Making air fryer butternut squash halves is so easy! With warm cinnamon, and sweet brown sugar, this salty-sweet dish is bound to become a fall favorite!
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ingredients you will need
This is a summary of the ingredients you will need for this recipe, and possible substitutions if any. The full ingredient measurements and detailed step by step instructions have been provided in the recipe card below.
- butternut (cleaned) - choose one that feels heavy for its size, feels hollow when you knock on it; and is without bumps, bruises, mold, or soft spots.
- brown sugar - this is substitutable with maple syrup.
- olive oil or any neutral cooking oil such as avocado oil.
- a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Variations 💡: Pumpkin-pie spice, nutmeg, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper are other examples of seasonings you can use, so feel free to make this recipe your own! Use melted butter, in place of the olive oil or top with some Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist!
how to make air fryer butternut squash halves
Gather your ingredients, then preheat your air fryer. Remove the hard, stemy part on the butternut, slice vertically, and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds.
Grease your air fryer basket with cooking oil or line it with air fryer parchment paper. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Next, brush the fleshy side of each squash with olive oil, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Place the butternut in the air fryer basket; skin-side up. Roasting with the skin side up protects the exposed flesh, resulting in a more even cook.
Flip the squash using kitchen tongs. Brush the flipped side with the remaining oil, and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top.
Air fry for a few more minutes or until the tops are caramelized, sprinkle a pinch of salt on top, then serve.
serving suggestions
- Serve it as a side dish with some air fryer pork chops, air fryer whole chicken, or air fryer chicken tenderloins.
- A dollop of jalapeño cranberry dip, or herby yogurt sauce.
- Enjoy it with a mixed salad.
- Crumble feta cheese on top.
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or broccoli.
- Steamed rice.
Storing leftovers: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge, then air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes ( with the fleshy side up) until warmed through.
useful tips
- The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the squash and air fryer model. Generally, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes. Test tenderness with a knife or fork; the butternut is ready when it pierces easily.
- I used a Ninja Foodi 8qt Air Fryer for this recipe, but it can work with other air fryer models. Adjust the time depending on the size of the squash, and cook in batches if needed, to avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket.
- While it can be slightly tough, the skin of the butternut is edible.
more air fryer recipes
- Air Fryer Omelette.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chunks.
- Air Fryer Baked Oats.
- Ninja Foodi Rice.
- Air Fryer Hard-boiled eggs.
- Air Fryer Banana Muffins.
- Air Fryer French Toast.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash Halves
Ingredients
- 1 Butternut squash - cleaned
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter)
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1-2 pinches of salt
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients. Preheat your air fryer to 400° F (about 200°C).
- Slice off the stem at the top of the squash, then slice it vertically. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds.
- Brush the flesh side of each butternut halve with olive oil.
- Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top of the fleshy side of the butternut.
- Spray your air fryer basket with a non-aerosol cooking spray, brush with cooking oil, or line it with air fryer parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Place the butternut inside the basket, with the skin side facing upwards. Air fry for 20 minutes or until tender (a knife inserted in the middle should come out easily).
- Use a pair of kitchen tongs to turn over the butternut squash. Then, brush the flipped side with the remaining oil and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on it.
- Air fry for 7-8 minutes, or until caramelized. Arrange on plates, sprinkle a pinch or two of salt on top, then serve.
Notes
- The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the squash and air fryer model. Generally, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes. Test tenderness with a knife or fork; the butternut is ready when it pierces easily.
- I used a Ninja Foodi 8qt Air Fryer for this recipe, but it can work with other air fryer models. Adjust the time depending on the size of the squash, and cook in batches if needed, to avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket.
- While it can be slightly tough, the skin of the butternut is edible.
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