Air Fryer Butternut Squash [Two Ways!]

Two ways to make them, savoury or sweet! Either way, you’ll be very impressed with this air fryer butternut squash. Both versions are incredibly delicious and simple to prepare. A perfect side dish for the holidays, or any day!

Have you ever tried to air fry butternut squash? This dish is truly amazing, and just like my air fried carrots, I’ve got two ways to make them!

I have a sweet and savoury version for you and I truly can’t pick a favourite. Both are just fantastic so I highly recommend giving both options a try.

Why you’ll love this dish!

• Low in calories! Butternut squash is naturally low in calories. Plus, keeping both flavour options oil free helps too!
• Oil free not only means lower calories but also keeps this dish virtually fat free.
• Easy to make! Just chop up your squash, toss with the seasoning and cook until golden.
• Perfect for fall, but also a great side dish for any time of year.
• Fun! A nice way to switch up your veggie dishes, while adding a pop of colour to the table.
• Versatile. You can use any of your favourite dried spices and seasoning here.
• Naturally vegan, dairy free, gluten free and nut free. Perfect for all eaters.
• Delicious! Of course, it’s delicious, because if it wasn’t, I wouldn’t be sharing it with you. 🙂

How to cut your butternut squash

Start by peeling you squash and then slicing off the stem on the top and bottom. Just a thin slice, don’t waste any of the good stuff! (photos 1-2)

Now, to make it easier to work with, cut your squash in half. Then turn each half with the cut side up and slice in half again. (photos 3-4)

Use a spoon to scoop out all the seeds, and discard or save them for planting or roasting. (photos 5-6)

Now you’ll have four clean pieces of squash. Working with one piece at a time, slice into half inch wide strips. Then rotate and slice again, into half inch strips. (photos 7-8)

This should leave you with half inch cubes and strips, depending on the thickness of your squash. Chop any larger pieces in half, as needed.

NOTE: Try and cut your pieces into similar sizes for even cooking.

How to make the savoury version

(This is a summary with step-by-step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

Gather your ingredients for the savoury version. Here’s what you’ll need.

Chop your butternut squash into approximately half inch cubes. (See above for tips on cutting).

Then place the cubes in a large mixing bowl and add the seasoning for the savoury version. (photos 1-2)

Mix very well to evenly distribute the seasoning. (photo 3)

Now place the seasoned pieces inside your basket and smooth into an even layer with a spatula. (photo 4)

Air fry for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy on the outside and fork tender. (photo 5)

Serve sprinkled with fresh parsley (if you’d like) and enjoy!

How to make the sweet version

(This is a summary with step-by-step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

Gather your ingredients for your sweet air fryer butternut squash.

Chop up the squash and add to a mixing bowl. Then add the maple syrup and seasoning and mix well. (photos 1-3)

Place the coated pieces into your basket and cook until golden and tender, approx 20 minutes. (photos 4-5)

Serve with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

How long do they keep?

These butternut squash fries taste best when freshly made, but leftovers will keep refrigerated in a sealed container for 3-4 days.

To reheat, you may return them to your air fryer, or use a toaster oven.

Which air fryer should I use?

I have and use a Ninja Foodi 8qt but any model of air fryer with a basket will work for this recipe.

Just be sure to cook until the cubes are fork tender and appear crispy around the edges.

Can I make any substitutions?

Yes, absolutely. Feel free to make your own seasoning mix to suit your palette.

If you want spicy, add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

For the sweet version, you may add a tablespoon of brown sugar or coconut sugar for even sweeter air fryer butternut squash.

Expert Tips

• Cut your squash as uniform as possible for even cooking. If you leave some pieces too big, you’ll end up with some harder pieces. They don’t need to be perfect, but try and cut them as similarly sized as you can.
• For faster cooking, cut your pieces even smaller than the half inch I’ve recommended.
• Air fryers vary in strength, so start checking around the 15 minute mark. The squash is done when fork tender and the edges are brown and crispy.
• To save time, you may purchase pre-cubed butternut squash at your supermarket, but you’ll still want to cut them down into smaller cubes.

More air fried recipes

• Healthy Air Fried Eggplant
• Air Fried Broccoli
• Air Fried Spaghetti Squash
• Air Fried Hash Browns From Scratch
• Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

📖 Recipe