These crispy and tender air fryer butternut squash cubes are delicious and ready in under 20 minutes! Tossed with garlic, crispy sage, and pine nuts, they make the perfect side dish for any meal!
Easy and crispy air fryer butternut squash
Air frying vegetables is seriously the best! They come out super tender and crispy, and it takes half the time compared to roasting in the oven. If you're looking for more veggie recipes, check out these air fryer baby carrots and air fryer sweet potato cubes.
These air fryer butternut squash cubes are not just easy to make—they're also delicious! My favorite variation is the crispy garlic sage with toasted pine nuts, but you can also try warm cinnamon maple glazed or classic rosemary for a tasty twist. I love switching between all three because I never get tired of this recipe!
From start to finish, air-frying butternut squash takes just 20 minutes. That’s way quicker than roasting them in the oven, which takes 40 minutes! Plus, you can use frozen or pre-cut butternut squash cubes to make this recipe even faster and easier.
I love serving these air-fried butternut squash cubes as a side dish or tossing them into salads. They’re perfect for busy people, moms, and meal preppers! This quick, four-ingredient healthy side dish is also vegan and gluten-free!
Why you'll love this recipe:
- Crispy & Tender: Air-fried to perfection!
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Healthy: Gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, and vegan.
- Customizable: Choose from three flavor variations.
- Flavorful: Spices and herbs elevate the taste.
- 4 Ingredients: Just four base ingredients plus seasonings!
- Holiday Side Dish: Perfect for family dinners or holidays.
- Try these top-rated Air Fryer Green Beans or this Air Fried Parmesan Zucchini next!
Ingredients you'll need
Making air fryer butternut squash cubes is easy with just four ingredients! You can choose from three flavors: classic rosemary, garlic sage, or cinnamon maple glazed. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butternut Squash: One large butternut squash or store-bought pre-cut cubes. Frozen cubes work too—see instructions below!
- Olive Oil: This helps achieve that perfect crispy and tender texture. Avocado oil works as well.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Season to your taste!
- Garnishes: Depending on your chosen flavor, gather cinnamon, maple syrup, sage, pine nuts, and/or rosemary. Check the measurements at the bottom of the post!
How to bake butternut squash in an air fryer
Air frying is the easiest way to prepare butternut squash cubes. They come out tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, ready in under 20 minutes! Here’s how to do it step by step:
Step 1: Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F and lightly greasing the basket with non-stick olive oil spray. Next, decide which flavor variation you want.
Step 2: For a classic flavor, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you want a sweeter touch, mix in maple syrup and cinnamon instead.
Step 3: Add the seasoned squash to the air fryer and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to cook evenly.
Step 4: While the squash is cooking, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil, then sauté minced garlic and fresh sage for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Toss in pine nuts and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the pine nuts are lightly browned.
Step 5: Once the squash is cooked and crispy, transfer it to a mixing bowl and pour the garlic sage mixture over it. Toss gently to combine. Serve your crispy, tender butternut squash cubes right away, and enjoy!
Expert recipe tips:
- Peel Before Cooking: Always peel the butternut squash; the skin can be tough.
- Dried Herbs Work Best: Use dried herbs for seasoning—fresh ones may burn at high heat.
- Shake for Even Cooking: Give the basket a shake at the 10-minute mark to ensure even cooking.
- Buy Pre-Cut Squash: Save time by using store-bought, pre-cut squash cubes (about 400g to 450g).
- Don’t Skip Olive Oil: One tablespoon is essential for crisping and tenderness.
- Frozen Squash is Great: You can use frozen cubes right from the bag! Just season and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Add Sweetness: For a sweeter taste, swap brown sugar for maple syrup.
Air fryer butternut squash variations:
This air fryer butternut squash recipe is super customizable! Here are four delicious flavor variations to try:
- Rosemary or Parsley: Add fresh rosemary or parsley for a classic herb flavor. This combo is perfect for Thanksgiving!
- Cinnamon Maple: Enjoy tender butternut squash coated in a sweet maple cinnamon glaze. It’s great for Christmas or any festive occasion!
- Garlic Sage: My favorite! Toss the squash with crispy sage, garlic, and pine nuts for a deliciously savory twist.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the cooked squash for a rich and tangy finish. It adds a gourmet touch to any meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes! You can use frozen butternut squash cubes straight from the freezer. Just season them as usual and add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I peel a butternut squash?
To peel a butternut squash, use a sharp vegetable peeler or a knife. Cut off both ends first, then carefully peel the skin away. Alternatively, you can microwave the squash for a few minutes to soften it slightly before peeling.
What dishes pair well with air fryer butternut squash?
These butternut squash cubes make a great side for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or salads. They’re also delicious in grain bowls or as a topping for quinoa or rice dishes.
What temperature should I air fry butternut squash?
You should air fry butternut squash at 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
What does butternut squash taste like?
Butternut squash has a nutty, sweet flavor that’s truly delightful. When air-fried or oven-roasted, it becomes tender and soft on the inside while achieving a crispy exterior. If you’re looking for a comparison, it tastes most similar to sweet potato, making it a delicious and versatile addition to any meal.
How to store and reheat butternut squash:
Storing: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat butternut squash cubes in the air fryer at 350ºF for 3 to 6 minutes until warm and crispy. If you’re reheating the garlic sage version, skip the air fryer and microwave them instead for 30 to 45 seconds, just until warmed through.
If you loved this recipe, try these next!
- Air Fryer Baby Carrots
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
- Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Cubes
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeds scooped and cubed (OR 3 cups of store-bought butternut squash cubes)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Sage:
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- ¼ - ⅓ cup pine nuts
Classic Rosmary or Parsley:
- Garnish: 1 - 2 tablespoon fresh rosemary or parsley, chopped
Cinnamon Maple:
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Garnish: 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and lightly grease the basket with non-stick olive oil spray. Decide which flavor variation you want.
- Classic or Garlic Sage: Toss the cubed butternut squash in a mixing bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Cinnamon Maple: Toss the cubed butternut squash in a mixing bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
- Add to preheated air fryer and cook for a total of 18 – 20 minutes. Shake the basket at the 10-minute mark to ensure they are cooking evenly.
- Garlic Sage: While the squash is air frying, heat ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a small saute pan over medium. Add minced garlic, sage, and pine nuts. Saute for 2 - 4 minutes until the pine nuts are lightly browned. When the squash is done, pour this sauce over them in a mixing bowl and toss to coat.
- Garnish, serve immediately, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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Christine says
BEST BEST BEST recipe! Tati you really out did yourself with this one. I love your air fryer recipes but the sage and pine nut topping of this squash is awesome. Love it!