🍠 Butternut squash in the Air Fryer (20 min): easy & quick recipe – Neary

The air fryer is the best way to achieve a golden, crispy-on-the-outside, tender roasted butternut squash 🤩! Thanks to the hot air circulation, you get even cooking without needing to add much oil. It's also much faster than a traditional oven, perfect when you want a delicious meal right away 🕒. Plus, the butternut squash retains all its autumnal flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, ideal for accompanying all your dishes or for an irresistible veggie base!

Start by washing the butternut squash thoroughly 🍂. You can peel it with a vegetable peeler or leave the skin on if it's thin (it becomes tender when cooked 🌱). Cut it in half, remove the seeds with a spoon, then cut it into even cubes of two to three centimeters for even cooking 👍. The smaller the pieces, the more golden and faster the squash will cook!

• Tip: To make cutting easier, pierce the squash and microwave it for 2 minutes before cutting it 🔥!

Butternut squash loves autumn spices! In a salad bowl, mix your cubes with:

• A drizzle of olive oil or hazelnut oil 🥄
• Salt, pepper, a little smoked paprika or cumin
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary or sage)
• Optional: a touch of maple syrup for a sweet note 🍁

Stir well to coat each piece. You can also vary it with spicy blends or add minced garlic for even more deliciousness 👨‍🍳.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (if your model has this option) 🔥
2. Place the seasoned cubes in the basket, without overlapping them (so they brown evenly).
3. Start cooking for 18 to 22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for a perfect toast.
4. Check for tenderness with the tip of a knife: if the squash is soft and golden brown, it's ready! 😋

With a Ninja Foodi Max air fryer , you can cook a large quantity all at once, perfect for batch cooking!

• As a side dish with roast poultry or grilled tofu 🥗
• In a veggie bowl with chickpeas, quinoa and tahini sauce
• Served warm in a salad with feta, walnuts and arugula
• As a topping for toast or in a quick gratin
• Looking for more inspiration? Check out this recipe for stuffed butternut squash cooked in an air fryer !

Butternut squash also pairs perfectly with other vegetables cooked at the same time in the air fryer: sweet potato, carrot, parsnip… To learn more, consult our Air Fryer guide !

• Should you peel butternut squash?
  You can keep the skin on if it's thin; it becomes tender when cooked and full of fiber! Otherwise, peel it for a very melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• How can I prevent the squash from drying out?
  Add a drizzle of oil and don't overcook. You can also add onion wedges or a pinch of water to the bottom of the basket to keep it moist.
• Can I cook the squash in advance?
  Yes! Squash cooked in an air fryer will keep for 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat for a few minutes in the appliance to restore its crispness.
• Want to try other vegetables?
  Discover all our Air Fryer recipes to keep things interesting!