We all love an easy air fryer side dish and this Air Fryer Butternut Squash is the latest to add to your weeknight rotation. It’s tender and just a bit crispy on the edges, and the touch of cinnamon flavor is bliss!

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Butternut squash in the air fryer? Who knew!

I am HUGE fan of sweet potatoes in the air fryer (ahem: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries). Such a big fan that I most overlooked the air fryer’s ability to cook the most FABULOUS butternut squash.
This air fryer butternut squash is based on my Roasted Butternut Squash, and while choosing one over the other is a little bit like choosing between Ben and Teddy (sorry, Ben), I have to say the air fryer version has a slight edge because it gets crispier and it’s ready a little bit faster.
If you find yourself making the same veggie side dishes over and over (steamed broccoli AGAIN?!), this air fryer butternut squash is a great way to break up your routine!

Key Ingredients
You’ll find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below, but here are some notes to keep in mind.
- Butternut Squash. You can cut the prep time dramatically by using pre-cut squash cubes from the produce section. I wouldn’t use frozen, though, because they won’t get as crispy.
- Cinnamon and Black Pepper. For a lovely warm flavor with a bit of a kick.
- Maple Syrup. Or honey, if you’d like.
- Fresh Rosemary. This is optional, but it’ll add a nice woodsy, herbal element. I don’t recommend using dried; it’s just not as good as a garnish because without having the chance to soften up in a sauce or broth, it’s like eating pine needles.
How to Cook Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer




Season the Squash. Toss the squash with the oil and seasonings. Don’t wash the bowl yet!
Air Fry. Arrange the squash in an even layer in the basket of the air fryer. Cook at 375ºF for 22 to 25 minutes, tossing after 10 minutes and then a few more times near the end of the cooking time.
Make It Extra Delish. Return the squash to the bowl and toss it with the maple syrup and the rosemary if you’re using it, along with another pinch of salt. (Flaky Maldon salt is especially good for finishing this air fryer butternut squash if you have some on hand.) ENJOY!
Recipe Variations
- Use a Different Squash. Delicata squash (you can leave the skin on!) or honeynut squash would both work well in this recipe.
- Try Another Seasoning. Swap the cinnamon with dried herbs and then toss the butternut squash with grated Parmesan, use cumin instead and pair your squash with Middle Eastern or Tex-Mex flavors, or come up with your own variation.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Butternut Squash
This butternut squash is a nice neutral side that goes with a wide range of main dishes.
- Chicken. Crock Pot Moroccan Chicken is also made with cinnamon, making it an excellent pairing!
- Pork. Like Pork Chops With Apples, another fall favorite.
- Salad. I love roasted vegetables in a winter or fall salad and this air fryer butternut squash would be especially scrumptious in my Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad.
More Butternut Squash Recipes
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
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Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt plus additional to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary optional
Instructions
- Place the squash in a large bowl and toss with the oil, salt, cinnamon, and pepper. Keep the bowl handy, no need to wipe it out.
- Place the squash in an air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F until the squash is fork tender and lightly browned in places, about 22 to 25 minutes. Starting at the 10-minute mark, remove the basket and toss the squash, then toss a few more times at it nears the end of the cook time. Note that if your air fryer basket is small, you may need to extend the cooking time.
- Transfer the squash back to the bowl you used to toss it with the oil and spices. Toss with the maple syrup, rosemary, and a pinch of additional salt to taste. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Adapted from my Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash
- TO STORE: Store leftover air fryer butternut squash in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
- TO REHEAT: Reheat over low heat in a skillet on the stovetop, in the air fryer, or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also eat the squash cold or at room temperature, which is great in a salad.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze the squash in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator the night before reheating.
Nutrition
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Love all the flavors you put together with the butternut squash. I never thought butternut squash could taste this good in my air fryer. It was like having the perfect roasted squash but in half the time! I will definitely be making this again.
So glad to hear you enjoyed it, Jacquelyn!
I can’t believe how perfectly this butternut squash turned out in the air fryer. It was tender on the inside with a nice, light crisp on the edges just how I like it. It really brought out the natural sweetness of the squash, and it paired perfectly with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a touch of salt. Definitely going to be a regular side dish for us! Thank you so much!
I had no idea an air fryer could make butternut squash taste this good! It was so much faster than roasting. The texture and seasonings were spot on too, it was crispy outside and tender inside. It made my kitchen smell amazing too! Thank you, Erin!
Yay! Thank you Jill!