Easy Spiced Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe

Deliciously soft, sticky, caramelised air fryer butternut squash with warming spices and maple syrup. Quick, easy, and perfect as a vegan healthy side dish!

A bowl filled with roasted cubes of butternut squash against a blue background, with a gold fork and knife placed beside it.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Serving Suggestions
Substitutions and Variations
FAQ's
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This deliciously easy air fryer butternut squash recipe is perfect for a quick side dish or a tasty snack. The squash cubes come out soft, sticky, and perfectly caramelised with a blend of warming spices and a touch of sweetness from the maple syrup. Ideal for colder days when you crave something comforting yet healthy and butternut squash is readily available in the grocery store.

Ingredients

This recipe uses nutritious butternut squash, rich in vitamins A and C, fibre, and antioxidants, paired beautifully with health-boosting spices like garlic, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. These spices not only enhance flavour but also have anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties. The touch of maple syrup caramelises in the air fryer, giving the squash a deliciously sticky, golden glaze and subtly sweet flavour, making this dish both healthy and indulgent.

Butternut squash on a cutting board with a bottle of maple syrup, a bowl of olive oil, and a small dish of spices.

You will need:

butternut squash
onion powder
garlic powder
paprika
cayenne pepper
maple syrup
olive oil

For exact quantities see the recipe card below.

Instructions

Bowl of cubed butternut squash seasoned with spices.

Coat the butternut squash in the oil, maple syrup and spices in a large bowl until evenly covered. If you want to use less oil you can use an olive oil spray.

Place in the air fryer basket and cook in the air fryer on 180 degrees celsius for 20 minutes or until the butternut squash is soft and sticky and fork tender.

Close-up of roasted orange squash cubes with charred edges in a blue bowl.

Top tips

Use a sharp knife or strong vegetable peeler to remove the skin from the butternut squash and cut into 1-inch cubes or use pre-cut butternut squash.
For best results layer the butternut squash pieces in a single layer in the air fryer to reduce cook time and eliminate the need to stir during the cooking process.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some delicious serving suggestions for this air fryer butternut squash recipe:

Grain Bowls: Serve over quinoa, couscous, or brown rice, adding fresh greens, avocado slices, and a drizzle of tahini dressing.
Salads: Toss into a leafy salad with spinach, rocket, toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds, and a citrus vinaigrette.
Wraps or Pitas: Use as a tasty filling with hummus, crispy greens, cucumber, and pickled onions for a satisfying lunch.
Side Dish: A great side dish to pair alongside vegan roasts, tofu steaks, or chickpea patties for a comforting dinner. It is the perfect recipe for squash season and makes the perfect thanksgiving side dish.
Soup Topping: Scatter on creamy soups like lentil, pumpkin, or cauliflower to add texture and extra flavour.

These suggestions make your spiced air fryer butternut squash versatile for many delicious vegan meals.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some easy substitutions and tasty variations for this air fryer butternut squash recipe:

Substitutions:

Sweetener: Swap maple syrup with agave syrup, date syrup, brown sugar or golden syrup for a similar caramelised finish.
Oil: Substitute olive oil with coconut oil or avocado oil for different flavour notes.
Seasoning options: If cayenne pepper is too spicy, replace it with milder spices like cinnamon, cumin, or mild chilli powder.

Variations:

Herby Twist: Add dried rosemary, thyme, or sage for a fragrant, earthy flavour.
Sweet Cinnamon: Replace spices with cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a sweet, dessert-like squash.
Asian-inspired: Use soy sauce or tamari, sesame oil, and ginger powder for a savoury umami flavour.
Nutty Crunch: Toss cooked squash with toasted walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds to add texture.
Extra Heat: Sprinkle crushed chilli flakes or drizzle hot sauce on the finished dish for an extra kick.

These variations help customise your butternut squash dish to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

A bowl filled with grilled and seasoned diced squash. Two gold-colored forks are placed beside the bowl on a blue surface.

FAQ's

Can you cook butternut squash in an air fryer without peeling it?

Yes, you can cook butternut squash with the skin on. The skin softens slightly in the air fryer, but for the best caramelised texture and flavour, peeling the squash first is recommended.

Do you need to preheat an air fryer to cook butternut squash?

Preheating is recommended for even cooking and better caramelisation. However, if you skip preheating, you might need to add an extra 3-5 minutes of cooking time.

How do I know when the air fryer butternut squash is done?

The squash is ready when it is soft, sticky, golden-brown, and caramelised around the edges. It should be tender enough to easily pierce with a fork.

How long does cooked air fryer butternut squash last in the fridge?

Cooked squash stored in an airtight container lasts for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze cooked butternut squash?

Yes, you can freeze cooked butternut squash. Let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.

Can I make this delicious side dish in a regular oven?

Yes you can, although you will need to adjust the cooking time. The benefit of oven-roasted butternut is you can probably roast the whole squash at once on two baking trays, depending on the size of your butternut squash.

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