Description
This spiced Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe is an easy and delicious way to enjoy tender, golden squash cubes with warm cinnamon and nutmeg seasoning. Perfect as a cozy side dish for fall meals or a flavorful addition to salads, it's ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash (5 cups cubed)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or pure maple syrup)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Squash: Peel and dice the butternut squash into 1-inch chunks and place them in a large bowl. Add olive oil, brown sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the bowl, then toss everything well until the squash pieces are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Transfer the coated squash chunks to your air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, divide the squash into batches to avoid overcrowding. The pieces do not need to be in a single layer, but avoid filling the basket too full to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry the Squash: Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the squash for 30 minutes. Shake the basket every 10 minutes to promote even browning and cooking. Cook until the squash is fork-tender and golden brown without burning.
- Serve and Store: Serve the air-fried butternut squash immediately as a side dish or topping. Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat leftovers by popping them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness and warmth.
Notes
- Use pure maple syrup as a natural sweetener alternative to brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
- The squash can be cooked in batches if your air fryer basket is small to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Shaking the basket every 10 minutes helps to brown the squash evenly and prevents burning.
- Leftover squash can be reheated in the air fryer to regain crispness rather than microwaving, which can make it soggy.
- This dish pairs well with Thanksgiving dinners or fall salads for a seasonal touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 114 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 297 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
