Reasons to choose air fryer butternut squash
This recipe for butternut squash is ideal for busy evenings when you want something nutritious without much effort. The high heat of the ensures the squash cubes cook evenly in just twenty minutes. You can easily adjust the seasoning with different herbs or spices to suit your main course. It is a great way to enjoy seasonal vegetables throughout the autumn and winter months.
How to cook air fryer butternut squash
Prepare the vegetable: Use a sharp peeler to remove the skin from the squash and cut it in half to scoop out the seeds. Cut the flesh into cubes that are roughly two centimetres in size so they cook at the same rate.
Season the cubes: Place the pieces into a large bowl and add the olive oil along with the salt, pepper, garlic powder and thyme. Toss everything together well until every piece of squash is coated in the oil and spices.
Cook the squash: Place the seasoned cubes into the basket in a single layer without overcrowding them. Set the temperature to two hundred degrees and cook for twenty minutes while shaking the basket halfway through the time.
Check and serve: Test a piece with a fork to ensure it is soft and has a golden brown colour on the edges. Remove the butternut squash from the basket and serve it immediately as a side dish.
Important tips for air fryer butternut squash
To get the best texture, make sure you do not overcrowd the basket. If you have a smaller, it is better to cook the butternut squash in two batches. Using a high temperature is the key to getting those slightly charred edges that taste so good. You can also try adding a pinch of cinnamon or paprika if you want to vary the flavour profile.
If you buy pre-cut squash from the supermarket, the preparation time will be even shorter. Always ensure the cubes are roughly the same size to prevent smaller pieces from burning before the larger ones are ready. If the squash looks dry halfway through, you can give it a tiny spray of oil.
For a little more variety, you can also try
air fryer frozen lasagne,
fried rice with duck or
carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.
