Air Fryer Acorn Squash is so EASY!!! This is a delicious side dish for any meal – it’s got a touch of sweetness and is done so much quicker in the air fryer!
What you will ❤️ about Acorn Squash
If you haven’t had acorn squash – it tastes similar to a sweet potato in that it’s got a mild sweet flavor that is only enhanced by butter and brown sugar! The best thing about this dish is that with the invention of the air fryer – you can enjoy it in 25 minutes instead of an hour!
This recipe was made using the Paula Deen Air Fryer.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Acorn Squash
You only need three simple ingredients for this recipe. That’s all you need to enjoy the natural sweetness of the squash!
- Acorn Squash – this recipe works with other squash as well like butternut squash
- Butter – please use real butter!!! Salted or unsalted – either is fine
- Brown Sugar – use light or dark – but definitely need brown sugar
- You could swap with honey or maple syrup if you like but I like how the butter & brown sugar melt together
- OPTIONAL:
- add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg over the top
- add a pinch of salt & pepper if you want a little more savory
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How to Make Air Fryer Acorn Squash
This acorn squash recipe is very simple – I learned it from my Dad. You can get fancy if you want to add fresh herbs but just butter and brown sugar is my favorite. Here’s how you make it:
- Slice acorn squash in half, clean out inside with a spoon so you’ve got a little bowl in each half
- Score inside of squash with a sharp knife in criss-cross pattern
- Place both halves of squash cut side up in air fryer basket
- It was a bit tight – I had to tilt one a bit
- Put 2 tbsp butter in each half – laying some slivers on edges
- Add 1/4 cup brown sugar in each half
- Air fry at 400º for 25 minutes until the halves are fork tender
- Use tongs or spoons to gently remove squash halves from air fryer onto plate and enjoy!
Best Air Fryer Accessories
Here’s my ultimate list of best air fryer accessories – whether you have a basket- or oven-style! I’ve also included a price guide as well as my favorite recipes for those accessories.
Tips, Tricks & FAQs
You need to cut the squash in half using a large chefs knife. They are pretty hard so be sure to cut the squash on a cutting board.
While you’re there – you’ll want to score the squash in a criss-cross pattern with your knife.
YES! I’m pretty much up for trying to air fry anything I can so I was up for the challenge. It took HALF the time compared to baking it in an oven! Woohoo!
Ew – I wouldn’t.
You can dice it up and add it to a salad or add to soup or stews!
I would recommend scooping leftover squash out of the shell and store in an airtight container (I like these glass ones) in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can freeze up to three months. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
What to serve with Air Fryer Acorn Squash?
- Perfect Ribeye with Texas Roadhouse Steak Seasoning
- Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Garlic Brown Sugar Pork Chops
More Air Fryer Vegetables
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash (Plus a bonus salad recipe)
- Air Fryer Zucchini Parmesan
- Roasted Cauliflower in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Carrot Fries
You can find more Air Fryer recipes in the Air Fryer Recipes section or in my Air Fryer Facebook group!
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Slice acorn squash in half, clean out inside with a spoon so you've got a little bowl in each half1 acorn squash
- Score inside of squash with a sharp knife in criss-cross pattern
- Place both halves of squash cut side up in air fryer basket
- Put 2 tbsp butter in each half – laying some slivers on edges4 tbsp butter
- Add 1/4 cup brown sugar in each half1/2 cup brown sugar
- Air fry at 400º for 25 minutes until the halves are fork tender
- Use tongs or spoons to gently remove squash halves from air fryer onto plate and enjoy!
Plain Chicken says
I've never cooked acorn squash. I am definetly trying this recipe. Looks SO easy!
Sue Holthaus says
Excellent! I added chopped pecans and apple chips the last 5 minutes.
FoodHussy says
Love it! sounds tasty!
Patricia Martin says
The only thing you are forgetting is: to add bake, roast. Mine has several choices, as well as air crisp and dehydrate, so it is confusing for some of us that have so many choices.
FoodHussy says
My recipes are always using Air Fry – I have two air fryers – one has no options – the other has multiple but I always use air fryer
Jrose says
It was very good. My first time with acorn squash. The inside wasn’t as soft as top part but it was verytasty