This air fryer acorn squash is simple to prepare and full of flavor. If you enjoy cooking with an air fryer, this easy recipe will quickly become a favorite for a snack or a side dish.
The squash is seasoned with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and air frying locks in sweetness while giving the edges a slight crisp. Best of all, it cooks in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Air frying is a convenient, healthier way to prepare vegetables, and the half-moon slices in this recipe cook faster and are fun to eat. The mild sweetness of acorn squash pairs perfectly with a touch of butter and brown sugar if you want a sweeter finish.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Acorn Squash
You only need a handful of pantry staples to make this dish. The ingredients below are for one medium acorn squash and serve about 4 people.
- Acorn Squash – 1 medium squash (adjust quantities if your air fryer can fit more)
- Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon for warm, aromatic flavor
- Nutmeg – 1/2 teaspoon for a nutty, complementary note
- Sea salt – 1 teaspoon (regular salt works if that’s what you have)
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons to help crisp the skin and prevent sticking
- Butter – 2 tablespoons melted (optional, mixed with brown sugar and cinnamon to finish)
- Brown sugar – 2 teaspoons (optional, for the cinnamon butter)
How to cook Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. If your model has a preheat setting, use it; otherwise, set it to 400°F while you prepare the squash.
Rinse the outside of the squash and pat dry. Use a sharp knife to cut off the stem end, then stand the squash on that cut end and slice it in half. Scoop out seeds and stringy bits with a spoon.
Place each half cut-side down and slice into roughly 1-inch half-moon pieces. Transfer the slices to a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg and sea salt over the slices and toss again so every piece is seasoned.
Arrange the seasoned slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, turning once halfway through so the slices brown evenly. The squash is done when a fork slides into the flesh easily.
For an optional finishing touch, combine melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 2 teaspoons brown sugar, then drizzle over the hot squash just before serving for a sweet, buttery glaze.
How to store leftover cooked Acorn Squash
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds or return to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to refresh the texture.
Air Fryer Acorn Squash Recipe
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Print Recipe
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 Acorn squash
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cinnamon Butter (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400ºF.
- Clean the outside of the squash, slice off the top stem, cut in half, and scoop out seeds.
- Slice each half into 1-inch half-moon pieces.
- Toss slices with olive oil in a large bowl.
- Season with cinnamon, nutmeg and sea salt; toss to coat.
- Place slices in the air fryer basket and cook 12–15 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- If desired, mix melted butter, cinnamon and brown sugar and drizzle over cooked squash before serving.
Video
Nutrition
This air fryer acorn squash is quick, tasty, and versatile—perfect as a side dish or a healthy snack that the whole family will enjoy.