Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash cubes are tender, sweet, and spicy, making a great accompaniment to any meal. Vegan, Gluten-free, Low Carb, Whole-30, Paleo-friendly.
I love cooking fresh seasonal produce, and butternut squash is a Fall/Autumn staple and one such versatile vegetable that is perfect for soups, pasta, roasting, stews, purees, mashes, side dishes, and desserts.
Today, I am sharing how to roast butternut squash in the Air Fryer. This mouthwatering dish of butternut squash is ideal for any occasion. Besides dinner, you can also have it as a mid-meal snack. It is quick, easy, healthy, and delicious! If you like these roasted butternut squash cubes, you may also like air fryer roasted sweet potatoes and air fryer pumpkin.
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Ingredients
- Butternut Squash: Choose a squash that has a uniform beige color, feels firm and heavy for its size, and is free from deep cuts or bruises. If you're short on time, you can also opt for pre-peeled and pre-cut squash available at grocery stores.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: is ideal for roasting and helps to crisp up the Butternut Squash in the air fryer. You may also use avocado or grapeseed oil.
- Spices: Added garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground pepper. You may also use freshly minced garlic in this recipe instead of garlic powder.
How to Roast Butternut Squash in Air Fryer
Peel and cut the butternut squash into ¾ inch cubes for even and quick cooking.
Transfer the butternut squash to a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and season with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Toss them well, so they are all coated with the seasoning.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Add the seasoned butternut squash to the air fryer basket and spread them in a single layer (cook in batches if required).
Air fry them at 380°F (190°C) for 16-18 minutes or until slightly brown on the edge and crisp. Shake the basket halfway through. Mine was cooked perfectly in 16 minutes.
Roasted butternut squash cubes are ready. Remove it from the serving plate and serve it immediately.
How to Roast Butternut Squash in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Transfer the diced butternut squash to a baking sheet. You can add oil and seasonings to the sheet tray itself.
Spread them evenly in a single layer and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges (time may vary based on the size of your cubes). You may have to turn them once halfway through.
Serving Suggestion
Serve air-fried roasted butternut squash as a side dish with veggie burgers, and sandwiches. They can also be used to make butternut squash soup, butternut squash pasta, salads, or enjoyed as appetizers.
Storing & Reheating
- To Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- To freeze: It is not freezer-friendly once roasted.
- To Reheat: To reheat your roasted butternut squash, warm them using the microwave or air fry at 380°F for about 2-3 minutes.
Expert Tips & Notes
- Dice them into the same size: This helps for quick and even cooking.
- Cook in batches: Make sure to spread the butternut squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding so that the veggies don't steam. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shake the basket halfway: It's important to shake it halfway through to allow the sweet potatoes to be cooked evenly.
- Serve them immediately: These crispy roasted butternut squash get soggy as they sit and cool.
- You may also get store-bought pre-cut butternut squash and use them in this recipe.
- The exact cooking time will vary based on the air fryer being used.
Seasoning Variations
- Lemon wedges: Add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
- Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the roasted sweet potatoes.
- Herbs: add Italian seasoning or freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Spices: You can also add ground cumin, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala for an Indian twist. Taco seasoning or Fajita Seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist before roasting.
- Sweet: You can add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and ½ tablespoon honey or sugar before roasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, butternut squash is low-carb or keto-friendly if consumed in moderation. Consult your nutritionist if you are on a strict KETO diet.
I don't recommend using frozen butternut squash in this recipe. They have a high moisture content, making it difficult to crisp up the squash.
If you want to save time on peeling and cutting squash, buy pre-cut cubed butternut squash available in grocery stores.
Yes, you can make it sweet! Just replace savory spices with sweet ingredients like maple syrup, honey, cinnamon, or more.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 1 small butternut squash (about 1.2 pounds) peeled and cut into ¾ inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Peel and cut the butternut squash into ¾-inch cubes for even and quick cooking.
- Transfer the butternut squash to a bowl. Add olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss them well, so they are all coated with the seasoning.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Add the seasoned butternut squash to the air fryer basket and spread them in a single layer (cook in batches if required).
- Air fryer them at 380°F (190°C) for 16-18 minutes or until slightly brown on the edge and crisp. Shake the basket halfway through. Mine was cooked perfectly in 16 minutes.
- Roasted butternut squash is ready. Remove it in a serving plate and serve it immediately.
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Transfer the diced butternut squash to a baking sheet. You can add oil and seasonings to the sheet tray itself.Spread them evenly in a single layer and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges (time may vary based on the size of your cubes). You may have to turn them once halfway through.
Video
Notes
Expert Tips & Notes
- Dice them into the same size: This helps for quick and even cooking.
- Cook in batches. Make sure to spread the butternut squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding, so that the veggies don't steam. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shake the basket halfway: It's important to shake the basket halfway through to allow the sweet potatoes to be cooked evenly.
- Serve them right away: These crispy roasted butternut squash get soggy as they sit and cool.
- You may also get store brought pre-cut butternut squash and use them in this recipe.
- The exact cooking time will vary based on the air fryer being used.
Seasoning Variations
- Lemon wedges: Add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
- Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the roasted sweet potatoes.
- Herbs: add Italian seasoning or freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Spices: You can also add ground cumin, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala for an Indian twist. Taco seasoning or Fajita Seasoning for Tex-Mex twist before roasting.
- Sweet: You can add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and ½ tablespoon honey or sugar before roasting.
Nutrition
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