Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Air Fryer Acorn Squash is the perfect seasonal side dish during the fall. Savory seasoned acorn squash slices are roasted to perfection in an air fryer. This healthy recipe is quick, easy and perfect for busy weeknights.
During the fall months, there are SO many different types of squash readily available. Believe it or not, autumn squash options are not limited to just butternut squash and the social media sensation of 2018, the delicata squash. There is a less popular type of squash that deserves the same attention –the acorn squash.
I love air frying squash because it takes so much less time to get cooked and crispy. My favorite air fryer is still the Ninja Foodi, which I use at least 3-5 times per week as it is a pressure cooker and air fryer all in one!
For this recipe, the air fryer does most of the work for you -taking slices of seasoned acorn squash and “air frying” them perfectly.
Flavorful roasted acorn squash in just a few minutes. This dish is super simple to make and in my opinion, the best way to cook acorn squash.
💭 What is an Acorn Squash?
Acorn squash, also called pepper squash or Des Moines squash, is a winter squash with distinctive longitudinal ridges on its exterior and sweet, yellow-orange flesh inside. Although considered a winter squash, acorn squash belongs to the same species as all summer squashes. –Wikipedia
💗 Why You’ll Love this Recipe
It’s quick! Air frying acorn squash takes half the time it takes to roast in the oven.
Not to mention, cooking in an air fryer helps achieve the perfect texture -crisped roasted skins and a fork-tender inside.
This recipe is also super healthy. It’s comprised of just a few totally clean ingredients.
& it gives you and your family the opportunity to try a delicious seasonal vegetable.
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need
- Acorn Squash – are rich in nutrients and antioxidants and a great addition to any healthy diet.
- Avocado Oil – has a high smoking point making it great for cooking foods in an air fryer at high heat.
- Poultry Seasoning – is a blend of dried savory herbs. It adds great flavor to this recipe.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste) – enhances flavor.
📖 How To Air Fry Acorn Squash
1️⃣ Prep. Cut acorn squash down the middle length-wise. Scrape out the seeds with a spoon and discard. Then, cut the acorn squash into 1″ thick slices. As you get down to the smaller pieces, they may not be the same size. This is ok!
2️⃣ Mix. In a large bowl, toss together acorn squash slices, avocado oil, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Cook. Grease the bottom of your air fryer basket and add acorn slices without overcrowding. Air fry at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Serve hot. Enjoy!
👩🏻🍳 Chef’s Tips
Be sure to use a strong, sharp knife to cut through acorn squash. Those skins are tough, so be careful!
Feel free to switch up the seasonings. I used poultry seasoning because I think it is a game changing spice. However, you could season acorn squash with Italian seasonings, Greek seasonings, curry powder, etc.
You could even make acorn squash into a sweet side dish by using brown sugar, cinnamon and clove for flavor.
For the best texture, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. My ninja foodie holds one sliced acorn squash without overcrowding. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket you may need to work in batches.
🔁 Storing & Freezing
To store, cooked and cooled acorn squash should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator and used within 3 to 5 days.
To freeze, place cooked and cooled squash in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and store in freezer for 10 to 12 months.
❔ FAQ
Delicata squash can be air fried in the same way. If you make your slices thinner than 1″ be sure to adjust cooking time and check on it after 10 minutes.
The texture of the flesh is the main difference. Acorn squash are slightly dryer than delicata squash but equally as buttery, sweet and delicious.
The flavor of acorn squash is subtle in sweetness compared to butternut squash, but it is still starchy enough to hold up in recipes.
Acorn squash has 15 carbohydrates per one cup cubed which makes it one of the lower carb squash you can eat.
Acorn squash skin can be eaten if the squash is cooked long enough and the skin becomes pliable. Using an air fryer to cook acorn squash will cook it enough so that the skin is soft enough to enjoy.
More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
Air Fryer Broccoli
Air Fryer Maple Cinnamon Butternut Squash
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Mushrooms
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 1 Acorn Squash
- 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil
- 1 tsp Poultry Seasoning
- Salt & Pepper to Taste
Instructions
- Cut one acorn squash down the middle length wise. Scrape out the seeds with a spoon and discard them.
- Slice the acorn squash into 1" thick slices. As you get down to the smaller pieces, they may not be the same size, this is ok!
- In a bowl, toss together acorn squash slices, avocado oil, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Grease the bottom of your air fryer basket and add acorn slices in. Do not overcrowd your air fryer basket. The basket I use with the ninja foodi holds one sliced acorn squash without over crowding.
- Air fry at 375 for 15 minutes and serve hot.
