squash. Look for a butternut squash that is:
- Firm and heavy: A good butternut squash should feel firm to the touch and be heavy for its size.
- Smooth and unblemished: The skin should be smooth and free of any cuts, bruises, or soft spots.
- Deep orange in color: The flesh should be a deep orange color, indicating ripeness and sweetness.
Preparing the Butternut Squash
Once you’ve chosen your butternut squash, it’s time to prepare it for air frying. Here’s how:
1. Cut the squash: Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and fibers.
2. Cut into cubes: Cut the squash halves into 1-inch cubes.
3. Toss with oil and seasoning: Toss the cubed squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. You can also add herbs like rosemary or thyme for additional flavor.
Air Frying the Butternut Squash
Now that your butternut squash is prepped, it’s time to air fry it to perfection:
1. Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the squash in the air fryer basket: Arrange the cubed butternut squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded.
3. Air fry for 10-15 minutes: Air fry the squash for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4. Check for doneness: The squash is done when it’s tender and slightly browned.
5. Serve immediately: Serve the air fryer butternut squash hot and enjoy!
Flavor Variations for Air Fryer Butternut Squash
While the basic recipe is delicious, you can easily customize your air fryer butternut squash with different flavors and toppings:
- Honey-Glazed: Drizzle the cooked squash with honey and a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning for a kick of heat.
- Herbed: Toss the squash with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage before air frying.
- Nutty: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the cooked squash for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Citrusy: Add a squeeze of lemon or orange juice to the seasoning for a bright and refreshing flavor.
Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Air fryer butternut squash is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- As a side dish: Serve it alongside roasted chicken, pork, or fish for a healthy and flavorful accompaniment.
- In salads: Add cubed butternut squash to your favorite salads for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- In soups and stews: Use air fryer butternut squash to add depth of flavor and sweetness to your soups and stews.
- As a snack: Enjoy air fryer butternut squash as a healthy and satisfying snack on its own.
The Final Word: Air Fryer Butternut Squash is a Winner!
Air frying butternut squash is a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy this versatile winter squash. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can have perfectly cooked butternut squash in no time. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a flavorful snack, give air fryer butternut squash a try!
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Can I air fry butternut squash with the skin on?
A: It’s not recommended to air fry butternut squash with the skin on. The skin can be tough and difficult to chew, and it might not cook evenly.
Q: How do I know if my butternut squash is done?
A: The butternut squash is done when it’s tender and slightly browned. You can also test it with a fork. If it easily pierces the squash, it’s ready.
Q: Can I store leftover air fryer butternut squash?
A: Yes, you can store leftover air fryer butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: What are some other vegetables that can be air fried?
A: Many vegetables can be air fried, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, and asparagus.
Q: Can I use frozen butternut squash in the air fryer?
A: You can use frozen butternut squash in the air fryer, but it may require a slightly longer cooking time. Make sure to thaw the squash before cooking.
