Air Fryer Kabocha Squash
This easy method for Roasted Air Fryer Kabocha Squash (Japanese Pumpkin) is a great way to use a seasonal squash. It tastes like a cross between a butternut squash and a sweet potato and can be used in soup, chilis or eaten as a healthy side dish with lunch or dinner. Great for kids and also those following Whole30 or vegan diets.
Japanese kabocha is my favorite winter squash! Back in culinary school, for our final project we made a vegan ice cream out of it that tasted delicious! Since then, I enjoy them often. They taste like a cross between a sweet potato and butternut squash.
The air fryer is hands down the best way to make kabocha squash! It uses dry circulating heat to not only cook the squash quickly, but it also allows each piece to get browned on the outside and tender on the inside. The kabocha squash air fryer method is the best, but if you don’t have an air fryer, you can also cook kabocha squash in the Instant Pot or bake it in the oven!
🥘Ingredients For Roasted Kabocha Squash
- Kabocha Squash: You can usually find these in the Fall and Winter in your local grocery store. It is dark green, smooth, round and has a short stem.
- Avocado Oil: This is used to coat the squash to make it roast up in the oven evenly. Avocado oil is great because it can withstand high oven temperatures.
- Salt & Pepper: This flavors the squash perfectly, but see below for some other flavor variations.
📖How To Cook Kabocha Squash In Air Fryer
1️⃣ Preheat the air fryer: Turn the air fryer to 375F for 3-5 minutes.
2️⃣ Prepare the Kabocha squash: To cut a kabocha squash, first stabilize it on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, slice off the stem end to create a flat base. Then, standing the squash on its now-flat base, carefully cut it in half from top to bottom, using a gentle rocking motion with the knife if necessary. Cut into halves, then in slices or cubes. You can leave the skin on or off.
3️⃣ Season the squash: Toss slices in a large bowl with oil, salt, pepper or seasonings of your choice.
4️⃣ Air fry kabocha squash: Place in one single layer in the Ninja Foodi or air fryer basket. Air fry for 18-20 minutes flipping halfway until tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
🔀Ways To Enjoy Kabocha Squash
- Drizzle freshly air fried kabocha squash with a mixture of honey and chili flakes for a spicy-sweet kick.
- Toss kabocha slices in a blend of miso paste and minced garlic before air frying for an umami-rich flavor profile.
- Serve kabocha air fryer as a savory side dish, topped with crumbled feta cheese and fresh mint.
- Brush kabocha slices with a mix of olive oil, rosemary, and sea salt before air frying for a touch of herb flavor.
- Top air fry kabocha with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup for a warm, autumn-inspired treat.
- Pair with a tangy yogurt dipping sauce infused with lemon zest and dill.
- For a smoky flavor, lightly sprinkle kabocha with smoked paprika prior to air frying.
- Garnish air-fried kabocha with toasted sesame seeds and a splash of soy sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Mix roasted kabocha cubes into a salad with arugula, roasted pecans, and goat cheese, then drizzle with a balsamic reduction.
- Toss kabocha slices in a blend of curry powder and coconut oil before air frying for a kabocha curry.
🫕Alternate Cooking Methods
- Oven roasted kabocha squash: Toss kabocha squash with oil and seasonings. Place it on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400F for 18-20 minutes flipping halfway.
- Instant pot kabocha squash: To cook your entire kabocha squash whole in the instant pot, make sure it fits first! Then wash off the skin, remove the stem and pierce holes in it with a knife to allow steam to escape. Place it on top of the steamer basket and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes.
- Oven roasted whole kabocha squash: You can also roast a whole Kabocha squash in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, wash and pierce the squash with a knife to allow steam to escape. Roast on a sturdy sheet pan for 1 hour or until squash cuts easily with a knife.
👩🏻🍳Chef’s Tips & FAQ
Can you eat kabocha squash skin?
Yes! Most people prefer to take it off, but it softens as it cooks making it perfectly fine to consume.
Can you eat kabocha squash seeds?
Yes, similar to other pumpkin seeds, they can be roasted and seasoned for consumption.
Are kabocha and buttercup squash the same?
Buttercup squash is a slightly different squash breed although they look similar. The texture of a buttercup squash is a bit more watery while the Kabocha squash has a more dense texture and flavor.
🍠More Healthy Vegetable Recipes
Air Fryer Kabocha Squash
Equipment
- air fryer or Ninja Foodi
Ingredients
- 1 Kabocha Squash 3-4 lbs
- 2 tbsp Avocado Oil
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Preheat the air fryer: Turn the air fryer to 375F for 3-5 minutes.
- 2️⃣ Prepare the Kabocha squash: To cut a kabocha squash, first stabilize it on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, slice off the stem end to create a flat base. Then, standing the squash on its now-flat base, carefully cut it in half from top to bottom, using a gentle rocking motion with the knife if necessary. Cut into slices or cubes. You can leave the skin on or off.
- 3️⃣ Season the squash: Toss slices in a large bowl with oil, salt, pepper or seasonings of your choice.
- 4️⃣ Air fry kabocha squash: Place in one single layer in the Ninja Foodi or air fryer basket. Air fry for 18-20 minutes flipping halfway until tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
