Making air fryer acorn squash is a delicious, quick, and easy way to enjoy this fall favorite. Forget the oven; your air fryer can deliver a perfectly cooked acorn squash that is tender, juicy, and flavorful in a fraction of the time.
Air frying is a fantastic way to cook a variety of fall vegetables. From air fried broccoli, sweet potatoes, air fryer red potatoes and carrots, to Brussels sprouts, your air fryer can handle them all. Make sure to try air fryer recipes featuring these seasonal favorite veggie including this delicious air fryer delicata squash!
Table of contents
Why you'll love this recipe
Save time with this quick and easy recipe! Air frying cuts down cooking time significantly, making it a convenient weeknight meal option.
Elevate your taste buds with natural sweetness! Adding maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness of the acorn squash, creating a delightful flavor profile.
Experience the perfect texture with air frying! Air frying ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
Indulge guilt-free with this healthy and nutritious dish! Acorn squash is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Pair it with anything! This versatile side dish pairs well with various main courses, from roasted chicken to grilled salmon.
Ingredients
Just a handful of simple ingredients to make this delicious fall vegetable side!
Acorn squash
Olive Oil - Just regular olive oil or avocado oil.
Kosher Salt - Pink Himalayan or regular salt works too.
Butter - I used salted, but unsalted is also good.
Maple Syrup - It elevates this dish to a delicious new level.
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. I also like to line my air fryer basket and tray with some air fryer parchment liners. They help make clean up easy!
Step 1
Cut through the acorn squash from the stem end to the tip. It will require some effort. I cut it right beside the stem so I don't have to cut through it. Scoop the seeds out and any innards.
Step 2
Brush or drizzle and spread a thin layer of olive oil on the surface of the squash, then season with some salt.
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Step 3
Beginning air frying with the cut side down. Air fry for approx. 10 minutes, then turn so the cut side is up. Add a pat of butter and some maple syrup to each half. Cook for another 5 - 10 minutes until it is fork tender. Total cooking time is normally 15 - 20 minutes.
The time may vary by a few minutes depending on the size of the squash and how accurate the temperature of your air fryer is.
How to Serve
There are two main options. Either give each person ½ of the acorn squash, and they can use their forks to scrape and dip into the butter and maple syrup sauce. OR
Scrape all the squash into a serving bowl, mixing the butter and maple syrup together. Before serving, add a pat of butter on top of the butter and just a small sprinkle of maple syrup. Folks can then serve themselves using a spoon.
How To Store
Any leftovers can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FAQs
The squash is done when it's tender and easily pierced with a fork. You can also check the internal temperature, which should reach 200°F.
Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves or herbs like thyme or rosemary.
If you don't have maple syrup, you can substitute honey or brown sugar.
I like using the microwave! Times will vary based on how much you are heating.
Other Air Fryer Sides
Easy Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- ¼ Teaspoon Kosher salt or any other course salt (or a little less if using fine salt).
- 1 Tablespoon butter either salted or unsalted
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F. (3 - 5 minutes).
- Cut through the acorn squash from the stem end to the tip. It will require some effort. I cut it right beside the stem so I don't have to cut through the stem. Scoop the seeds out and any innards.
- Brush or drizzle olive oil on the surface of the squash, then season with salt.
- Beginning air frying with the cut side down. Air fry for approx. 10 minutes, then turn so the cut side is up. Add a pat of butter and some maple syrup to each half. Cook for another 5 - 10 minutes until it is fork tender. Total cooking time is normally 15 - 20 minutes.The time may vary by a few minutes depending on the size of the squash and how accurate the temperature of your air fryer is.
- How to ServeThere are two main options. Either give each person ½ of the acorn squash and they can use their forks to scrape and dip into the butter and maple syrup sauce. ORScrape all the squash flesh, removing all of it from the skin and placing it into a serving bowl. Add the butter and maple syrup on the top. Folks can then serve themselves.
Notes
Nutrition (I am not a nutritionist. These are estimates only)
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