Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Making butternut squash in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to make perfectly caramelized, roasted squash. You can cut the butternut squash into cubes, or roast it whole. Here we will show you how simple it is to roast whole butternut squash in the air fryer. (This recipe is vegan and naturally gluten-free)

Use your air-fried butternut squash to make our Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta or Fennel, Apple Butternut Soup!

four air fried butternut squash halves on a plate with a gold spoon in one of the halves

We love making just about everything in the air fryer. From asparagus to chicken wings, fries, and beyond, there is pretty much nothing the air fryer can’t handle.

Making butternut squash in the air fryer will quickly become your favorite way to cook squash. It tastes like delicious roasted butternut squash without having to use the oven. It is a quick, easy, hands-off method that involves very minimal prep.

two whole butternut squash

Ingredients Needed To Make Air-Fried Butternut Squash

  • Butternut Squash: Smaller size squash works best so that it can fit in your air fryer. Aim for 1 to 1 1/2 pounds (one to one and a half pounds). If it is too large, cut the butternut squash into quarters.
  • Cooking Oil. Avocado oil or olive oil works best.
  • Salt And Pepper
fresh butternut squash cut in half
two halves of butternut squash with salt and pepper

How To Make Butternut Squash In The Air Fryer

  1. Carefully cut the butternut squash in half. Scoop out the seeds and pulp with a spoon.
  2. Rub both sides of the butternut squash with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper (or add cinnamon and brown sugar).
  3. Place the squash cut side down in the air fryer. Air Fry for 20 minutes. Then, carefully flip the squash (sprinkle with more cinnamon and sugar if desired). Air Fry for 20-25 minutes, or until fork tender.
  4. Remove from the air fryer and use or serve as desired. Scoop out the flesh to make butternut squash mash or add to soup. Cut the squash into horizontal slices to serve as a side dish.
butternut squash in the air fryer skin side up
butternut squash in the air fryer skin side up after cooking halfway

Recipe Variations and Customizations

  • Make It Sweet: Sprinkle the squash with cinnamon (about 1/2 teaspoon) tsp and maple syrup or brown sugar (1-2 tablespoons) halfway through the cooking process.
  • For An Herbaceous Flavor: Season the squash with dried herbs and a mix of fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme. Add the herb mixture halfway through cooking so that they do not burn.
  • Make It Spicy: Add cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick!
butternut squash in the air fryer skin side down halfway done cooking
Butternut Squash In The Air Fryer Halfway Cooked
butternut squash in the air fryer fully cooked
Butternut Squash Fully Cooked

Common Questions

What’s The Best Way To Cut A Butternut Squash?

Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut the top off the squash and cut about 1/4 inch from the bottom. Make sure the cut on the bottom is even so that the bottom acts as a base to keep the squash stable while cutting. Stand the squash upright and carefully cut it from the top to the bottom to cut it in half. If you want peeled butternut squash, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin before slicing the squash in half.

How To Air Fry Pre-cut Butternut Squash?

Place the butternut squash cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and toss them in a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Air Fry the squash cubes at 400°F for 25 minutes or until fork tender, flipping them or shaking the basket halfway through.

Does Butternut Squash Need Peeling Before Roasting?

Absolutely not. You can leave the peel on the butternut squash if you are roasting large halves. When the squash is done roasting you can scoop out the flesh or peel the skin and slice the squash.

butternut squash half on a plate with a spoon scooped with flesh of the squash

Ways To Use and Serve Butternut Squash

Use this air fryer butternut squash recipe for any recipe that calls for roasted butternut squash. It will save you a ton of time and effort!

Storage and Rewarming

Store any cooked butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To rewarm, heat in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes or rewarm it in the microwave for about 60 seconds.

four air fried butternut squash halves on a plate with a gold spoon in one of the halves

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More Air Fryer Vegetables To Try!

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Making butternut squash in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to make perfectly caramelized, roasted squash. You can cut the butternut squash into cubes, or roast it whole. Here we will show you how simple it is to roast whole butternut squash in the air fryer. (This recipe is vegan and naturally gluten-free)
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy Options
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 61kcal
Author: Capri Lilly

Ingredients

  • 1 Small Butternut Squash (about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to 375°F.
  • Carefully cut the butternut squash in half. Scoop out the seeds and pulp with a spoon.
  • Rub or brush both sides of the butternut squash with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper (or add cinnamon and brown sugar).
  • Place the squash cut side down in the air fryer. Air Fry for 20 minutes. Then, carefully flip the squash (sprinkle with more cinnamon and sugar if desired). Air Fry for 20-25 minutes, or until fork tender. (Larger squash may need to cook longer)
  • Remove from the air fryer and use or serve as desired. Scoop out the flesh to mash butternut squash mash or add to soup. Cut the squash into horizontal slices to serve as a side dish.

Notes

Recipe Variations and Customizations:
  • Make It Sweet: Sprinkle the squash with cinnamon (about 1/2 teaspoon) tsp and maple syrup or brown sugar (1-2 tablespoons) halfway through the cooking process.
  • For An Herbaceous Flavor: Season the squash with dried herbs and a mix of fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme. Add the herb mixture halfway through cooking so that they do not burn.
  • Make It Spicy: Add cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper for a spicy kick!
**Please Note: Cooking Time may vary based on the type of air fryer you use. Adjust time accordingly and monitor the squash while cooking. I have made this recipe in an Instant Vortex Air Fryer and a Yedi 7 QT air fryer.
 
 
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Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 61kcal | Carbohydrates: 10.8g | Protein: 0.9g | Fat: 2.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 291mg | Fiber: 3.3g | Sugar: 2g | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 4mg

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2 Comments

  1. Sorry your recipe said air fryer butternut whole I really thought it would tell me how to cook a butternut whole but I read you cut it into 2 halves. Not whole just whole one in the air fryer

    1. Hi, even when I cook it in the oven I cut it in half, scoop the seeds out, and roast the halves. I consider that roasting it whole, but I understand your sentiments.

5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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