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Easy Air Fryer Acorn Squash

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Air fryer acorn squash is delicious, simple to prepare, and easy to clean up. It is the perfect fall side dish for anyone looking for simple, low effort cooking!

You can have flavorful roasted acorn squash much, much faster in the air fryer than in the oven. This healthy side dish is ready in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight.

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And you can easily change up the seasonings to suit your tastes. Add brown sugar or maple syrup for a sweet kid friendly side or stick with fresh herbs and olive oil. 

Try my air fryer butternut squash and air fryer spaghetti squash recipes for more tasty ways to serve winter squash!

Key Ingredients

Acorn squash – Make sure the one you pick will fit in your air fryer! Choose one that has smooth green skin and no soft spots. If the skin is shiny it was probably was picked before it was ready.

Oil – A little bit of oil adds a lot of flavor to the recipe. I usually use olive oil, but you can use whatever you prefer or add butter instead.

Seasoning – For this recipe I season simply, with just salt and cinnamon. See below for more seasoning suggestions.

acorn squash ingredients

How to Cook Acorn Squash in Air Fryer

1. Prep

Wash the squash and dry it off completely. Then use a sharp knife to cut it in half.

Tip: If you have trouble cutting it microwave for 20-30 seconds and it will be easier to cut through the skin.

acorn squash cut in half

Use a spoon to scoop out all the seeds and stringy inside bits from the two halves. A grapefruit spoon or a melon baller can make it easier to scrape the insides out.

I usually cook the halves. But you can slice it into smaller wedges if you prefer. Wedges will cook a little bit faster than halves.

putting oil on the squash halves

Use a pastry brush to coat the cut sides with oil and sprinkle on the seasoning. You can also spray the halves with cooking spray if you prefer.

2. Air Fry

Put the squash halves in air fryer basket with the cut side up. Then cook them at 370 degrees F for 20 minutes. There is no need to flip them over or do anything else, this is a hands off recipe!

squash in air fryer basket before cooking

It is done when a fork goes easily into the halves. The halves will also start to brown a little bit at the edges when it done. If they need more time cook them for another 5 minutes and check again.

squash in air fryer basket after cooking

How to Serve

You can either put the acorn squash halves right on a serving platter or scrape it out of the shells before serving. I usually just add some fresh herbs to the halves and serve them because that takes less effort!

My kids love to add butter and then drizzle it with maple syrup, which makes it sweet and extra tasty.

Serve acorn squash as a simple side dish for any tasty fall meal. Some of my favorite things to serve it with are roast chicken, pork loin or turkey breast.

acorn squash in front of air fryer

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How to Store

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. To serve I scrape the shells out and mash the squash with some butter. Heat it in the microwave for a quick and easy side dish.

Seasoning Variations

Acorn squash is very versatile and goes well with many different types of seasoning.

  • Sweet – Add a few teaspoons of brown sugar or maple syrup to the halves and the sugar will caramelize as it cooks. It will brown more if you add sugar.
  • Savory – Simple Italian spices like garlic powder, rosemary or thyme go very well with this vegetable.
top view of acorn squash

FAQ

Can you cook a whole acorn squash in air fryer?

Yes, if it fits without cutting it you can roast it whole in the air fryer. Roast it at 370 degrees F for about 30 minutes, until it is soft and squishy. I prefer to cut mine in half because then it roasts more quickly and I think it is easier to serve.

Can you eat acorn squash skin?

Yes, you can eat the skin once it has been roasted and the skin is soft.

Is air fryer acorn squash healthy?

Yes, it it is full of nutrients and vitamins that are good for your body, including fiber and vitamin C. It is also rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. So it makes an excellent, healthy side dish!

Find More Air Fryer Fall Recipes

air fryer acorn squash in air fryer
4.70 from 10 votes

Air Fryer Acorn Squash Recipe

Published By Anne
Air fryer acorn squash is delicious, simple to prepare, and easy to clean up.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 acorn squash
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  • Wash the squash and dry it.
    1 acorn squash
  • Use a large, sharp knife to cut it in half.
  • Scoop out all the seeds and insides using a spoon. You can leave it in halves or cut it into wedges if you prefer.
  • Brush the cut sides with the olive oil and sprinkle on the salt and cinnamon.
    1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Put the halves in the air fryer basket cut side up. Cook it at 370 degrees F for 20 minutes.
  • It is done when a fork goes easily into the flesh and the edges just start to brown.
  • Serve the halves as is or scoop the squash into a bowl and serve it mashed.

Notes

Seasoning variations

  • For a sweeter side dish add brown sugar or maple syrup
  • For a savory side dish use simple Italian herbs like rosemary or thyme

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Nutrition Information

Serving: 1g | Calories: 53kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 294mg | Potassium: 375mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.01g | Vitamin A: 396IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition facts are estimates.

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air fryer acorn squash in air fryer
anne

Hi, I’m Anne!

I love to cook and I want to share my recipes with you. I believe cooking should be approachable and fun, not a chore. I want to make simple recipes using everyday ingredients that you can make again and again, whether it is for a busy weeknight, a summer cookout or a special dessert. Read more...

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