This recipe for Air Fryer Acorn Squash is so quick and easy, that it’ll be on regular rotation all year long!
Savory acorn squash is roasted in the air fryer with just the tiniest bit of sweet brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, making it a tender side dish that the whole family will love. With its delicate flavor and texture, it’s no wonder it’s a favorite!
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
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Best Air Fryer Squash Recipe
- Uber healthy and delicious, acorn squash is loaded with antioxidants and fiber.
- Kids love the combination of sweet and savory and will also enjoy eating the roasted seeds!
- Keep the oven off as the warmer months approach and let the air fryer do all the work with minimal clean-up. Meal prep batches for multiple uses all week long.
- An easy vegetarian main dish stuffed with rice or a hearty side dish, air fryer acorn squash will be a family favorite!
- This recipe is suited to any size of air fryer featuring a basket or a tray because the pieces can be cooked cut into halves, cubes, or slices!
Ingredients & Variations
ACORN SQUASH Choose whole squash that is intact and without soft spots or blemishes. It should smell slightly sweet at the base. Butternut and spaghetti squash can be used too by adjusting the cook times.
SEASONINGS A little oil, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon make this an easy recipe to pair with a main dish or to serve on its own. Season with different DIY blends to create new dishes every time! We love these combinations: Italian seasoning, Greek seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, or taco seasoning.
How to Cook Acorn Squash in Air Fryer
This elegant side dish is so simple to prepare:
- Cut squash in half vertically and remove seeds.
- Brush with oil and sprinkle with salt. Cook, cut side up (per recipe below).
- Combine remaining ingredients and brush onto acorn squash and finish cooking.
Serve immediately as a side dish with air fryer ham steaks, air fryer chicken legs in the basket, or some air fryer bourbon meatloaf.
Easy Air Fryer Tips
- Always preheat the air fryer so that the initial blast of heat can caramelize the butter and seasonings right into the squash.
- Leave enough space between portions so the air can circulate properly.
- Keep leftover air fryer acorn squash in a covered container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer or add to soups, stews, stir-fries, or even a morning smoothie!
- Freeze cooled portions in a zippered bag for up to 4 weeks.
Favorite Squash Recipes
- Air Fryer Stuffed Spaghetti Squash – Cheesy and healthy
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash and Sausage – A meal in one
- Crock Pot Butternut Squash Soup – 5 minutes of prep
- Air Fryer Summer Squash Fritters – Healthy appetizer
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium acorn squash about 2 pounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
- Cut the squash in half and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds.
- Brush the squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Place in the air fryer basket, cut side up, and cook 15 minutes.
- Combine softened butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Open the air fryer and brush with the brown sugar mixture. Cook an additional 10-15 minutes or until the flesh is tender and slightly golden.
Notes
- Preheat the air fryer so the initial blast of heat can caramelize the butter and seasonings right into the squash.
- Leave enough space between portions so the air can circulate properly.
- Keep leftover air fryer acorn squash in a covered container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer or add to soups, stews, stir-fries, or even a morning smoothie!
- Freeze cooled portions in a zippered bag for up to 4 weeks.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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