As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
This Air Fryer Acorn Squash is an easy and delicious side dish that is ready in a flash! Perfectly roasted, this simple acorn squash in the air fryer is sure to become a family favorite.
When you’re looking for a fast, delicious, and healthy side dish, you’re going to want to whip up this air fryer acorn squash recipe. It’s cooked to perfection and is so easy to prep ahead of time.
If you love winter squash (and who doesn’t?), you’ll definitely also want to check out our posts on air fryer butternut squash cubes, butternut squash chili, crispy butternut squash, and spicy butternut squash soup.
Variations
Sometimes, I just don’t want my acorn squash to be sweet. That means skipping the brown sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon and replacing it with delicious garlicky breadcrumbs.
Melt a bit of butter in a small skillet, add panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and toast the breadcrumbs, stirring often, until they’re nicely browned. Sprinkle them over each portion of the acorn squash after plating.
And if you’re feeling saucy, top the squash with homemade tartar sauce, chipotle sauce, or homemade cilantro chimichurri.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- If you need to make this acorn squash in the air fryer dairy-free, feel free to use only olive oil, leaving out the butter.
- Every person prefers their veggies roasted to a specific level. Use common sense and check on the squash during the cooking process to see what works best for you.
- If your air fryer has multiple settings like air fry, bake, etc., use the air fry setting.
- Note that larger acorn squash will need to cook longer. When the halves are easily pierced with the tip of a knife, they’re done cooking.
Prevent your screen from going dark
-
Preheat the air fryer at 400˚F for 3 minutes.
-
Cut the stem and root end off of the acorn squash.
1 acorn squash
-
Cut the squash down the middle from stem to root end, and using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and fibrous strings.
-
Brush the cut side of the squash with olive oil.
1 tsp olive oil
-
Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil or use air fryer parchment.
-
Place the squash cut side down in the basket and cook at 390˚F for 15 minutes.
-
In a small bowl combine melted butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
-
Using tongs or large spoons, carefully flip the squash halves so that they are facing cut side up in the basket.
-
Drizzle the butter mixture over the cut sides of the acorn squash, and roast for another 10-15 minutes or until the squash is easily pierced with a knife or fork.
-
Top with flaky salt and serve.
1/4 tsp flaky salt
- Every person prefers their veggies roasted to a specific level. Use common sense and check on the squash during the cooking process to see what works best for you.
- If your air fryer has multiple settings like air fry, bake, etc., use the air fry setting.
- Note that larger acorn squash will need to cook longer. When the halves are easily pierced with the tip of a knife, they’re done cooking.
