Craving a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make side dish? Look no further than air fryer butternut squash ! This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of butternut squash while adding a savory kick, all thanks to a mix of thyme, garlic, and a hint of pepper. The air fryer works wonders in creating a perfect balance between a crispy outside and tender inside — all with minimal oil!
Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and packed with nutrients. Best of all, it takes very little effort to prepare, with the air fryer doing most of the heavy lifting!
With a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying golden bites of caramelized butternut squash in no time. Let’s get started with the ingredients!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups peeled & cubed butternut squash (cut into ½-inch/1.3 cm pieces; see note below)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (you can swap for dried thyme in a pinch, see note below)
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Notes:
- Butternut Squash: Save time by opting for pre-cut butternut squash from the store, or grab a whole squash and chop it yourself. Make sure the pieces are uniform in size (about ½-inch) for even cooking.
- Thyme Substitutes: If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works well too. Simply use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme in place of the fresh for a similar flavor profile.
Prepping the Butternut Squash
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to prep the butternut squash. This step is all about adding those delicious flavors that will turn simple squash into an incredible side dish. Here’s how you can season it to perfection!
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Season the Squash
First, place the butternut squash cubes into a large mixing bowl where they can be evenly coated with seasoning. Drizzle the olive oil over the squash and toss well to ensure all pieces are lightly coated — this will help the air fryer crisp up the edges beautifully.
Next, sprinkle the thyme , salt , garlic powder , and black pepper over the oil-coated squash. Toss everything again until the squash pieces are evenly coated with the seasonings. The combination of earthy thyme and garlic really elevates the natural sweetness of the butternut squash, while the salt and pepper add a subtle bite.
If you like more garlic or herbs, feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste. The beauty of this dish rests in its simplicity, but it’s versatile enough for customization!
Once seasoned, the butternut squash is ready to hit the air fryer basket.
Air Frying the Butternut Squash
With the squash perfectly seasoned, it’s time for the air fryer to work its magic. The air fryer cooks the squash quickly, giving it that irresistible crispy texture on the outside while keeping it tender and flavorful on the inside.
2. Air Frying the Butternut Squash
Transfer the seasoned butternut squash pieces to your air fryer basket. Spread the squash cubes out in a single layer for even cooking. If you’re working with a smaller air fryer, you might need to cook the squash in batches. Crowding the basket can affect how crispy your squash turns out.
Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 18 to 25 minutes . Cooking time may slightly vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the squash cubes. To ensure even cooking, shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This helps prevent any pieces from sticking together and allows them to cook uniformly. You’re looking for the edges to turn golden brown and crispy while the inside remains tender.
Check for doneness by poking one of the squash cubes with a fork — it should slide in easily, indicating it’s perfectly cooked.
If you prefer your squash a little more caramelized, feel free to add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time, but watch closely to prevent overcooking.
Serving and Storage
Once the squash is golden-brown and cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Here’s how to wrap up your delicious air fryer butternut squash dish.
3. Serve and Adjust
Once the butternut squash is done air frying, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket and transfer it to a serving dish. Give it a quick taste test. If needed, you can adjust the seasoning by adding a little extra salt or black pepper. Depending on your personal preference, you could also drizzle a little olive oil or squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top for extra flavor and brightness.
This dish shines on its own, but you can serve it alongside roasted meats, salads, or even as a topping for soups and grain bowls. It’s also great as a healthy snack !
4. Storage and Reheating
If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it – this is that good!), you can store them easily:
- Fridge: Place the air fryer butternut squash in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days . When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the squash in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. This will help retain the crispy texture.
- Freezer: If you’d like to store the squash for longer, it can be frozen. Let the squash cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month . To reheat, thaw completely and air-fry again to restore some of the crispiness.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Air fryer butternut squash is quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious. The air fryer does all the hard work, leaving you with perfectly roasted squash in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re eating it as a side dish, snack, or adding it to other meals, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Enjoy your beautifully golden squash with its savory, herb-infused flavors. With this simple recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Happy cooking!