Butternut Squash In Air Fryer

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This Butternut Squash in Air Fryer dish makes for a perfect side dish and egg free breakfast. The combination of apples, bacon, and squash makes this dish oh so flavorful. The natural juices from the bacon nicely complement is delicious vegetable. This great side dish is a staple for nearly all of our Fall family and holiday season functions.

Butternut squash on a brown floral plate.

I love a good side dish! Especially a savory yet sweet one. This recipe has especially become a perfect Thanksgiving side dish along with my Cranberry BBQ Meatballs, Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole, Dairy Free Gravy, Gluten Free Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots, and my Sautéed Kale and Mushrooms. If you are looking for a good cozy cocktail or mocktail to serve this recipe with, check out my Pear Cocktail Recipe.

Why I Love This Recipe

This healthy side dish can take as little as 10 minutes if you buy the pre-cut squash.
The size of your squash dictates how much you will get from this recipe. You can really cater this recipe to how many servings you need.
While this winter squash is mostly used for side dishes, you can also use this recipe to make an egg free breakfast.
If you have a lot leftover of this leftover squash, you can use the rest of it to make my amazing Butternut Squash Feta Salad.
This delicious butternut squash recipe is naturally dairy free, gluten free, soy free, nut free, egg free, AIP, Paleo and Whole30 friendly.
If you are obsessed with squash season like I am every Fall, check out my Butternut Squash Curry and my Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash.
If you want to meal prep this recipe, I suggest using larger squashes.

Simple Ingredients

Air fryer squash ingredients laid out on the counter.

Pre-cut butternut squash- you can buy the precut stuff which will save you a ton of time or you can buy a large size one and cut it yourself. Cut the squash into 1 inch cubes.
Coconut sugar-This helps bring out the sweetness with the apples and squash. While the natural sugars add some sweetness, I love adding a tad of coconut sugar.
Paprika & garlic powder- give this recipe more flavor. If you are doing AIP omit the paprika.
Avocado oil- is my go to cooking oil for roasting the squash and sautéing the apples and onions.
Apples-Apples are the perfect addition to help enhance the sweet flavor.
Squash-A must, make sure it is a butternut squash! I highly suggest buying the pre-cut squash so you do not have to use a vegetable peeler here which are a pain to use.
To garnish- This recipe is not complete without adding the fresh parsley on top.

See the recipe card below with a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Coconut sugar-While coconut sugar is my go to, you can also use brown sugar or maple syrup in its place.
Flavor variations-You can use other spices to enhance the flavor of this recipe like chili powder or black pepper.
Other vegetables-You can toss other veggies into the mix to give this recipe more flavor if you would like! Sweet potatoes would be a nice addition.

This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turns out in the comments below!

Recipe Instructions

Squash, fresh parsley, coconut sugar, sea salt and chopped apple in a bowl. — **Step #1:** Take your pre-cut butternut squash and place it in a bowl. The squash should be cut in 1-inch cubes. Using a sharp knife, slice up your onions, bacon and apples. Now, add all ingredients to a large bowl.

Butternut Squash In Air Fryer 5 — **Step #2**: Then, place the ingredients in an air fryer basket and place the air fryer on 375 degrees F and bake for 20 minutes, then toss the ingredients and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the squash has crispy edges and slightly golden brown. You should be able to know if the squash is done by noticing if it is fork tender and you can easily stick a fork in it, The total cook time may vary slightly based on how thick the squash is.

You can also make this recipe in the regular oven if you would prefer. Follow all instructions with the same as above except lay the squash out on a sheet tray. Just like the air fryer version, the cooking time may vary slightly based on how thick and dense the squash cubes are.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Tip #1: I cannot stress this enough, buy the pre-cut butternut squash! It will save you so much time.
Tip #2: If you do not like the spice, skip the paprika.

Recipe FAQS

Do I need to peel butternut squash before roasting?

Yes! You absolutely do, however, please buy the pre-cut squash. I will save you so much time and the headache of having to cut it.

How do you cut a butternut squash?

For best results, first peel the squash using a veggie peeler. Then, cut off the bottom of the squash then cut off the top. Now, slice the squash in half and scoop out the middle of the squash. Lastly, cube up the squash into 1 inch cubes.

Butternut squash in a large brown bowl with parsley on top.

Easy Vegetable Recipes

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