This Air Fryer Acorn Squash recipe makes a delicious and easy squash. All you need are just a few ingredients, and this sweet and salty side dish will be ready in under 30 minutes.
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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WHY I LOVE THIS 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!
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
- Acorn Squash- 1 medium-sized acorn squash
- Unsalted Butter- if you are avoiding butter, you can also use olive oil
- Brown Sugar
- 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.
INSTRUCTIONS
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
EXPERT TIPS
Use a sharp knife to cut squash in half. You can also cut into quarters or slices, but the halves hold the butter and seasonings perfectly.
If making a 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.
STORING AND REHEATING
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.
Use leftover squash to make a soup or make it a puree and make muffins!
FAQ's
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.
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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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized acorn squash about 2 pounds
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ 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
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is a calculated guesstimate. Please note that this can change with different brands and modifications you may make to the recipe. For the most accurate information, use a nutritional calculator with the exact brands and measurements you're using with each recipe.
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