When it comes to easy, healthy side dishes that deliver big on flavour and texture, air fryer butternut squash ticks all the boxes. It’s naturally sweet, perfectly golden, and just the right amount of crispy around the edges, all without turning on the oven. Whether you’re planning a quick midweek meal, prepping veggies for the week ahead, or adding a little something extra to your Sunday roast, this recipe is about to become your go-to.
The air fryer transforms simple cubes of butternut squash into caramelised, tender bites with minimal oil and maximum flavour. A handful of spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder and a touch of cinnamon adds warmth and savoury depth, turning humble squash into something totally irresistible. Best of all, it takes less than 20 minutes to cook, with hardly any washing up.
Butternut squash is not only delicious, it’s also packed with goodness. It’s rich in fibre, vitamin A, and antioxidants, making it a great choice for balanced meals. This recipe is totally flexible too: you can keep the seasoning simple or spice it up with a little chilli or curry powder. Toss it into grain bowls, pair it with grilled meats, or serve it as a colourful side dish at your next dinner party.
If you’ve struggled with roasting squash in the past, the air-fryer is a game changer. It gives you crisp edges and a soft centre every time, with none of the faff of oven-roasting.
So if you’re looking to get more veggies onto your plate, give this air fryer butternut squash a try. It’s a brilliant balance of comfort and nutrition, and once you try it, you’ll be making it again.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 15-18 minutes
SERVES 2-3 people as a side
KIT you will need an air-fryer and mixing bowl
Ingredients for Air Fryer Butternut Squash
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1–2 tbsp of olive oil
A teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional for a sweet touch)
1 tsp of garlic powder
1/2 tsp of smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Method
So start by preheating your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for about 3 minutes. This ensures the basket is hot and ready, which helps the squash start crisping up right away.
Next, prepare your butternut squash. Carefully peel it with a vegetable peeler, then slice it in half lengthways and scoop out the seeds. Cut the squash into even-sized cubes, roughly 1 inch thick. A uniform size is key to making sure everything cooks at the same rate and gives you that perfect tender-but-crisp result.
Then transfer the cubes to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle over your seasoning mix – cinnamon for a hint of warmth, garlic powder and smoked paprika for savoury depth, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything well so each cube is evenly coated.
So arrange the squash in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure there’s enough space between the pieces for air to circulate. If you are cooking a large batch, it is best to work in batches rather than overcrowd the basket, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
Air fry for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. Keep an eye on the last few minutes. You are looking for edges that are golden and slightly crisp, while the centres remain soft and sweet.
Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavour and colour. Serve warm as a versatile side dish, or add to grain bowls, salads, or even pasta for a pop of natural sweetness and texture.
Enjoy immediately, or store any leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer to keep them crispy!
Tips for Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Air frying butternut squash is quick, healthy, and super satisfying, but a few simple tweaks can take it from good to irresistible. These tips will help you get the most flavour and crunch every time.
1. Serve Creatively
Beyond being a brilliant side dish, air-fried butternut squash works beautifully tossed into salads, added to grain bowls, or even blended into soups for extra richness. Leftovers keep well too, just reheat in the air fryer to revive the crisp edges.
2. Cut Evenly for Even Cooking
Uniform cubes are key to getting that perfect balance of crispy edges and tender centres. Aim for 1-inch cubes to ensure everything cooks at the same rate. If your pieces vary in size, some may end up undercooked or too soft while others get overly browned.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
To get that signature air fryer crisp, the hot air needs to circulate freely around the squash. Spread the cubes in a single layer and leave a little space between each one. If needed, cook in batches. It’s worth the extra time for better texture.
4. Use Just Enough Oil
You only need a small drizzle of olive oil to help the spices stick and create that golden crust. Too much oil can make the squash soggy rather than crisp. A light toss is all it takes.
5. Add Flavour Before and After Cooking
Season generously before cooking with your spice blend of choice. For extra oomph, add a final sprinkle of sea salt, a squeeze of lemon, or some fresh herbs like thyme, coriander, or parsley after it comes out of the air fryer.
6. Shake Halfway Through
Shaking the basket partway through cooking ensures even browning and prevents sticking. It’s a quick step that makes a big difference to the final texture.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed making this crispy, golden air fryer butternut squash, there’s plenty more inspiration waiting for you on the blog! These recipes pair beautifully with roasted veg, offer equally speedy prep, or make use of similar ingredients and flavours.
Air Fryer Halloumi
Golden on the outside, gooey in the centre. Air fryer halloumi is the perfect protein-packed companion to roasted butternut squash. Serve both on a salad or grain bowl for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Air Fryer Roast Chicken
Pair your roasted squash with juicy, herb-infused air fryer roast chicken. It’s ideal for a balanced dinner that feels like a Sunday roast but is ready in a fraction of the time.
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Craving a crispy side? These golden air fryer onion rings bring the crunch, perfect served alongside roasted veg or stacked into a burger. No deep frying, just big flavour!
Air Fryer Mushrooms
Packed with savoury umami flavour, garlic mushrooms are a fuss-free side that complements the sweetness of butternut squash beautifully. Add them both to a veggie sandwich or serve with a poached egg for brunch.
Air Fryer Salmon Fillets
For a lighter main, pair your squash with flaky air-fried salmon. It’s a quick, high-protein option that rounds out the meal with freshness and flavour.
Whether you’re planning your weekly meals or hosting friends, these easy air fryer recipes will help you build balanced, flavour-packed plates with minimal fuss.
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