A delicious, savoury, and naturally sweet simple side dish to compliment your meal. This air fryer acorn squash only requires 4 ingredients, but it’s loaded with flavour and will not disappoint.
While acorn squash is considered a type of winter squash, many grocery stores will have it available all year round, so you can enjoy this dish any time of year.
Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook vegetables. It truly takes them from ordinary to extraordinary.
Just like my air fried green beans, asparagus, spaghetti squash, smashed potatoes, sweet potato cubes, wedges, broccoli, mushrooms and eggplant, you can expect BIG flavour here.
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Ingredients + Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make this air fryer acorn squash recipe:
- Acorn squash: Choose a squash that is approximately 2 pounds or smaller if you want to air fry the dish in one batch. If you’re not familiar, the taste of acorn squash is creamy, naturally sweet, and a little nutty in flavour.
- Broth: I’m using homemade veggie broth instead of oil or butter to keep this dish LOW in calories and fat-free. And there’s no need for cooking spray either.
- Spices: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt give this squash all the great flavour it needs.
Instructions
(This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)
Use a sharp knife to carefully cut your squash in half, to make it easier to handle. Then cut it into slices and carefully peel the pieces and chop them into half-inch cubes.
The skin of acorn squash can be quite tough, so use caution when peeling, and make sure to remove it all.
Add the cubed squash, broth, and seasoning to a bowl and mix well to evenly distribute. (photo 1)
Place the cubes in your basket and air fry until fork-tender and the edges have crisped. (photo 2)
Serve the squash hot and fresh out of the fryer.
Variations
I’ve made a savoury air fryer acorn squash, but if you want to change it up, try one of these versions instead:
- Spicy: Use 1 tablespoon of broth or olive oil, plus ½ teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Sweet: Use 1 tablespoon of butter OR 1 tablespoon of maple syrup plus 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and half a teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Cheesy: Use my original savoury version below and sprinkle some vegan parmesan cheese on top after air frying.
- Halved squash: If you prefer to skip the peeling and chopping, just halve it and air fry the squash cut side up in your basket for 25-35 minutes until fork tender. (Time will vary according to the size of the squash and the model of the fryer.)
- You may also spoon some maple syrup and some chopped pecans or walnuts into the center of your squash.
Or check out my air-fried butternut squash in both savoury and sweet options.
Equipment
This time, I used my Gourmia brand fryer which works fantastically for this recipe.
I also use and love our Ninja Foodi which works well here.
That said, any model of fryer will work, just keep an eye on your dish since different models cook at different speeds.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yup. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can absolutely use your oven instead. Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Then season the cubes of squash and arrange them in a single layer and bake for 25-35 minutes, until fork tender and the edges have crisped.
Storage
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the air frying basket, oven, or toaster oven.
I don’t recommend freezing.
Expert Tips
- Use caution when chopping and peeling the squash as it has very tough skin.
- Individual air fryers will vary in cook times, so make sure the squash is fork-tender with crisped edges before serving.
More delicious air-fried recipes
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Buon appetito
Rosa
📖 Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pound acorn squash (1 small squash) peeled + cut into half inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons low sodium vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Peel and cut your acorn squash into half-inch cubes and place in a mixing bowl.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Set your fryer to 400°F/200°C and air fry the acorn squash for 18-24 minutes, mixing or shaking occasionally. Cook time will vary among different fryer models.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ
While you technically can eat it, I find it’s thicker than most squash skins and tough, and unenjoyable. So it’s best to take the skin off.
It’s cooked when it is fork-tender and easily pierced by a fork. Undercooked squash is not very enjoyable, so make sure it’s soft, without overcooking it.
Since it’s very low in fat, acorn squash can be a great ingredient to include in managing weight loss. It’s filling, has less sugar than other squashes and works well for weight management.
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