Experience a delightful blend of sweet and savory in this air fryer squash with Maple Glaze recipe. This healthy, vegan, and gluten-free side dish is easy to prepare. In just 12 minutes, you’ll enjoy tender, caramelized squash with a mouthwatering maple glaze.
This nutrient-dense dish packs a flavorful punch. The maple glaze enhances the squash’s natural sweetness. A hint of spice adds depth to the taste profile.
It’s perfect for quick weeknight meals or impressing guests at gatherings. This recipe’s versatility makes it a must-try for any occasion.
Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy side dish ready in just 12 minutes
- Vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free recipe suitable for various dietary preferences
- Combines sweet and savory flavors with a hint of spice
- Healthy and nutrient-dense option for health-conscious individuals
- Versatile side dish perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Squash Recipe
This air fryer squash recipe is quick, easy, and healthy. It’s a nutritious side dish that you can make in no time. You’ll love how simple and tasty it is.
Quick and Easy Preparation
Air-fried butternut squash takes just 20 minutes to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. Air frying is faster than oven roasting, cutting cooking time in half.
The recipe needs only four base ingredients plus seasonings. You can whip it up with little effort.
Healthy and Nutritious
Air frying veggies makes them tender and crispy. It uses less oil than roasting, making it healthier. Here’s the nutrition info per serving (3/4 cup) of classic air-fried butternut squash:
- 107 calories
- 19g of carbohydrates
- 2g of protein
- 4g of fat
Versatile Side Dish
This recipe offers four tasty flavor options. You can choose the one that fits your taste best.
| Variation | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Classic Rosemary or Parsley | Olive oil, salt, pepper, fresh rosemary or parsley |
| Cinnamon Maple | Olive oil, cinnamon, maple syrup |
| Garlic Sage | Olive oil, garlic, sage, pine nuts |
| Balsamic Glaze | Olive oil, balsamic glaze |
This air fryer squash works great as a Thanksgiving side dish. It pairs well with roasted meats and proteins too. Try it and see how easy and yummy healthy eating can be!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This tasty air fryer squash recipe needs just a few key ingredients. They’ll boost the squash’s natural flavors with a hint of sweetness and savory seasoning.
Acorn or Butternut Squash
The main star is either acorn or butternut squash. Both offer a sweet, nutty flavor that works well in this dish. Acorn squash is found in fall and winter, while butternut is available year-round.
Choose smaller squashes for the best taste and texture. They tend to be more tender and flavorful.
Olive Oil
You’ll need 1 tablespoon of olive oil for even cooking. It helps the seasonings stick to the squash and makes it crispy in the air fryer.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup adds natural sweetness to the squash. It’s brushed on halfway through cooking, creating a tasty glaze. The syrup caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
Seasonings (Paprika, Salt, Pepper)
A blend of paprika, salt, and pepper gives depth to the dish. Feel free to adjust amounts to your liking. Try other herbs like thyme or rosemary for variety.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Acorn or Butternut Squash | 1 medium squash |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Maple Syrup | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/8 teaspoon |
These simple ingredients will help you make a delicious, healthy side dish. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the best fall flavors.
How to Prepare the Squash for Air Frying
Preparing squash for air frying is quick and easy. It takes about 10 minutes. Cut the squash into even pieces for consistent cooking.
For butternut squash, slice off both ends and cut it lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and pulp. Peel the skin and cut into 1-inch cubes.
You’ll need 3-4 cups of cubed squash. This equals one large or two small butternut squashes.
To prepare acorn squash, rinse it and slice off the ends. Cut it into 1-2 inch rings. Scoop out the seeds from each ring’s center.
If your air fryer is small, trim the rings to fit. You might need to cut them in half.
Here’s a quick comparison of the preparation and cooking times for butternut squash:
| Cooking Method | Preparation Time | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oven Roasting | 10 minutes | 35-40 minutes |
| Air Frying | 10 minutes | 13 minutes |
Air frying butternut squash is faster than oven roasting. It’s great when you’re short on time. It also uses less oil, making it healthier.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Frying Squash
Air frying squash is quick and healthy. You can have crispy, tender squash in just a few steps. Let’s explore how to make it.
Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This takes about 5 minutes. Use this time to prepare the squash.
Coating the Squash with Oil and Seasonings
Cut the squash into even pieces. Toss them with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
You’ll need 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time. Garlic powder, fresh rosemary, and sea salt add depth to the dish.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Place the coated squash in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes at 400°F, cut-side down. Flip the squash and cook for another 10-12 minutes.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Delicata Squash | 1 medium |
| Avocado Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh Rosemary | 1 teaspoon, chopped |
| Sea Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
The total cooking time is about 20 minutes. This recipe makes 4 servings. Each serving has only 119 calories.
Flipping and Shaking the Squash
Flip and shake the squash halfway through cooking. Use tongs to flip each piece cut-side up. Gently shake the basket to redistribute the pieces.
The recipe encourages creativity by suggesting different seasoning blends, cutting squash into fry shapes for a variation, and exploring sweet variations with ingredients like maple syrup or honey, highlighting adaptability.
Follow these steps for perfectly cooked air fryer squash. It’s crispy, flavorful, and nutritious. Enjoy it as a side dish or in salads and grain bowls.
Tips for Achieving Perfectly Cooked Air Fryer Squash
Air frying squash creates a tasty side dish in just 25 minutes. It’s much quicker than oven roasting. These tips will help you cook perfect squash every time.
Cutting the Squash into Even Pieces
Cut your squash into uniform pieces for even cooking. This applies to both acorn and butternut squash. Equal-sized pieces ensure all parts cook at the same rate.
Avoiding Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket with squash pieces. Overcrowding may lead to steaming instead of roasting. Arrange squash in a single layer with space between pieces.
If needed, cook the squash in batches. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.
| Squash Type | Cooking Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | 25 minutes | 400°F |
| Butternut Squash | 20 minutes | 375°F |
Adjusting Cooking Time Based on Squash Size
Squash piece size affects cooking time. Smaller pieces cook faster than larger ones. Acorn squash usually takes 25 minutes at 400°F.
Butternut squash might only need 20 minutes at 375°F. Check multiple spots for doneness to ensure even cooking.
These tips will help you make perfect air fryer squash. Enjoy this versatile side dish alone or with your favorite main course.
Variations and Customization Options
This air fryer squash recipe is versatile and customizable. You can adjust flavors and seasonings to suit your taste. It’s easy to create a unique and delicious side dish.
Try different seasonings to switch up the flavors. Add cinnamon for warmth or cumin for an earthy taste. A sprinkle of chili powder can add a nice kick to the squash.
For a sweet twist, customize the glaze. Swap maple syrup for honey or brown sugar. Drizzle the glaze during the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky coating.
| Variation | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Savory Spice Blend | 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder | Mix spices with olive oil and coat squash before air frying |
| Cinnamon Sugar | 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon | Combine sugar and cinnamon, sprinkle over squash during last 5 minutes of cooking |
| Honey Glaze | 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp butter, melted | Mix honey and butter, brush over squash during last 3-5 minutes of cooking |
Try different types of squash for variety. Acorn and butternut are common, but delicata and kabocha work well too. Each squash has a unique flavor and texture.
The beauty of this air fryer squash recipe lies in its adaptability. With a few simple tweaks, you can create a dish that perfectly aligns with your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Get creative with your squash recipes. Try sweet glazes or savory spice blends. Experiment in the kitchen to find your perfect flavor combination.
recipe air fryer squash maple glaze
This air fryer squash recipe with maple glaze makes a tasty side dish. It uses simple ingredients and easy instructions. You’ll have a healthy, flavorful meal ready quickly.
- 1 medium Delicata squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Cut the Delicata squash into bite-sized pieces. Mix squash with oil, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Put the seasoned squash in your air fryer basket.
Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
The thin skin of Delicata squash is edible and becomes tender when cooked, so there’s no need to peel it!
When the squash is tender, drizzle with maple syrup and add Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1-2 more minutes to set the glaze and melt the cheese.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 133 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 473mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 9g |
Try different spices to make this air fryer squash recipe your own. Add black pepper, smoked paprika, rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning. You can also use Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese instead of Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Air fryer squash is a versatile side dish. It pairs well with various proteins and adds flavor to salads and grain bowls. This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday meals, complementing roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork.
Our collection of 31 recipes offers diverse pairings for roasted butternut squash. These include hearty main courses like red wine braised short ribs and prosciutto wrapped pork tenderloin. Flavorful side dishes such as miso mashed potatoes and crispy smashed potatoes are also great options.
Salads and Grain Bowls
Roasted butternut squash can elevate your salads and grain bowls. Our 10 salad recipes offer various flavor and texture combinations. Try pairing squash with feta, kale, farro, or shaved Brussels sprouts.
For a refreshing mix, combine squash with celery, pear, and hazelnuts. These ingredients create a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Fall-Themed Pairings
Serve air fryer squash with fall-themed dishes to embrace seasonal flavors. Pumpkin risotto, pumpkin bread, and apple cider cocktails complement roasted squash well. Roasted sweet potatoes, cheesy baked pumpkin gnocchi, and salted caramel apple tartlets are also great options.
Flavor Combinations
Enhance butternut squash’s natural sweetness with different flavor combinations. Herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary add depth. Spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and curry bring complexity.
For sweetness, try maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey. Other winning combinations include garlic, parmesan cheese, and balsamic vinegar. Pecans, walnuts, bacon, ginger, and chili flakes also work well.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Proper storage keeps air fryer squash fresh and tasty. Cool the squash, then place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-5 days to maintain quality.
The air fryer is ideal for reheating leftover squash. It takes 3-5 minutes and preserves the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the squash soggy.
Here are some tips for storing and reheating your leftover air fryer squash:
- Allow the squash to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator.
- Use a shallow, airtight container to minimize air exposure and prevent the squash from drying out.
- When reheating, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook the squash for 5-6 minutes, or until warmed through.
- If you have a large amount of leftover squash, reheat it in smaller batches to ensure even heating and maintain its crispy texture.
| Storage Method | Maximum Storage Time | Reheating Method | Reheating Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airtight container in refrigerator | 3-5 days | Air fryer at 350°F | 5-6 minutes |
These simple guidelines help you enjoy your squash for days. You’ll keep the taste and texture intact. Your air fryer squash with maple glaze will remain delicious.
Nutritional Benefits of Squash
Squash is a nutritional powerhouse that deserves a spot on your plate. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while being low in calories. Squash can provide numerous health benefits and support your overall well-being.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Squash is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals. It’s rich in vitamin A, supporting healthy vision, immune function, and cell growth. One serving of butternut squash contains over 450% of the recommended daily vitamin A intake.
Squash also provides a good amount of vitamin C. This aids in collagen production, wound healing, and antioxidant protection. Additionally, squash contains important minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which contribute to healthy bones, muscles, and heart function.
High in Fiber
Squash is high in fiber, essential for promoting digestive health and regulating blood sugar levels. A cup of cooked butternut squash provides about 7 grams of fiber. This is approximately 28% of the recommended daily intake.
The fiber in squash helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. It reduces the likelihood of overeating and promotes a healthy weight. Moreover, squash fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to a healthy microbiome.
Low in Calories
Despite its nutrient density, squash is surprisingly low in calories. One cup of cooked butternut squash contains only around 80 calories. This makes it an excellent choice for those watching their calorie intake.
Squash’s low-calorie nature allows you to enjoy its flavor and nutritional benefits guilt-free. By adding squash to your meals, you can create satisfying dishes that support your weight management goals.