FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

  • Why You Need My Air Fryer Butternut Squash
  • Ingredients & Substitutions
  • How To Peel & Cut Your Squash
  • How To Cook Butternut Squash In The Air Fryer
  • My Recipe Tips
  • Serving Ideas
  • More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
  • My Tools For This Recipe
  • Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe card
  • Gratitude Moment
  • Recipe Reviews

I seriously don’t know how I ever lived without my air fryer. It makes everything quicker and easier — including this air fryer butternut squash . Whether I’m tossing it into a salad ( butternut squash salad or all-purpose fall salad , anyone?) or serving it as a side with roasted chicken , the air fryer gets this squash tender and caramelized in no time. Grab yours and make air fried butternut squash with me in just 15 minutes!

Why You Need My Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Maya in the kitchen. - 1
  • Faster than the oven – I love roasted butternut squash , but air fryer butternut squash cooks in almost half the time!
  • More browned and caramelized than roasting – It’s much easier to get those golden brown, crispy edges with this method! And the combo of olive oil, garlic powder, and a hint of maple syrup gives the butternut squash a sweet-savory flavor that feels like fall.
  • Easy, healthy side dish for any occasion – Whether it’s a weeknight dinner , a holiday meal, or meal prep for the week, my air fried butternut squash fits the bill. You only need a few simple ingredients, and it’s naturally gluten-free.
Maya's signature. - 2 Perfectly crisp, caramelized butternut squash in the air fryer. - 3

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my butternut squash air fryer recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

  • Butternut Squash – Pick one that feels heavy for its size, which means it’s ripe and flavorful. Mine was around 3 pounds. This recipe also works with other types of winter squash cut to the same size, such as kabocha squash , buttercup squash , acorn squash , or delicata squash .
  • Olive Oil – Helps the seasonings stick and gives the squash that golden, caramelized finish. Avocado oil works, too.
  • Maple Syrup – For a hint of sweetness. I use my natural Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Maple Syrup , but regular works.
  • Herbs & Spices – Garlic powder , paprika , sea salt, black pepper, and dried thyme leaves (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme). You can also add cinnamon for a warm fall flavor, or cayenne pepper for a kick.
Large butternut squash surrounded by labeled olive oil, maple syrup, and spices.  - 4

How To Peel & Cut Your Squash

You can totally buy pre-cut butternut squash (I often find it at my local warehouse club this time of year), but of you’ve got a whole one, here’s how to dice it:

  1. Cut off the ends and peel the skin. You can use a paring knife or peeler to peel it. I just got this vegetable peeler and absolutely love it — it’s super sharp and easier to use than several others I’ve tried!
Peeling Tip: - 5

Peeling Tip:

If you find it difficult to cut and peel winter squash, you can poke it all over with a knife and microwave for a few minutes to soften the skin first.

  1. Slice in half and scoop out the seeds. You can discard the seeds, or clean and roast them if you like, much like pumpkin seeds.
  2. Chop into cubes . Slice the squash crosswise first. For the top half (without the hollowed out part), slice into 2 discs. Then, chop the discs of the top half and the half moons of the bottom half crosswise into cubes. I have a more detailed visual in my roasted butternut squash post.
Butternut squash peeled and sliced in half. - 6 Cubed butternut squash on a cutting board. - 7

How To Cook Butternut Squash In The Air Fryer

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

  1. Season the squash. In a large bowl, toss together the butternut squash cubes, olive oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. Spread it out. Place the butternut squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Squash seasoned in a bowl with tongs. - 8 Butternut squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer. - 9
  1. Cook until golden. Air fry butternut squash until fork tender and golden brown. Shake the basket halfway through.
Air fried butternut squash in the basket. - 10 My Recipe Tips - 11

My Recipe Tips

  • Don’t crowd the basket. For nice browning and even cooking, make sure the pieces are in a single layer with some space, like my picture above. Cook in batches if they don’t fit!
  • The size of the pieces has a big impact on cook time. I recommend 3/4-inch cubes for a quick 15-minute air fry. I like to check on them around the 13-minute mark to make sure they’re cooking evenly. If you make larger 1-inch cubes, they’ll take a bit longer.
  • Prefer air fryer butternut squash halves instead of cubes? They’ll take longer and there’s less surface area for browning, but it’s easier because you don’t have to peel it. Just air fry for 20 minutes cut side down, then 10-15 minutes cut side up.
  • For a richer finish, toss the air fried butternut squash with butter at the end. I first did this with air fryer potatoes , and now I can’t resist doing it with all kinds of veggies. This little trick tastes amazing with squash!
Air fryer butternut squash cubes in a bowl with fresh parsley and a wooden spoon. - 12

Serving Ideas

Now you just need a main dish! Here are some easy ones I serve with air fryer butternut squash:

  • Chicken – My husband and I like harissa chicken on date nights (it’s a bit too spicy for the kids). On weeknights, I usually stick to easy go-tos, like pan-seared chicken thighs or baked chicken breast .
  • Pork – Butternut squash pairs perfectly with my juicy pork sirloin roast . For a quicker option, simply pan fry some pork chops or pork steaks .
  • Steak – Cook steak on the stove while you’ve got the butternut squash in the air fryer, or cook your steak in the air fryer right after for less cleanup.
  • Seafood – Try my baked salmon or baked shrimp for weeknights, and lobster tail for special occasions.

More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes

If you’re loving the ease of air frying veggies like butternut squash, try my other air fryer vegetable recipes:

My Tools For This Recipe

  • Vegetable Peeler – I used to think I hate peelers until I got this one! It’s so sharp and the handle is comfortable.
  • Air Fryer – I love the roomy basket, so I don’t have to cook as many batches of food.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

  • 1 3-lb Butternut squash (~5-6 cups) ▢
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
  • 1/2 tbsp Maple syrup (I use my natural sugar-free maple syrup ) ▢
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder ▢
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika ▢
  • 1 tsp Dried thyme ▢
  • 3/4 tsp Sea salt ▢
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

  1. Use a sharp knife to cut off the ends of the squash. Use a peeler or paring knife to peel the squash. (The skin is very tough, so if you like, you can make this easier by microwaving the squash first to soften the skin. Poke holes all over the skin with a knife to help with venting, then microwave for 2-3 minutes.)
  2. Cut the peeled squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  3. Cut the squash halves crosswise into 3/4-inch half circles, then cut those in the opposite direction to make 3/4-inch cubes. For slices from the top half of the squash, cut those into strips before cutting in the opposite direction. (See the post above for a visual explanation of how to cut butternut squash.)
  4. In a large bowl, toss together the squash cubes, olive oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Arrange the butternut squash in the air fryer basket . Make sure it’s in a single layer, so you’ll probably need to cook in 2-3 batches.
  6. Air fry butternut squash for 13-15 minutes at 380 degrees F, shaking the basket halfway through, until tender. (You don’t have to preheat the air fryer.) Repeat with the second batch.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !

  • How to cut and peel: See my peeling tips above to make this easier. And I highly recommend this vegetable peeler .
  • Cooking tips: See my recipe tips above! I’ve got tips for nice browning and even cooking, how to cook butternut squash halves in the air fryer (if you prefer those instead of cubes), and something you can add at the end for a rich finish.
  • Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I like tossing them in salads , or if you have a lot, make my butternut squash soup or butternut squash casserole .
  • Meal prep: You can dice the squash several days in advance and refrigerate.
  • Reheat: Toss the butternut squash in the air fryer again for a couple of minutes, this time at 320 degrees F, so they don’t brown more.
  • Freeze: After cooking, store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air fryer butternut squash recipe pin. - 13

Gratitude Moment

Me with a bowl of air fryer butternut squash. - 14

We just got back from a family trip (more on that soon) and I’ve been missing my air fryer! This air fried butternut squash is one of the first dishes I plan to make this week. It’s easy and I don’t need a grocery trip for it.

One of the great things about winter squash is it can store for months in a cool place, so you can have it ready to go for times like this. Pick up a few and stock up for winter!

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

  • Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
  • The Basic Keto Meal Formula
  • Understanding Macros
  • Keto Food Swaps
  • Keto Food List
  • Electrolyte Basics
  • Keto Diet Types
  • Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
  • Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 15

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

  1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
  2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
  3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
  4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
  5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
  6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
  7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
  8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
  9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Pick A ProteinPick A VeggieAdd Fat
Beef Chicken Pork Eggs Lamb Turkey Fish Shellfish Protein powder VenisonCauliflower Broccoli Zucchini Leafy Greens Cucumbers Brussels Sprouts Cabbage Asparagus Radishes Bell Peppers Jicama CeleryButter Avocado Oil Cheese Bacon Avocado Lard Ghee Mayo Nuts MCT Oil

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Instead Of This…Eat This
PancakesAlmond flour pancakes or coconut flour pancakes
OatmealKeto oatmeal with hemp seeds
Cinnamon rollsFathead cinnamon rolls
CerealKeto nut granola
MuffinsAlmond flour muffins or coconut flour muffins
DonutsAlmond flour donuts
SconesAlmond flour scones
High-sugar smoothiesSmoothie with berries or avocado
Hash brownsCauliflower hash browns
Breakfast casseroleBreakfast casserole with no potatoes
Egg whitesWhole eggs
Turkey baconBacon
WafflesChaffles
Keto food swaps - breakfast - 16

Keto Swaps For Bread

Instead Of This…Eat This
BagelsFathead bagels
English muffinAlmond flour English muffin
White breadKeto white bread
Multigrain breadCoconut flour bread with seeds
Tortillas for wrapsCoconut flour tortillas
Corn taco shellsCheddar cheese taco shells
Burger bunsOopsie rolls , portobello mushroom caps
BreadsticksCauliflower breadsticks
BiscuitsAlmond flour biscuits
CornbreadAlmond flour cornbread
CroutonsParmesan crisps
RiceCauliflower rice , konjac rice
Keto food swaps - bread and grains - 17

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Instead Of This…Eat This
Breaded wingsCrispy air fryer wings (unbreaded)
Low-fat meat & poultryHigh-fat cuts, or cook low-fat cuts with fat
Mashed potatoesMashed cauliflower
Roasted potatoesRoasted or fried radishes
TacosTaco salad
PizzaFathead crust , chicken crust , or cauliflower crust pizza
LasagnaEggplant lasagna
Potato saladCauliflower “potato” salad
French friesJicama , rutabaga , or zucchini fries
Tater totsCauliflower tots
WrapsLettuce wraps , almond flour tortillas
SushiNaruto-style or homemade rice-free sushi
Breaded chicken or fishBreaded cuts with almond flour or pork rinds
SpaghettiZoodles , spaghetti squash , shirataki noodles, kelp noodles
Keto food swaps - meals and sides - 18

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Instead Of This…Eat This
NachosCheese crisps
High-sugar fruitBerries & other keto fruits
CrackersAlmond flour crackers
HummusCauliflower hummus
Soft pretzelsFathead pretzels
PopcornPuffed cheese
Granola barsGrain-free granola bars
JamSugar-free berry chia jam
Sweet fruity yogurtFull-fat plain Greek yogurt with berries
Sweet salad dressingRanch , blue cheese , or plain vinaigrette
KetchupMustard and/or sugar-free ketchup
BBQ sauceSugar-free BBQ sauce
Sweetened peanut butterNatural, sugar-free nut butters
Light mayoAvocado oil mayo
Maple syrupSugar-free, maple flavored syrup
Potato chipsZucchini chips , pepperoni chips , pork rinds
Keto food swaps - snacks and sauces - 19

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Instead Of This…Eat This
SugarMonk fruit or allulose
Powdered sugarPowdered monk fruit or allulose
White flourAlmond or Coconut flour (use in tested recipes)
Making baked goods soft/chewyXanthan gum, flax seed meal, psyllium husk powder
BreadcrumbsPork rinds or almond flour
MargarineButter, coconut oil, or ghee
Vegetable oilOlive or avocado oil
BananasBanana extract
Chocolate chipsSugar-free chocolate chips
Cornstarch or flour rouxXanthan gum or gelatin powder (used at the end)
Simple syrupDissolve monk fruit allulose blend in water over heat
Keto food swaps - baking and cooking - 20

Keto Swaps For Drinks

Instead Of This…Eat This
LemonadeWater with lemon
SodaFlavored sparkling water
MilkAlmond milk, coconut milk, heavy cream
LatteButter coffee
Coffee creamerHeavy cream
Sweet wineDry wine
BeerUltra light beer
Mixed drinksHard liquor with soda + lemon

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto food swaps - drinks - 21

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Keto foods to eat and avoid summary - 22

Foods To Eat On Keto

  • Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
  • Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
  • Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
  • Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
  • Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
  • Avocados
  • Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
  • Almond flour and coconut flour
  • Eggs
  • Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

  • White flour & sugar
  • Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
  • Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
  • Cereal
  • Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
  • Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
  • Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
  • Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
  • Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
  • Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 23

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

SodiumMagnesiumPotassium
Bone broth Boullion cubes Bacon Salted nuts PicklesSeaweed Seeds Nuts Avocado Leafy greensPotassium chloride Avocado Bone broth Spinach Broccoli Mushrooms Beef Pork

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

  • Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
  • Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
  • Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
  • Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

  1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
  2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
  3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
  4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
  5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
  6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
  7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
  8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
  9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.
Keto Cheat Sheet System - printable pdf's and ebooks - 24

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air fryer butternut squash in a bowl. - 25

Air fryer butternut squash is much faster and more caramelized than using the oven! It’s the perfect easy, sweet and savory side for fall.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/air-fryer-butternut-squash/

Air Fryer Butternut Squash - 26 Air Fryer Butternut Squash - 27 Air Fryer Butternut Squash - 28 Air Fryer Butternut Squash - 29

Ingredients

  • 1 3-lb Butternut squash (~5-6 cups)
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp Maple syrup (I use my natural sugar-free maple syrup )
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried thyme
  • 3/4 tsp Sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

  1. Use a sharp knife to cut off the ends of the squash. Use a peeler or paring knife to peel the squash. (The skin is very tough, so if you like, you can make this easier by microwaving the squash first to soften the skin. Poke holes all over the skin with a knife to help with venting, then microwave for 2-3 minutes.)
  2. Cut the peeled squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  3. Cut the squash halves crosswise into 3/4-inch half circles, then cut those in the opposite direction to make 3/4-inch cubes. For slices from the top half of the squash, cut those into strips before cutting in the opposite direction. (See the post above for a visual explanation of how to cut butternut squash.)
  4. In a large bowl, toss together the squash cubes, olive oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Arrange the butternut squash in the air fryer basket . Make sure it’s in a single layer, so you’ll probably need to cook in 2-3 batches.
  6. Air fry butternut squash for 13-15 minutes at 380 degrees F, shaking the basket halfway through, until tender. (You don’t have to preheat the air fryer.) Repeat with the second batch.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Air Fryer Bundle !

  • How to cut and peel: See my peeling tips above to make this easier. And I highly recommend this vegetable peeler .
  • Cooking tips: See my recipe tips above! I’ve got tips for nice browning and even cooking, how to cook butternut squash halves in the air fryer (if you prefer those instead of cubes), and something you can add at the end for a rich finish.
  • Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I like tossing them in salads , or if you have a lot, make my butternut squash soup or butternut squash casserole .
  • Meal prep: You can dice the squash several days in advance and refrigerate.
  • Reheat: Toss the butternut squash in the air fryer again for a couple of minutes, this time at 320 degrees F, so they don’t brown more.
  • Freeze: After cooking, store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)