• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
This Healthy Kitchen
  • RECIPES
  • SPRING
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • JOIN/LOGIN
  • ACCOUNT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • RECIPES
  • SPRING
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • JOIN/LOGIN
  • ACCOUNT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • RECIPES
    • SPRING
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • JOIN/LOGIN
    • ACCOUNT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Acorn Squash

    Published: Nov 19, 2022 by Rosa · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

    31 shares
    JUMP TO RECIPE

    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.

    Cubes of air fried acorn squash in white plate.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients + Substitutions
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • Expert Tips
    • More delicious air-fried recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • FAQ

    Ingredients + Substitutions

    Here’s what you’ll need to make this air fryer acorn squash recipe:

    Acorn squash, bowl of seasoning and bowl of broth on kitchen counter.
    See recipe card for quantities.
    • 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.

    Acorn squash cubes inside glass bowl with seasoning on top.

    Add the cubed squash, broth, and seasoning to a bowl and mix well to evenly distribute. (photo 1)

    Acorn squash cubes inside air fryer basket.

    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.

    Cubed acorn squash in white serving dish.

    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

    • Baby carrots in brown bamboo plate with parsley garnish.
      Maple Garlic Air Fryer Baby Carrots
    • Pita wedges with spices on top in white plate.
      Air Fryer Pita Chips
    • Oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips on cooling rack.
      Air Fryer Oatmeal Cookies
    • Air fried home fries inside purple serving bowl.
      Air Fryer Home Fries [Oil Free Option]

    If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

    Buon appetito

    Rosa

    📖 Recipe

    Air fried squash cubes in white dish.

    Air Fryer Acorn Squash

    This air fryer acorn squash only requires 4 ingredients, but it's loaded with flavour and will not disappoint.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Canadian
    Servings: 3 Servings
    Calories: 125kcal
    Author: Rosa

    Equipment

    Ninja Foodi appliance on white background.
    Ninja Foodi Air Fryer

    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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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

    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.
    Leftovers keep in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 3g | Sodium: 475mg | Potassium: 1070mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 1274IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 3mg
    DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?Mention @this.healthy.kitchen on IG and tag #thishealthykitchen!
    *Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.

    FAQ

    Can you eat the skin of acorn squash?

    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.

    How do you know when acorn squash is cooked?

    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.

    Is acorn squash good for weight loss?

    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.

    31 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment & Star Rating Cancel reply

    Your feedback is greatly appreciated! Please do us a favour and rate using the stars in addition to your comment as this is very helpful to us and other readers. Tell us about substitutions you made, how it turned out, and anything helpful to others who may make the recipe. Rude or insulting comments are not accepted. Your email address will not be published.

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    About Me Pic

    Hi, I'm Rosa! Welcome to This Healthy Kitchen where you'll find tasty and nutritious, plant-based recipes. I'm an avid home cook who believes food is medicine. Each recipe is made using wholesome ingredients, and under 400 calories per serving with several gluten-free and oil-free options! Occasional cheat days included. 😉

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Roasted pineapple slices on white plate.
      Air Fryer Pineapple (Tastes Like Grilled)
    • close up of cooked spaghetti squash sliced in half with parmesan cheese and parsley garnish on top.
      Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash [Healthy+Low Cal]
    • Tray of buffalo cauliflower bites with bowl of ranch dip in the middle.
      Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings – Oven or Air Fryer
    • plate with large hash browns and fruit scattered around the dish
      Air Fryer Hash Browns From Scratch [Oil Free Option]
    • White bowl filled with cooked chickpeas and blue towel beside it.
      Instant Pot Chickpeas No Soak!
    • stack of vegan pancakes with banana slices on top and syrup dripping down.
      The Fluffiest Vegan Pancakes Ever [and SO easy!]

    list of websites where This Healthy Kitchen has been featured

    Spring is in the air!

    • Risotto with asparagus in round bowl with lemon on the side.
      Asparagus Lemon Risotto [Instant Pot or Stove Top]
    • Lemon pie with lemon slices and blueberries on top.
      Healthier Vegan Lemon Pie [Oil Free]
    • Green dip in glass jar with raw veggies surrounding it.
      Avocado Green Goddess Dressing [Oil Free]
    • Baked zucchini tater tots in white, oval serving dish.
      Baked Zucchini Tater Tots [Oil Free]
    • Cast iron pan with rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes and spinach in a white sauce.
      Easy Tofu Pasta Sauce [Oil Free]
    • Roasted potatoes in white tray with lemon wedges and parsley garnish.
      Roasted Greek Lemon Potatoes

    Privacy Policy
    Terms & Conditions

    5 SECRETS TO VEGAN COOKING!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimers
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on our site are affiliate links. If you purchase using these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only promote products we use and love. Thanks for your support!

    Copyright © 2023 ThisHealthyKitchen

    31 shares