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You can make squash in the air fryer by tossing cubed or sliced squash with a little oil and seasoning, then cooking it at 400°F for about 15 to 20 minutes until it’s tender and caramelized.
It’s one of the easiest ways to get a delicious side dish on the table without turning on your big oven.
If you’ve been wondering how to make squash in the air fryer that comes out perfectly roasted every time, you’re in the right place.
The air fryer circulates hot air around the squash, which gives you that golden-brown exterior and soft, creamy inside in a fraction of the time.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make squash in the air fryer, the best types to use, and a few tips so your squash turns out amazing.
Let’s get cooking.
How to Make Squash in the Air Fryer
Making squash in the air fryer is simple, and once you try it, you might never go back to oven roasting.
Here’s exactly how to make squash in the air fryer step by step:
1. Choose the Right Squash
You can make squash in the air fryer with almost any variety, but some work better than others.
Butternut, acorn, delicata, and zucchini all cook beautifully in the air fryer.
Delicata and zucchini have thin skins, so you don’t even need to peel them.
Butternut and acorn have tougher skins, so peeling them first makes the texture more enjoyable.
2. Cut It Into Even Pieces
When you make squash in the air fryer, uniform pieces are key.
Aim for cubes or slices about one inch thick.
If the pieces are different sizes, some will burn while others stay raw.
Smaller pieces cook faster, so adjust your timing if you go thinner than an inch.
3. Toss With Oil and Seasoning
A little oil helps the squash get crispy edges instead of steaming.
Use about one tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil for every two cups of squash.
Then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika.
A pinch of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup brings out the natural sweetness, especially with butternut or acorn squash.
4. Preheat and Arrange in a Single Layer
Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes helps the squash start roasting right away.
Arrange the pieces in a single layer in the basket.
If you overcrowd the basket, the squash will steam instead of roast, and you won’t get those crispy edges.
Cook in batches if you’re making a lot.
5. Cook at 400°F for 15 to 20 Minutes
Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
Shake the basket halfway through so everything browns evenly.
The squash is done when a fork slides in easily and the edges are golden.
If you like yours extra crispy, add a couple more minutes.
Best Types of Squash for the Air Fryer
Not all squash behaves the same way in the air fryer, so here’s a quick breakdown.
1. Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is a favorite for the air fryer because it gets sweet and creamy.
Peel it, cube it, and cook for about 20 minutes.
It’s perfect as a side or tossed into salads.
2. Acorn Squash
Acorn squash works great when sliced into rings or half-moons.
You can leave the skin on if you like a little texture.
It cooks in about 18 minutes and pairs well with cinnamon or rosemary.
3. Delicata Squash
Delicata has a thin, edible skin and a mild, nutty flavor.
Slice it into half-inch rounds and air fry for 12 to 15 minutes.
It’s the quickest and easiest squash to make in the air fryer.
4. Zucchini and Yellow Squash
Summer squash like zucchini cooks much faster than winter varieties.
Cut it into half-inch rounds or spears and cook for 10 to 12 minutes.
It’s a great way to make squash in the air fryer when you want something light and fast.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Squash
A few small tweaks make a big difference when you make squash in the air fryer.
1. Don’t Skip the Oil
Oil helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning.
Without it, your squash will look pale and taste a bit flat.
2. Shake the Basket
Shaking halfway through ensures even cooking.
It also keeps the pieces from sticking to the basket.
3. Season After Cooking Too
A squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of parmesan, or a drizzle of tahini after cooking adds fresh flavor.
It’s an easy way to make squash in the air fryer taste restaurant-quality.
4. Watch the Time for Smaller Pieces
If you cut your squash smaller than an inch, start checking at 10 minutes.
Overcooked squash turns mushy, and nobody wants that.
So, How Do You Make Squash in the Air Fryer?
You make squash in the air fryer by cutting it into even pieces, tossing it with oil and seasoning, and cooking it at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes until tender and golden.
It’s fast, easy, and delivers consistently delicious results every time.
Whether you’re using butternut, acorn, delicata, or zucchini, the air fryer turns simple squash into a side dish worth craving.
Give it a try tonight and see how easy it is to make squash in the air fryer.