Vegetables are natural health boosters. Butternut Squash has a sweet taste. Using this unique recipe, I will tell you how to enhance the flavor and taste everyone will love.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Air Fryer provides a quick way to cook vegetables. Ovens take more time to cook veggies, and the results may not be the same. Cooking Butternut Squash in air fryer is a timesaver. You will get the taste of roasted butternut squash without actually roasting them.
Why Air Fryer Butternut Squash?
When we cook vegetables in an air fryer, vegetables get a crispier flavor. Otherwise, you must use the deep frying method to make veggies crispy. But deep frying is not a healthier choice. I prefer air fryer butternut squash for several reasons.
- Easy and healthy side dish.
- Minimal prep time.
- Perfect for holiday dinners.
How To Cook Air Fryer Butternut Squash?
- Prep Time - 5 min
- Cook Time - 15 min
- Total Time - 20 min
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Ingredients
- Butternut Squash - 1 piece
- Olive Oil - 1 tablespoon
- Minced Garlic - 2 teaspoons Or Garlic Powder - 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper - to taste
- Salt - to taste
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
Step By Step Guide: Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Let's start with early prep:
Early Prep
- Take the vegetable peeler and peel the butternut squash skin. To remove the seeds, take a chef knife and cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise.
- Now make the bite-size pieces of squash (approx 1-inch cubes). You can also use precut squash cubes.
Seasoning The Squash
- Take the bowl and put all the cubes into it. Now spray olive oil and add salt and black pepper. Toss them well so all the pieces are well seasoned.
- Now carefully place these squash pieces into the air fryer basket. You can also use a foil that will help in the air fryer cleaning.
Air Frying Butternut Squash
- Set the temperature of the air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Cook squash for 7-8 minutes and then check their overall condition. You have to cook them for almost 15 minutes.
- Don't forget to shake the basket after every 5 minutes. Tossing and basket shaking will help in even cooking.
- You can cook them for 1-2 minutes more for desired crispness.
Tips For Great Taste & Sucess
- Avoid stacking or overlapping squashes in the basket. Check your air fryer's capacity carefully. Cook in batches if the squashes don't fit in the basket.
- If you use precut squashes, they usually come in large-size cuts. You have to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- After 7-8 minutes, check Squash's condition. Some air fryers become very hot quickly, so checking earlier will save you from undesired results.
- If you prefer a softer texture, you can increase the cooking time slightly.
Serving Ideas For Air Fryer Butternut Squash
As a Side Dish: You can serve air fryer butternut squash with any of your favorite meals as a side dish. They are healthy and crispy and will perfectly accompany your meal.
Serve In Salad Bowls: You can also serve squash in salad bowls for a perfect salad. I tested them with my Southwest Corn Salad and Spinach Arugula Salad; believe me, the result was so delicious.
Make A Combo: You can also make a veg and chicken combo by serving it with delicious Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings or Air Fryer Cornish Hen. This will be a perfect healthy meal for all.
Having Leftovers?
You can store any leftover air fryer butternut squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When needed, reheat in the air fryer or oven at 200 degrees for 2-3 minutes. Now they are ready to serve again.Flavorful Variations For Air Fryer Butternut Squash
You can experiment with multiple seasonings for flavorful variations.
- For More Spicy Flavor: You can add some paprika, a pinch of salt, and red chili powder to your seasoning. This will heat up the squash flavor.
- For Sweet Taste: For a sweet flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar and cinnamon to your butternut squash seasoning.
Bonus Tip: Pour a little honey on your butternut squash cubes before air frying for a more sweet and crispier twist. Test it yourself and enjoy a unique taste.
Nutrition
- Calories - 120kcal
- Carbohydrates - 22g
- Fat - 5g
- Saturated Fat - 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat - 3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat - 1g
- Potassium - 674mg
- Sodium - 299mg
- Fiber - 5g
- Sugar - 5g
- Vitamin A - 19933IU
- Vitamin C - 41mg
- Calcium - 97mg
- Iron - 1mg
Conclusion
Butternut squash is known for its sweet flavor. It is not only delicious but also has essential nutrients. It is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and E, fiber, and antioxidants. It's an easy-to-cook healthy side dish. By following our step-by-step guide, you can cook this mouth-watering dish that will impress your family and guests. So grab some fresh Butternut Squash, take your air fryer, and give Air Fryer Butternut Squash a try... Happy Eating!Love this recipe? Don't forget to leave your feedback in the comments.
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FAQ's
Can I Use Frozen Butternut Squash For Air Frying?Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash for air frying. However, the texture may not be as crispy as fresh squash. Make sure to thaw the frozen squash completely and pat it dry with a paper towel before seasoning and cooking.
Do I Need To Peel The Butternut Squash Before Air Frying?
Yes, it's recommended to peel the butternut squash before air frying. Butternut Squash has tough and fibrous skin. Peeling it allows the seasoning to penetrate deep and enhances the overall flavor and texture.
Can I Air Fry Other Types Of Squash?
Yes, you can air fry other types of squash, such as acorn squash, spaghetti squash, or pumpkin. Just adjust the seasoning and cooking time accordingly.
Can I Add A Crispy Coating To The Butternut Squash In The Air Fryer?
Absolutely! If you prefer a crispy coating on your butternut squash, you can coat the cubes in breadcrumbs or a mixture of flour and spices before air frying them. This will add an extra crunch to your dish.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Butternut Squash?
Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A, C, E, fiber, and antioxidants. It promotes heart health and immunity.
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