Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash: An Easy Recipe!

 

Okay, mom tribe, let’s talk about something that’s been a game-changer in my kitchen: Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash. I know, I know, squash can seem intimidating. But trust me, this is so easy, even on those nights when you’re running on fumes and the kids are doing their best impression of wild animals. I used to dread making squash, but now, thanks to the air fryer, it’s a regular on our dinner table. It fits perfectly into our lives, adding a healthy and delicious side dish without adding to the dinnertime stress. We’re all in this together, right? Let’s dive into the easiest, most delicious Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe ever!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Okay, let’s keep this simple because ain’t nobody got time for complicated ingredients lists! This Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash requires just a few basic things.

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed: You can grab this at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or even the regular grocery store.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: I always have a bottle of olive oil on hand, but avocado oil works great too!
• 1 teaspoon salt: Sea salt is my go-to!
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is best, but pre-ground is fine too.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a little somethin’ somethin’.
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg: My kids love a little sweetness with their Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash, so I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon.
• Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey: For a touch of extra sweetness, especially if your butternut squash isn’t as naturally sweet.

No worries if you don’t have fresh garlic – I use garlic powder all the time when I make this delicious air fried butternut squash. And hey, this Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash doesn’t have to break the bank! You can often find butternut squash on sale, especially in the fall. As for storage, leftover cooked squash will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for adding to salads or soups later! My family loves when I add extra garlic powder for an extra kick. Here’s a Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash trick that saved my sanity: pre-cut the squash on the weekend when you have a few extra minutes.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, here’s the fun part! Let’s get this perfectly cooked Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash going. Trust me, it’s easier than folding a fitted sheet (and maybe even more satisfying).

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is super important for getting that perfect crispy texture. Most air fryers need a few minutes to preheat, so get that going first thing.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (and cinnamon/nutmeg, if using). Make sure all the squash pieces are evenly coated. This is key to getting that golden-brown goodness on every side.
3. Arrange the squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd the basket! If you have too much squash, cook it in batches. Overcrowding will steam the squash instead of roasting it.
4. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on it! Every air fryer is different, so cooking times may vary. You want the squash to be tender and slightly caramelized.
5. If you’re using maple syrup or honey, drizzle it over the squash during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will give it a beautiful glaze and a touch of sweetness that the kids will love.
6. Remove the Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving. Careful, it’s hot!

In my chaotic kitchen, this Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash usually takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s the perfect amount of time to unload the dishwasher or help with homework. Don’t panic if your Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash looks a little unevenly cooked at first. Just flip it and keep going! While your Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! You can also use this time to prep any other sides you’re making for dinner. The first time I made Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash I did not preheat the air fryer and it was a mess! The squash was soggy, so don’t make my mistake.

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, so you’ve got a batch of perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Now what? Here are some ideas on how my family loves to devour this golden goodness!

• As a simple side dish: This is the most common way we enjoy it! It pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, fish, or even a simple veggie burger.
• With roasted chicken and potatoes: This is a classic fall comfort meal. The Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory chicken and potatoes perfectly.
• In a salad: Add the Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash to a bed of greens with some crumbled goat cheese, cranberries, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a delicious and healthy lunch.
• As a topping for grain bowls: This is a great way to add some extra veggies to your grain bowls. We love it with quinoa, farro, or brown rice.
• As a snack: My kids sometimes eat this **Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash** straight from the air fryer as a snack! It’s a healthy and satisfying alternative to chips or crackers.

The kids devour this delicious Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash when I serve it with some roasted chicken and a side of quinoa. It’s a complete and balanced meal that everyone enjoys. This Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick, easy, and healthy. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my recipe for Butternut Squash Soup. My family loves how versatile this Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash is. I love to serve it with grilled pork chops. If you want to try something a little different, toss the cooked squash with some chopped pecans and a drizzle of honey. It’s a delicious and festive side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash. I know you have them, so let’s get them answered!

1. Can my picky eater handle this Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash? It depends on your picky eater! The sweetness of the squash and the crispy texture can be appealing to some kids. Try cutting it into fun shapes or serving it with a dip they like.
2. What if I burn my simple Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!) Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! If it starts to burn, lower the temperature of your air fryer and check it more frequently. You can also try covering the squash with foil during the last few minutes of cooking.
3. Can I make this quick Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash ahead for meal prep? Absolutely! You can cook the squash ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving to crisp it up again.
4. What other seasonings can I use? The possibilities are endless! Try adding some smoked paprika, chili powder, or even a little curry powder for a different flavor profile.
5. Can I use frozen butternut squash? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
6. Do I need to peel the butternut squash? Yes, you need to peel it. The skin is tough and not very pleasant to eat.
7. How do I peel a butternut squash easily? Microwaving the squash for a few minutes can make it easier to peel. Just poke some holes in it with a fork first to prevent it from exploding!
8. My squash is still hard after 20 minutes. What should I do? Keep cooking it! Every air fryer is different, and some squash may take longer to cook than others. Just check it every few minutes until it’s tender.

Here’s my experience with this Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash: I’ve definitely burned a batch or two in my day! Now I know to keep a closer eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed. My kids didn’t love this at first, but now they gobble it up when I add a drizzle of maple syrup! It’s all about finding what works for your family.

Final Thoughts:

So there you have it, my friend! My go-to recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash. It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious way to add some veggies to your family’s diet. This Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash is special to my family because it’s a reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is also fancy enough to bring to the holiday table!

Here are My Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash Mom Hacks:

• Pre-cut the squash on the weekend. This will save you so much time during the week!
• Use frozen butternut squash. It’s a great option when you’re short on time or fresh squash isn’t available.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This is key to getting that perfect crispy texture!

Here are a few family-tested Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash variations:

• Spicy: Add a pinch of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
• Sweet: Drizzle with maple syrup or honey after cooking.
• Savory: Toss with some chopped pecans and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

My son loves the sweet version, while my daughter prefers the savory one. I like the spicy one! Encourage readers to make this recipe their own and experiment with different seasonings and variations. I hope this Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash becomes a staple in your kitchen!

You can find more healthy recipes for the family at Air Fryer Butternut Squash (+ roasted method) – Elavegan , Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash (with Baked Option) – Mary’s Whole … and Air Fryer Butternut Squash – Evergreen Kitchen .

And if you want to see if the kids will also eat it in a delicious soup, click here: https://mommymademeals.com/butternut-squash-soup.

You got this, fellow kitchen warriors! Go forth and conquer that squash! You will feel so empowered once you get this Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash perfect.

 

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