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Air fryer acorn squash is a quick, delicious fall favorite, with it’s center caramelized from the butter and brown sugar. It’s perfect as a healthy side or even a main dish.

Golden brown cooked acorn squash on a white plate with a fork scooping insides.

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EASY AIR FRYER ACORN SQUASH RECIPE

I love this Roasted Acorn Squash recipe because it is such a simple side dish to make for dinner. It has a perfect balance of flavors when you are craving something sweet and salty. The butter mixed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, just enhances every bite perfectly.

If you are looking for more squash dishes, try Air Fryer Squash, Air Fryer Butternut Squash or Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash. All of these squash recipes make delicious vegetable side dishes!

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WHAT IS ACORN SQUASH?

Acorn squash is an acorn shaped squash that is part of the zucchini family. It has a very mild and buttery taste, similar to sweet potatoes, which makes it a delicious side dish for almost any meal. It can makes a perfect meal by itself, but can also be a sweet snack.

INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO MAKE ACORN SQUASH IN AIR FRYER

Acorn squash cut in half, butter brown sugar, cinnamon and salt on a wood cutting board
  • Acorn Squash- 1 medium-sized acorn squash
  • Unsalted Butter- if you are avoiding butter, you can also use olive oil
  • Brown Sugar- adds a gentle sweetness that complements the squash and melted butter
  • Cinnamon-you can also add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a more seasonal flavor
  • Kosher Salt- just a pinch of salt with the melted butter and brown sugar, give it the perfect sweet and salty flavor.

HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER ACORN SQUASH

STEP 1: Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray, or line basket with air fryer parchment paper.

STEP 2: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to mix together, then set aside. (If using pecans, add them to this mixture.)

Acorn squash cut in half with a spoon scooping out seeds on a wooden cutting board

STEP 3: Rinse the squash, and then pat dry. Then, use a sharp knife and cut the squash in half lengthwise and use a sturdy spoon to remove the seeds.

Acorn squash cut in half and filled with butter and brown sugar mixture

STEP 4: Once seeds are removed, spread or brush the butter over the top of each slice of squash, and then place leftover butter slice in the center of the acorn. Top with the brown sugar mixture.

Golden brown cooked acorn squash in the air fryer basket.

STEP 5: Air Fry acorn squash at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and fork tender. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

I make this recipe using my Cosori Air Fryer. Depending on the type of air fryer you have, cooking time may need to be adjusted by 2-5 min.

ACORN SQUASH VARIATIONS

  • Change Shape of Cut: Instead of serving squash halves, cut into slices or bite size pieces.
  • Savory Version: Add savory seasonings instead of brown sugar. Red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even just kosher salt and black pepper for a little extra kick of flavor.
  • Nuts and Honey: Drizzle with a touch of honey or maple syrup, like Log Cabins Syrup, and chopped pecans
  • Dessert: Turn this vegetable into dessert with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Looking for a hardcover book of recipes? Check out the retailers where you can order our Air Frying Cookbook, Air Fryer All Day! 

Golden brown and juicy acorn squash with brown sugar glaze melted on top

TIPS FOR MAKING ACORN SQUASH

  • Use a sharp knife to cut squash in half: You can also make acorn squash slices, but the halves hold the butter and seasonings perfectly.
  • Serving for one: Use a small acorn squash and half the recipe ingredients.

Are you new to air fryers? If you are, we have a great article about What is an Air Fryer. It talks about what you can make, how to use it, and more.

Looking for the BEST accessories to use with your air fryer? We’ve put together this list of our favorite Air Fryer Accessories.

Golden cooked acorn squash on a white plate with a fork bite in the center of the squash.

FAQ’s

How do I store leftovers?

If you have leftovers, you can store the rest in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat squash, return to the air fryer basket and heat at 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes until warm.

Is Acorn Squash Healthy?

Not only is it tasty, acorn squash has several healthy benefits. It is low in calories, but full of antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, making this a healthy side dish for your favorite recipes.  Check out the other nutritional information at the bottom of this recipe protein and fiber estimates.

Can you eat the skin of acorn squash?

Yes, you can! Once roasted, the squash skins actually softens and can easily be eaten. Because it becomes soft after cooking, you can easily peel it away from the insides, or just use a spoon and eat the insides of the squash around the peel.

MORE AIR FRYER SIDE DISH RECIPES

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Golden brown acorn squash being scooped with a fork on a white plate
5 from 1 vote
Servings: 4

Air Fryer Acorn Squash

By Becky
Air fryer acorn squash is a quick, delicious fall favorite, with it's center caramelized from the butter and brown sugar. It’s perfect as a healthy side or even a main dish.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
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Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 1 medium-sized acorn squash, about 2 pounds
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional: Drizzle with a touch of honey or maple syrup and chopped pecans

Instructions 

  • To prepare the food basket, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray, or line basket with air fryer parchment paper. 
  • In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to mix together, then set aside. (If using pecans, add them to this mixture.)
  • Rinse and pat dry the squash. Then, use a sharp knife and cut the squash in half lengthwise and use a sturdy spoon to remove the seeds.
  • Once seeds are removed, spread the butter over the top of each slice of squash, and then place leftover butter slice in the center of the acorn. Top with the brown sugar mixture.
  • Place the acorn halves in air fryer basket. Air Fry at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until fork tender. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Depending on your air fryer basket size, you may only be able to cook one squash piece at a time. I try to get small acorn squash to medium size squash for this air-fryer acorn squash recipe.
You should be able to fit both slices inside the basket. I love acorn squash because it has a sweeter taste than other varieties. The size and color don’t really matter – but if you can lean towards the smaller size, it will help them cook evenly when air fried.
Feel free to add more spices if you want to make a delicious side dish with a bolder flavor.
If necessary, you can cut a small strip off the bottom of each slice so they don’t rotate or tip over while cooking. 

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 151mg, Potassium: 385mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 571IU, Vitamin C: 12mg, Calcium: 45mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Becky Abbott

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