Name: Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large butternut squash (5 cups cubed); 2-3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons brown sugar or pure maple syrup; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

There’s something about those golden, caramelized edges and sweet-spiced aroma that makes this Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe an absolute game-changer. It’s fast, simple, and the perfect way to enjoy cozy fall flavors without heating up the whole kitchen.

A white bowl filled with small, golden-brown cubes of cooked sweet potatoes that have a soft texture and a slightly shiny surface, showing a light coating of spices. The sweet potatoes appear tender and caramelized, with some darker edges. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with two cinnamon sticks placed next to it, and a small white dish holding a mound of cinnamon powder nearby. A black spoon with a gold handle is partially inside the bowl. The scene includes a beige cloth napkin that is softly folded on the left side of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for veggie side dishes that impress without a ton of fuss. This recipe checks all my boxes — it’s quick, cozy, and that air fryer magic makes the squash perfectly tender with just the right amount of crisp.

Speedy and hands-off: From prep to plate in about 45 minutes with minimal stirring and no babysitting.
Flavor-packed: The mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg brings out this squash’s natural sweetness in the best way.
Versatile sides: Works beautifully as a Thanksgiving side or a topping for salads and grain bowls.
Easy cleanup: Air fryer basket means no messy pans and quick washing — a blessing on busy days.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient is chosen to enhance the naturally sweet, nutty flavor of butternut squash without overpowering it. Plus, these pantry staples usually live in my kitchen, so I can whip this up anytime.

Flat lay of a large butternut squash whole with smooth tan skin, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white salt, a small white ceramic bowl of warm brown ground cinnamon, and a small white ceramic bowl of pale beige ground nutmeg, all ingredients arranged symmetrically in perfect balance, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butternut squash: The star of the show — sweet, tender, and roasts beautifully in the air fryer.
Olive oil: Helps the squash caramelize and adds depth without masking flavors.
Brown sugar (or maple syrup): Adds a touch of natural sweetness and helps create those lovely crispy edges.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Warms the dish with a cozy spice that pairs perfectly with squash.
Ground nutmeg: Just a hint to round out the spice profile and add complexity.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe depending on the season or what’s in my spice cabinet. You can easily make it your own by adjusting sweetness or adding fresh herbs for a savory twist.

Variation: For a savory take, skip the brown sugar and add rosemary or thyme instead — it’s delicious alongside roasted chicken or pork.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe

Cubed pieces of roasted orange sweet potato are spread out on a silver wire rack, each piece showing a golden-brown crispy texture with some darker caramelized spots. The cubes vary slightly in size and shape, with smooth sides and rough, roasted edges. The wire rack underneath has a grid pattern, and everything is set on a clean white marbled surface, giving a fresh and simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Squash

Start by peeling your butternut squash and chopping it into roughly 1-inch cubes. I like to do this on a sturdy cutting board with a sharp chef’s knife to speed things up. Toss the cubes into a big bowl — this is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Season and Toss

Add the olive oil, brown sugar (or maple syrup), salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the bowl. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss everything together, making sure each cube is evenly coated. This step guarantees every bite is flavorful and caramelizes just right.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the seasoned squash in your air fryer basket. Don’t worry if they aren’t in a perfect single layer — a little crowding is okay. Cook at 400°F for 20-30 minutes, shaking the basket every 10 minutes to promote even cooking. You’ll know it’s done when the pieces are tender with golden, slightly crisp edges.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once your squash is ready, serve it right away to enjoy that fresh roasted taste. It pairs so well with fall mains or tossed on top of a leafy salad to add a warm touch.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve realized a few tricks that make this Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe foolproof and extra delicious every time.

Don’t overfill the basket: Give the squash room to crisp up — crowding can make it steam instead of roast.
Shake at least twice: I shake the basket every 10 minutes to avoid sticking and ensure all sides get that beautiful golden color.
Adjust sweetness last: Taste your squash after 20 minutes — sometimes I add a pinch more brown sugar or maple syrup before the final 10 minutes for extra caramelization.
Use a sharp knife: Peeling and chopping squash is easier with a sharp knife; take your time to avoid accidents.

How to Serve Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a handful of toasted pepitas or chopped fresh parsley right before serving. The seeds add crunch and the herb adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This squash is my go-to side for roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette. It also joins my veggie-forward Thanksgiving spread perfectly!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I toss the finished squash into a warm quinoa salad with cranberries and feta, then serve in pretty bowls with extra herbs on top. It always impresses guests looking for something fresh and seasonal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they last 3-4 days. They’re still great warm or cold, perfect for quick lunches or dinner sides during the week.

Freezing

I haven’t tried freezing the air-fried squash chunks since they’re best enjoyed fresh or reheated crisp, but you could freeze cooked cubes raw before air frying. Just thaw before cooking for best results.

Reheating

To bring leftover squash back to life, pop it in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F. It crisps right back up, making it taste freshly roasted with minimal effort.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?

Fresh is best for this Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe because frozen squash tends to release water and can become mushy during air frying. If you want to use frozen, make sure to thaw it thoroughly and pat dry before seasoning and cooking.

How do I know when the squash is done cooking?

The squash is ready when it’s fork-tender and has golden, slightly crisp edges. If you can pierce it easily with a fork and see some caramelized spots, it’s good to go. Timing may vary depending on the size of your cubes and your air fryer model.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup to keep the sweetness and skip any non-vegan add-ons. This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly otherwise.

What air fryer temperature works best for this recipe?

400 degrees Fahrenheit is the sweet spot for cooking butternut squash in the air fryer. It’s hot enough to caramelize the natural sugars but not so hot that the pieces burn before cooking through.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe is one of my autumn favorites because it’s comforting, quick, and versatile enough for busy weeknights or special occasions. I’m sure once you try it, you’ll keep it in your regular rotation, just like I do!