Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Air Fryer Acorn Squash

An air fryer is a great way to cook this winter squash. It is quick and easy, and the air fryer helps to keep the squash from drying out. Acorn squash can be a bit tricky to cut, so it is best to use a sharp knife. I use the Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef’s Knife, 8 inch.

Start by cutting off the top of the squash, then cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and pulp, then cut the squash into wedges.

Season the wedges, then place them in the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes at 400 degrees.

The squash is done when it is tender and lightly browned. Serve air fryer acorn squash with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream and a sprinkle of herbs.

Ingredients

• 1 Medium Acorn squash
• 1 TBS Olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt and pepper or to taste
• 1 teaspoon favorite spice mix. I used Wellsley Farms No Salt herb seasoning mix.

Directions

1. Cut the squash in half. Using a sturdy spoon, scoop out seeds and stringy bits from inside of both squash halves.

2. Cut the remaining squash into the desired shape for roasting. I like to slice into ¾″ rings for easy roasting and then cut the ring in half (Half-moon shape). This ensures the easier fit into the air fryer basket/tray (see photos)

3. In a large bowl, add squash, olive oil, salt, pepper, and spice mix, and coat each squash piece with oil and seasoning.

4. Using a food silicone brush, toss and brush squash until all pieces are well coated.

5. Arrange the squash slices in the air fryer cooking basket or tray.

6. Give them some space so they do not overlap

7. Air fry mode at 375F (190C) for 10 minutes, flipping each piece halfway. Or until golden brown and caramelized crispy edges.

9. Taste and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Cooking Air Fryer Acorn Squash Halves

1. Cut your squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. This will give you two large halves that are easy to work with. If you're short on time, you can also cut your squash into smaller pieces. This is my method, as I showed you in this recipe. Just keep in mind that smaller pieces will cook more quickly.

2. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help ensure evenly cooked squash.

3. Rub each half of the squash with a little bit of olive oil or butter. This will help the seasoning stick and also prevent the squash from drying out as it cooks.

4. Season your squash with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. We love using garlic powder, smoked paprika, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, but get creative and use whatever sounds good to you!

5. Place the squash halves in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not touching each other so they cook evenly. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until they're fork-tender and lightly browned around the edges. Serve hot and enjoy! 

Experiment with different seasonings and don't be afraid to get creative—after all, part of the beauty of cooking at home is that you can make it exactly how you like it. Happy cooking!