Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air Fryer Butternut Squash Cubes are ready in almost half the time as roasting in the oven, and come out with an even better texture! A quick mixture of maple syrup, minced garlic, and fresh herbs takes the flavors over-the-top. With less than 10 minutes of prep work, this side dish is not only easy-to-make but will also complement all of your favorite Fall recipes!

Air Fryer Butternut Squash Cubes

Like most oven-roasted veggie recipes, I’ve discovered that almost all of them can be transformed into a quick air fryer recipe.

Most recently it was when I went to make these Roasted Butternut Squash Cubes. 

I can’t get enough of these slightly caramelized, yet super savory bites. And they’re so diverse, you can use just about any seasonings you have on hand.

However, sometimes I need an easier and quicker side dish than using the conventional oven.

Enter the trusty Air Fryer!

In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have perfectly tender Air Fryer Butternut Squash, a delicious and easy side dish ready to enjoy in almost half the time as the oven.

​Whip up this easy air fryer recipe all squash season.

Want to use your air fryer even more? Check out these air fryer recipes!

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make this Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe include:

• Butternut Squash. You will need ½-pound of peeled and seeded butternut squash. You can also buy the pre-cut kind in the produce section at your grocery store, as well.
• Pure Maple Syrup. While maple syrup gives the best flavor, you can sub in brown sugar, honey, or agave nectar. Just don’t go with the pancake syrup. (Here are some other maple syrup substitutes.)
• Olive Oil. A mild oil is ideal in this recipe. Avocado oil can also be substituted.
• Garlic. Fresh garlic is best. Learn how to mince garlic here.
• Fresh herbs. Thyme is the best option, but you can also use rosemary or tarragon. If you choose dry herbs, you need to use less. You can also use other seasoning options, like a sweet or savory blend.

How to Air Fry Butternut Squash Cubes

Below are the steps to make Air Fryer Butternut Squash at home:

Prepare the Butternut Squash

This gourd is often avoided because it seems difficult to manage. But it’s a fairly straightforward process.

Start by trimming both ends off of the butternut squash.

You might find it helpful to soften the squash by poking holes with a large fork then microwaving it for 2 to 3 minutes. Let the squash cool enough to touch, and then peel the skin away with a vegetable peeler or knife.

Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, and then discard.

On a cutting board with a sharp knife, cut the butternut squash into ½-inch cubes. Any larger than this and the squash pieces will burn before becoming tender.

Check out more tips on How to Peel and Cut Butternut Squash.

Make the Sauce

Preheat the air fryer to 380℉.

In a large bowl, mix together the oil, sweetener, garlic, herbs (or seasoning blend), salt, and black pepper. 

Add the butternut squash cubes to the bowl, then toss to combine.

You can make the sauce up to 24 hours in advance, just store it in the fridge.

Cook in the Air Fryer

Spread the seasoned butternut squash cubes out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure none of the pieces are touching so they cook evenly.

Air fry the butternut squashcubes at 380℉ for 18 to 20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. The cooking time will vary based on how big you cut your cubes.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to do more than one batch.

Sprinkle some extra herbs over the air-fried butternut squash before serving.

Meal Prep and Storage

• How to prep ahead of time: You can peel and cube the squash and toss it in the sauce 2 to 3 days in advance.
• How to store:  Leftover squash will keep in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days.
• How to freeze: Once completely cooled, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• How to reheat: You can warm the squash back up in the air fryer, or use a skillet, the oven, or even the microwave.

How long to cook butternut squash in air fryer?

Depending on the size of the cubes, butternut squash should cook for 18 to 20 minutes in the air fryer. Pieces that are too large will burn before becoming tender, though.

Is butternut squash healthy?

Yes! Butternut squash is full of healthy vitamins and minerals along with antioxidants that keep your body going. This gourd is a great side dish with plenty of nourishing benefits.

Can you eat butternut squash skin?

While you can eat butternut squash skin, it’s not recommended. Unlike other squashes, the skin doesn’t become tender with cooking.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Same size. Make sure you cut the butternut squash into ½-inch cubes so they roast up evenly.
• Get creative. Don’t stick with the same old flavors each time, change up the herbs.
• Save time. Skip a step by buying a bag of pre-cut butternut squash.
• Nuke it. Soften the squash in the microwave before cutting.
• Prep ahead. Peel, chop, and season up to 3 days before baking.

Other Butternut Squash Recipes

Butternut squash can be made in a variety of ways—both sweet and savory. Try any of these recipes next.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup and Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese are delicious.

Don’t miss this Butternut Squash Risotto, Sausage and Sage Stuffed Butternut Squash, or Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese.

More Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes

Get dinner on the table fast with these air fryer side dish recipes. They’re the perfect addition to any main dish.

Air Fryer Carrots, Air Fryer Green Beans, and Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are so good for you.

Or, go with starchy side dishes like Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes or Air Fryer Baked Potato. Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms are incredible, too!