This post may contain affiliate links.

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!

Butternut squash in the air fryer? Who knew!

cookbook author erin clarke of well plated

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!

Air fryer butternut squash in bowl

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.

Prep Tip

Technically speaking, you can eat the skin of butternut squash—but it’s very tough and not many people enjoy it, so I always peel it. The seeds, on the other hand, can be saved and used to make Roasted Pumpkin Seeds. (Well, roasted squash seeds.)

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.
Butternut squash in air fryer basket

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. 

More Butternut Squash Recipes

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

5 From 3 reviews . Help us out! Review HERE.Help out & review HERE

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 servings
Air fryer butternut squash is tender on the inside, just a bit crispy on the edges, and ridiculously easy to make. Perfect weeknight side!

Ingredients
  


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

Serving: 1(of 4)Calories: 173kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gPotassium: 1012mgFiber: 6gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 30138IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 145mgIron: 2mg

Join today and start saving your favorite recipes

Create an account to easily save your favorite recipes and access FREE meal plans.

Sign Me Up

Did you try this recipe?

I want to see!

Follow @wellplated on Instagram, snap a photo, and tag it #wellplated. I love to know what you are making!

You May Also Like

Free Email Series
Sign Up for FREE Weekly Meal Plans
Each includes a grocery list, budget, and 5 healthy dinners, helping you save time, save money, and live better!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

Learn more about Erin

Leave a Comment

Did you make this recipe?

Don't forget to leave a review!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




The maximum upload file size: 5 MB. You can upload: image, video. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop files here

  1. 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.5 stars

  2. 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!5 stars

  3. 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!5 stars

No comments (yet). Help our readers and give a thumbs up to any comment you found helpful!