Air Fryer Butternut Squash is the side dish that complements any entrée or the perfect addition to your favorite recipes from butternut squash soup to risotto.

This is one of the easiest ways to make this sweet winter squash.

cooked Air Fryer Butternut Squash on a white plate with seasoning

An Easier Way to Cook Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is hard to peel and cut when it’s raw so we skip that step in this recipe and cook it in halves. If your squash is too hard to cut in half, poke it with a fork and microwave it for 3-4 minutes first (I do the same with spaghetti squash if it’s too hard to cut).

  • Make sure your squash is small enough to fit into your air fryer, if not it can be cut into quarters.
  • Season with cinnamon and salt or even just salt & pepper.
  • Adding a touch of brown sugar will add sweetness and help with caramelization.

top view of Air Fryer Butternut Squash in the air fryer

How to Make Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer

  1. Cut butternut squash in half vertically and scoop out the seeds and pulp.
  2. Brush the cut halves with olive oil and sprinkle with cinnamon then salt and pepper (per the recipe below). Sprinkle brown sugar on top.
  3. Cook, cut side up in the Air Fryer until tender. Remove and slice into 1” thick pieces (they’ll look like half-moons) or scoop out and mash. Serve with a pat of butter.

Cubed Butternut Squash

If you purchase cubed butternut squash, it can be roasted in the air fryer as well. Toss with seasonings per the recipe below. Turn the air fryer on to 380°F. Cook 10 minutes, shake the basket, and cook an additional 5-7 minutes or until tender.

Air Fryer Butternut Squash in the air fryer after cooking

Ways to Enjoy This Recipe

Use this squash for any recipe that requires roasted butternut squash.

  • Serve it right out of the air fryer alongside baked pork chops.
  • Blend it with broth and add a splash of cream to make soup!
  • It’s perfect added to salads (especially our fave winter salad).
  • Toss it with cooked grains (like farro) for a great side or salad.

Savory Squash Dishes

Did you make this Air Fryer Butternut Squash? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below! 

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close up of Air Fryer Butternut Squash on a plate with a fork
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Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash

This butternut squash is perfectly seasoned with cinnamon & brown sugar, then air fried until tender!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4

Equipment

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Ingredients  

  • 1 small butternut squash (approx 1 ½ pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar optional

Instructions 

  • Cut butternut squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp.
  • Brush squash with olive oil, sprinkle with cinnamon and season with salt & pepper to taste. Sprinkle brown sugar on top.
  • Place in the air fryer, cut side up and cook at 350°F for 40-50 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
  • Slice or mash and top with butter if desired.

Notes

If your squash is too large to fit into your air fryer, cut it in quarters.
Cook time can vary based on the size of the squash. 
Change the seasonings as desired (and depending on how you will be using the squash). This squash can replace roasting for any recipe needing roasted squash.
 
4.81 from 21 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 127 | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 660mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 19931IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
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Air Fryer Butternut Squash with a title
Air Fryer Butternut Squash cooked in the air fryer with a title
cooked Air Fryer Butternut Squash in the air fryer and plated with a title

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Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. This recipe was delicious. My family grew a lot of butternut squash as I was growing up. I always enjoyed it, but found it to be too wet compared to buttercup squash. The air fryer cooks squash perfectly. I also love the hint of cinnamon flavor. I have never thought to try it that way.5 stars

    1. I agree, the air fryer does such a great job cooking butternut squash! I am glad you enjoyed it.

  2. I cooked 10 minutes in my airfryer, 1/2 was cut into quarters. It was very done! Please tell all to test while cooking1 star

    1. Hi Lisa, if you are reducing the size of your butternut squash it will definitely cook faster than the stated time which is for a full half. I recommend cooking until fork tender which will be a lot quicker the smaller your sizes of squash are. I hope this helps!

  3. My air fryer also has an air fry, bake, broil, and roast feature. Which would you use to cook squash in an air fryer!