Maple Cinnamon Air Fryer Butternut Squash
This maple cinnamon Air Fryer Butternut Squash with maple syrup is a great side dish for the holidays or to serve alongside a weeknight meal. Gluten free, dairy free, paleo and vegan and works well with the Ninja Foodi!
Are you on the lookout for a side dish that pairs perfectly with the autumn vibes? This air fryer butternut squash maple syrup recipe checks all the boxes for a delightful and nutritious treat. Not only does it bring together the hearty goodness of butternut squash, but it also melds it beautifully with the sweet touch of maple and the warmth of cinnamon.
By using the magic of the air fryer, this dish captures a light crispiness on the outside and a tender softness on the inside. Whether you’re using the Ninja Foodi or any other air fryer brand, this maple butternut squash air fryer recipe is sure to impress.
With the simple addition of cinnamon, this air fryer butternut squash with cinnamon recipe promises a flavor experience that’s both familiar and refreshingly new.
💭 Why Make Butternut Squash In The Air Fryer?
- It cooks quick! An air fryer uses dry circulating heat to cook food which makes it quicker than cooking in the oven.
- Seasonal eating. Eating butternut squash is a great way to eat seasonal produce as squash is harvested in the colder months.
- Easy Holiday Side Dish: everyone will enjoy this slightly sweet side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- This dish is dairy free, gluten free, paleo and vegan!
🧂Ingredients
- Butternut Squash – Peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch dice
- Sea Salt: Brings out the natural sweetness of butternut squash and enhances the flavor of cinnamon and maple
- Maple Sugar or Maple Syrup: to get a light maple flavor, you can use maple syrup or maple sugar in this recipe.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warming aromatic flavor that complements the natural sweetness of butternut squash.
💭 Can You Roast A Whole Butternut Squash In The Air Fryer?
Yes, but only if it is cut up! Most air fryers would not fit a whole butternut squash even if it is cut in half. The best bet to roast a whole butternut squash is to use your oven, but this is the best method to make air fryer butternut squash cubes.
📖 How To Make Air Fryer Maple Butternut Squash
1️⃣ Season the squash: In a large bowl, toss diced butternut squash with avocado oil, cinnamon, sea salt and maple sugar or maple syrup until fully combined.
2️⃣ Arrange in air fryer: Add to air fryer basket in an even layer.
3️⃣ Air fry butternut squash cubes: Cook at 400 degrees for 20 minutes flipping halfway through. Serve hot.
👩🏻🍳 Chef’s Tips
- Even Butternut Squash Cubes Matter: When cutting the butternut squash, ensure all pieces are uniformly sized to half an inch cubes; this ensures even cooking and perfect crispiness in the air fryer.
- Freshness Counts: Opt for a fresh butternut squash with a hard, unblemished skin, as this tends to yield the sweetest and most flavorful results.
- Oil Distribution: When tossing the butternut squash with avocado oil, ensure each piece is well-coated. This helps in achieving that perfect golden-brown finish in the air fryer.
- Opt for Pure Maple: When choosing between maple sugar and maple syrup, always go for 100% pure maple syrup for an authentic and rich flavor.
- Cinnamon Choices: For an even more aromatic touch, consider using freshly ground cinnamon instead of pre-ground; the difference in flavor can be quite noticeable.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When placing the butternut squash in the air fryer, avoid stacking them. An even single layer ensures optimal air circulation and even cooking.
- Temperature Check: Air fryers can vary in terms of heat distribution. Keep an eye on your squash, and if they’re browning too quickly, consider reducing the temperature by 25 degrees.
- Serving Suggestions: For an added flair, consider garnishing your air fryer butternut squash with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra maple syrup before serving.
🔥More Air Fryer Squash Recipes
- Air Fryer Kabocha Squash
- Air Fryer Acorn Squash
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
- Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Maple Cinnamon Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Equipment
- air fryer or Ninja Foodi
Ingredients
- 1 Butternut Squash large (2lbs)
- 2 tbsp Avocado Oil
- 2 tbsp Maple Sugar or Maple syrup
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
Instructions
- Peel, seed and cut one large butternut squash into half inch cubes making sure every piece is close in size. One large butternut squash yields about 4-5 cups.
- Add butternut squash to a large bowl and toss with avocado oil, cinnamon, maple sugar or maple syrup and sea salt.
- Add to air fryer basket in an even layer and cook at 400 degrees for 20 minutes flipping halfway through.
- Remove from air fryer basket and serve hot.
So easy to make. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
Right?! This recipe is the best! Thank you! -Krista (Team Thyme & JOY)