Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air Fryer Butternut Squash – easy healthy recipe – roasted butternut squash  with just 4 simple ingredients – air fries way faster than oven roasting!

This Air Fryer Butternut Squash is quick, easy and a great side dish – it’s also one of my favorite recipes all fall the winter long.

It’s not only delicious and family friendly, but goes with almost anything.

Lightly crisp, caramelized outside, fork-tender inside and it whips up quickly with just olive oil, salt and pepper.

It’s squash season – let’s go!

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

• The squash pieces air fry in way less time than oven roasting.
• Fresh butternut squash is available at any grocery store and many farm markets.
• Air frying takes less oil than oven roasting.
• Air frying is faster than oven-roasting, won’t heat up the kitchen and you get the same caramelization and flavor.
• This is an easy air fryer recipe and the perfect side dish with almost anything.
• It’s a good weeknight recipe and ideal for the holiday season too.

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED TO MAKE AIR FRYER BUTTERNUT SQUASH?

1. whole butternut squash
2. olive oil
3. salt and pepper
4. optional garnish: fresh parsley

HOW TO ROAST BUTTERNUT SQUASH IN THE AIR FRYER:

Preheat the air fryer to 400° then cut the whole squash in half length-wise.

Scoop out the seeds and pulp using a teaspoon.

Peel the squash skin using a vegetable peeler or paring knife.

Cut the squash into 1-inch cubes then add them to a large bowl.

Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and toss until the squash cubes are evenly coated.

Transfer the squash pieces to the air fryer basket in a mostly single layer then air fry  10-12 minutes or until golden, lightly crisp outside and fork tender (give the basket a good shake halfway through the cooking time).

Note: total cook times may vary with the size of your air fryer and the cubed squash.

When the squash is done, add a light sprinkle of salt and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley then eat it right away.

SALMON SALAD WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH:

I posted a photo of this salad on Facebook and people went crazy for it!

Here’s what you’ll need to make the salad:

• 4-6 ounce Salmon filet – cooked and skin removed
• Arugula (or mixed greens)
• Salt and black pepper
• Whole lemon
• Garlic powder
• Fresh dill
• Goat cheese
• Air Fryer (roasted) butternut squash

Season the salmon lightly with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Bake, cook on the stovetop in a skillet, grill or air fry it.

Fresh Dill Vinaigrette:

To make the vinaigrette, whisk the juice and zest from half of one lemon (or to taste), salt and pepper to taste, a sprinkle of garlic powder, about a tablespoon of fresh dill chopped and 4 tablespoons of olive oil.

Assembling the Salad:

Add a bed of arugula to a plate or shallow bowl then crumble as much goat cheese as you like over it the top. Add the roasted butternut squash and large chunks of salmon. The heat from the squash and salmon warms the goat cheese and makes it deliciously creamy.

Drizzle as much of the dressing over the top as you like then dig in.

WHAT MAIN DISHES GO BEST WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH?

Roasted butternut squash is an easy side dish that goes so well with many main dishes. Below are a few suggestions:

20 Minute Honey Balsamic Pork Tenderloin – 20 minute juicy pork tenderloin with an incredibly good honey-balsamic glaze. Cooks all in one skillet.

Honey Teriyaki Salmon – easy one pan salmon recipe with a delicious honey-teriyaki glaze in under 20 minutes.

Cheesy Baked Chicken with Mushrooms – breaded bites of chicken breast blanketed in sautéed mushrooms, gooey melted cheese and a simple white wine sauce.

SUGGESTIONS TO VARY THIS RECIPE:

If you find you’d like to change the recipe up a bit, choose one of the suggestions below:

• For a sweet flavor, toss the squash in melted butter and brown sugar or maple syrup.
• Squeeze a little lemon juice over the top of the finished squash.
• Add some heat with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
• Sprinkle on a little garlic powder or even ground cinnamon for more fall flavor.
• Grate parmesan cheese over the top after air frying.

HOW TO SAFELY STORE LEFTOVER BUTTERNUT SQUASH:

Any leftover butternut squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

TRY A FEW MORE OF MY FAVORITE AIR FRYER RECIPES:

Parmesan Crusted Chicken 

Barbecue Spare Ribs

Air Fryer Chick fil-A Chicken Sandwich

“Fried” Oreos

Enjoy!

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and TAG ME with a photo of yours on social media! @agoudalife or #agoudalife