Roasted Butternut squash in the air fryer is an utterly delicious and convenient way to cook this Winter vegetable. In this post I show you two seperate ways to make air-fried butternut squash as well how to serve it and some optional seasonings and variations that can be made.
Roasting butternut squash in the air fryer is finished in half the cooking time of cooking in a regular oven! Roast butternut squash halves for an easy side dish or cubed to incorporate into your favourite salads this squash season.
Personally, I love using the cubed butternut squash option for my Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad, which is made using simple ingredients with fall flavours and is the perfect Thanksgiving side dish. I’ve always loved my Ninja Air Fryers and currently use their Dual Zone Air Fryer, it’s so handy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- make roasted butternut squash in a fraction of the time.
- this easy air fryer recipe is versatile, with many ways to use the squash.
- roasted butternut squash halves make for the perfect side dish for the holiday season.
- use to make a quick, easy and healthy weeknight dinner.
- an excellent addition to your meal prep as there are so many healthy recipes that it can be used in!
Ingredients Notes and Substitutions
Make this recipe using just 4 simple ingredients, all available form the grocery store. You will need:
- Butternut squash – purchase whole or pre-cut butternut (if following the cubed instructions).
- Extra virgin olive oil – swap for melted ghee, melted butter or macadamia oil.
- Sea salt – optional
- Cracked black pepper – optional
Halved Roasted Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer
The first method that I’m going to show you has a much quicker prep time (just 3 minutes) then the cubed version, but they do have a slightly longer cooking time. So if you’re looking for less hands on time then this method is for you.
First, use a sharp knife to cut the squash lengthways down the centre. Place the two halves onto a baking tray, skin side down. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard of them.
Next, drizzle olive oil over the cut side of the squash and season with sea salt and black pepper. Use your hands or a pastry brush to rub the oil and seasoning across all of the exposed butternut squash.
Finally, place the pieces of butternut squash skin side down into the air fryer basket. Turn on and set the heat to 180 degrees celsius (356 Fahrenheit) and air fry for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes remove the butternut squash from the air fryer basket and use as desired.
Tip: The cooking time can vary depending on the size of your butternut squash. The timings in this recipe are based on a medium butternut squash. For best results, test the squash with a fork to ensure that it is tender. If not, cook for a further 5 minutes and test again.
Cubed Roasted Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer
This method has a slightly longer prep time (7 minutes) but a much quicker cooking time. Whichever method you choose really depends on what you would like to use the roasted squash for.
First, use a sharp knife to cut the ends off the butternut squash. Carefully slice the skin from the outside of the squash and then slice the squash in half lengthways. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and dice the squash into approximately 1.5cm sized cubes.
Next, add the squash pieces to the air fryer basket. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and then spread the squash cubes out into a single layer.
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Finally, place the basket into the air fryer, turn on and set the heat to 180 degrees celsius (356 Fahrenheit) and air fry for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes remove from the air fryer and use as desired.
Tip: Again, the cooking time can vary depending on the size that you cut your squash into. For best results, test the squash with a fork to ensure that it is tender. If not, cook for a further 5 minutes and test again.
Variations
There are so many different variations that you can make of this dish! You can really get so creative with it but here are some of my favourites.
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
Instead of drizzling the butternut in olive oil, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a small bowl along with two tablespoons of pure maple syrup. Whisk to combine and then drizzle over the squash. For cubed butternut, toss to coat evenly. For halved butternut, use hands or a pastry brush to spread over the cut side. Season with salt & pepper if desired.
Spicy Butternut Squash
Make a spice mix using:
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon of chilli powder (or less depending on your preference level of spice)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt flakes
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
Mix the spices together. Drizzle the butternut squash in olive oil and scatter the spice mix over the top. For butternut squash halves, use a pastry brush to coat the squash. For cubes, toss to coat using gloved hands or two spoons.You can toss with bare hands, just be careful to wash your hands afterwards to avoid getting chilli in your eyes! Air fry as per the instructions in the recipe.
Cheese Squash
This is more suitable to the half squash method. Drizzle with olive oil and season as per the recipe. Place into the air fryer at the recommended settings as per the recipe and air fry for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, open the air fryer and top the squash with grated parmesan cheese. Close the air fryer and air fry for the remaining 15 minutes. This makes a great side dish!
Serving Suggestions
There is so much you can do with air fryer butternut squash recipe! This delicious winter vegetable is the perfect food to meal prep as part of healthy meal plans and can be used in so many different ways. Here are some of my favourites.
Halved Squash
- Butternut squash soup – scoop out the roasted butternut squash flesh and place into a blender along with your choice of stock or broth. Add cream, milk or dairy free milk if desired. Blend until smooth and creamy and adjust seasoning to taste.
- A healthy side dish – serve alongside my Green Beans with Cranberries and Almonds, Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes and my Kale, Apple and Cranberry Salad.
Cubed Squash
- Salads – add to the top of a salad or use in my Butternut Squash and Quinoa Salad.
- Curries and Stews – add to your favourite curry or stew. Roasted butternut has a beautiful depth of flavour and is the perfect sweetness.
What to Make with Roasted Butternut Squash
Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Sharp knife
- Chopping Board
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin
- sea salt
- cracked black pepper
Instructions
Roasted Butternut Halves
- Use a sharp knife to slice the butternut squash in half lengthways. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the squash to the air fryer basket and set to cook for 30 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit).
Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes
- Use a sharp knife to remove the ends from the butternut squash. Slice in half lengthways and remove the seeds. Using the knife, carefully slice the skin off the squash. Cut into 1.5cm cubes.
- Place the cubes into the air fryer basket, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly before spreading out into an even layer.
- Turn the air fryer on and set to cook for 15 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit).
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- cubed – use in salads, stews and curries.
- halved – serve as a side dish or use the flesh to make roasted butternut soup.
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