My air fryer butternut squash is loaded with a sweet caramelized flavor. I make it with honey and cinnamon and my family loves it so much they say it tastes like candy!
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My Favorite Way to Make Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer
Every time I make air fryer butternut squash, the smell alone brings my whole family to the kitchen before it’s even done. The cinnamon and honey wafting through my house is extra wonderful in the fall or around the holidays!
I remember the first time I made butternut squash in the air fryer. I wanted something a bit sweeter, so I chose honey and cinnamon to play with the fall vibes of the dish.
My first thought when I took my first bite was, “Oh my gosh, this tastes like candy!” My husband Ben said the same exact thing. He’s not a fan of squash, but this is one he will always eat.
I loved it so much that I carried my air fryer to my parent’s house for that Thanksgiving and made it fresh right out of the air fryer for them to enjoy. They loved it just as much as I did!
I mean, it’s not often that one can say a healthy vegetable with just a little honey and spices tastes like candy. So I get it!
And, if you love a good air fryer vegetable recipe, try my recipes for air fryer acorn squash, air fryer spaghetti squash, air fryer carrots, air fryer asparagus, and air fryer french fries.
Air fried Butternut Squash Ingredients
- Butternut squash – Honeynut squash or even sweet potatoes will work in this recipe too
- Oil – I use olive oil, but vegetable oil, canola oil, or butter will work
- Honey
- Cinnamon
- Salt – I use sea salt, but kosher and table salt will work
How to Cook Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Peel the butternut squash with a vegetable peeler, remove the seeds and pulp, then cut the squash into 1-inch cubes. I love using a Y-peeler.
STEP TWO: Place the squash in a large bowl and add the olive oil, honey, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Toss it until the squash is well coated.
STEP THREE: Place the butternut squash in the air fryer basket or tray and cook for 14 to 16 minutes. Turn the squash halfway through for even cooking. It’s done when the squash is tender when poked with a fork.
STEP FOUR: Remove it from the air fryer and drizzle more honey on top, if desired, then enjoy!
Tips For the Best Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Cut the butternut squash into even cubes. I find doing this allows them all to air fry at the same rate.
- Use a sharp knife when cutting the squash. A dull knife is more likely to slip and cause harm. I recommend this chef’s knife.
- Spread out the squash cubes in a single layer so the air can circulate properly. I say this the key to getting those amazing crispy edges!
- Cook the squash cubes until tender. I like to call it “fork tender” because I use a fork to poke them. They’re done when it’s still a little firm, but the fork can get all the way through.
- Drizzle the roasted squash with extra honey. This gives it an extra bit of sweet flavor!
- Buy pre-cut butternut squash from the store to save some time on prep.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Air fry Butternut Squash Substitutions and Variations
- Sprinkle a dash of nutmeg or allspice to add a warm spice flavor. This is my favorite variation around the holidays!
- Use maple syrup in place of honey to create a maple glaze. I do this depending on which I have at home and both are deliciously sweet!
- Use a different oil or even butter. I find canola oil and even butter works well.
- Swap out regular sea salt for smoked sea salt and pepper to add a unique twist.
- Omit the honey and cinnamon and add thyme, rosemary, or paprika before air frying for a more savory flavor.
What to Serve with Air Fried Butternut Squash
I love serving this sweet air fryer squash with a big, hearty main dish like air fryer flank steak or air fryer short ribs along with either air fryer garlic bread or biscuits.
Air fryer turkey legs or air fryer chicken leg quarters are also delicious paired with them and I have even served it over rice for a simple, cozy comfort food.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash FAQs
Can I Cook Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer?
Of course! My recipe uses cubed raw butternut squash. Just air fry them in a single layer to make sure they all cook evenly and get that nice caramelization on them. I’ve made this recipe using both a basket air fryer and an air fryer oven.
How Long to Air Fry Butternut Squash
My air fryer butternut squash recipe cooks for 14 to 16 minutes at 400 degrees F in a preheated air fryer. It’s done cooking once the pieces are tender to pierce through with a fork.
Can I Cook Frozen Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer?
I’ve used frozen cubed squash for this recipe, and it turned out delicious! I preheated the air fryer to 380 degrees F and cooked the frozen squash for 10-18 minutes, turning it every 5 minutes or so. I do prefer fresh butternut squash over frozen for the texture, though.
How to Reheat Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer
Using the air fryer is my favorite way to reheat this recipe! I preheat the air fryer to 330 degrees F and cook them for 3 to 5 minutes, drizzling more honey on top before serving.
Can I Use Pre-Cut Butternut Squash?
I love using pre-cut squash when I’m short on time! I recommend checking that the pieces are evenly-cubed and cutting any that are way bigger than the others for even cooking.
Do I Need To Peel Butternut Squash Before Air Frying It?
Butternut squash has a tough skin that doesn’t soften much when cooked, so I always peel the skin before cooking.
How Do I Pick Out a Good Butternut squash To Air Fry?
When choosing a butternut squash, I look for a small to medium-sized squash that feels heavy for its size and has a solid beige color without any deep cuts or bruises. I also like to let the squash sit in my pantry in the dark for a week or two to let it ripen more when I can.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air fryer turkey burgers
- Air fryer hot dogs
- Air fryer fried chicken
- Air fryer tilapia
- Air fryer steak bites
- Air fryer bacon
- Air fryer chicken tenders
- Air fryer hamburgers
- Air fryer meatloaf
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Easy Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon honey for drizzling on top (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Peel the butternut squash, removing the seeds and pulp. Cut it into evenly-sized 1-inch cubes.
- Place the cut butternut squash, olive oil, honey, ground cinnamon, and sea salt into a bowl and mix to combine.
- Place the butternut squash in the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 14-16 minutes until tender, turning the squash halfway through cooking.
- Remove it from the air fryer, drizzling more honey on top if desired, and serve!
Video
Notes
- Cut the butternut squash into even cubes for even cooking.
- Use a sharp knife when cutting the squash. A dull knife is more likely to slip and cause harm.
- Spread out the squash cubes in a single layer so the air can circulate properly. I say this the key to getting those amazing crispy edges!
- The squash is done cooking when it’s still a little firm, but the fork can get all the way through.
- Buy pre-cut butternut squash from the store to save some time on prep.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in an air fryer preheated at 330 degrees for 3 to 5 minutes until hot. Drizzle some more honey on top before serving again.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
I understand the pre-heat temperature is 400ºF — that’s a preset. However, you do not state the cooking temperature. Is that also 400ºF for 14-16 minutes? Seems high.
Yes, it cooks at the same temperature as it preheats (just like an oven).