We love how easy it is to make acorn squash in the air fryer. It's a simple side you can make in less than 20 minutes.
The slices cook until tender with caramelized edges, and the touch of maple syrup and cinnamon brings out their natural sweetness.
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I am a big fan of everything squash! From creamy pumpkin soups to snacks, if it is a squash, you can count me in! I am such a fan, that I make a point to attend the biggest pumpkin festival in the world each year.
Here is a picture of me in this year's exhibition where I but the squash used in this recipe, plus so many other cool stuff!
If you enjoy easy vegetable sides, you might also like my air fryer roasted carrots or air fryer asparagus. Both are quick to make and pair well with these squash slices.
ingredients
- one medium acorn squash.
- melted butter - use olive oil or vegan butter if preferred.
- maple syrup - feel free to substitute this with brown sugar or honey.
- cinnamon.
- salt and pepper.
how to make air fryer acorn slices
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
- Cut and prep: Rinse acorn squash, cut in half, scoop out seeds, and slice into 1.5 cm (½ inch) pieces.
- Coat: Place slices in a bowl. Add melted butter (or olive oil), maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Air fry: Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized.
- Serve: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Brush with extra butter or maple syrup if you like, and serve warm.
cutting acorn squash
Cutting acorn squash can feel tricky, but it gets easier with practice. Rinse the squash under cold water and pat it dry. Trim a thin slice from both ends so the squash sits flat on the board.
Using a sharp chef's knife, cut it in half from stem to base. If the knife feels stuck, I like to gently tap the back of the knife with a rolling pin to press it through.
Scoop out the seeds with a spoon or an ice cream scoop, then slice into even wedges or half-moons about 1.5 cm (½ inch) thick.
serving suggestions
Serve your maple acorn squash with roast chicken, salmon, roasted turkey, chicken breast, or your favorite mains.
Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:-
useful tips
- Skin on or off: The skin softens as it cooks and is edible, so there’s no need to peel. Just make sure to clean you squash first!
- Slice thickness: Aim for 1.5 cm (½ inch) slices. Thinner pieces cook faster, thicker pieces need an extra 2-3 minutes.
- Air fryer type: Basket models cook faster. Oven-style models may need a few extra minutes.
- Liners (optional): Use perforated air fryer liners only. They make cleanup easier while still letting air circulate.
refrigeration and freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked squash slices for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F), or in the microwave for 2-5 minutes until warmed through.
Note that reheating in the air fryer helps keep the edges crisp, while the microwave makes the squash softer.
more delicious recipes
Looking for more easy ideas to try in your kitchen? These favorites are just as delicious:
- Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust
- Air Fryer Halloumi
- Ninja Air Fryer Whole Beetroots
- Air Fryer Pepitas
- Balsamic Onion Hummus
- Nyama Choma
- Smothered Cabbage
- Sarma - Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Enjoy making this recipe! Be sure to give it a review ⭐ below, or follow me for more tasty recipes on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Tiktok!
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Acorn Squash Slices
Ingredients
- 1 medium acorn squash
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (or olive oil)
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup (substitute with honey or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- salt and pepper - to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
- Clean acorn squash, cut in half, scoop out seeds, and slice into 1.5cm (½ inch) thick pieces.
- Transfer the acorn squash to a medium-sized bowl.
- Add melted butter (or olive oil), maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the bowl and combine until the acorn pieces are properly coated.
- Place squash slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, or until the flesh is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon. For extra flavor, brush the slices with a little melted butter or maple syrup before serving. Serve warm.
Notes
- Skin on or off: The skin softens as it cooks and is edible, so there’s no need to peel. Just make sure to clean you squash first!
- Slice thickness: Aim for 1.5 cm (½ inch) slices. Thinner pieces cook faster, thicker pieces need an extra 2-3 minutes.
- Air fryer type: Basket models cook faster. Oven-style models may need a few extra minutes.
- Liners (optional): Use perforated air fryer liners only. They make cleanup easier while still letting air circulate.
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