This Air Fryer Butternut Squash is roasted until tender and finished with a brown sugar and butter glaze. Simple to prepare with only a few minutes of prep time, it’s a wonderful Fall and Winter side—perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Winter squashes such as butternut, acorn, and delicata were once holiday-only dishes at my family table. Now I enjoy them year-round. Butternut squash is naturally sweet, full of vitamins, and cooks quickly. Below I share the classic sweet glaze version, plus an option for a more savory finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick to prep—only minutes to get ready.
- Made in the air fryer so your oven stays free—handy during holiday cooking.
- Uses a handful of simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
- The brown sugar and butter glaze adds irresistible flavor.
Ingredients:
Butternut Squash — Readily available year-round but especially popular in fall. It has a creamy texture similar to sweet potato and pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors.
Olive Oil — Helps the squash roast evenly in the air fryer. Olive oil is used here for its higher smoke point compared with butter during the initial roast.
Brown Sugar, Butter, and Cinnamon — Melted together, these create a glossy, warming glaze that complements the squash’s natural sweetness.
Variations of the Recipe:
- For a savory version, skip the brown sugar glaze. Season the squash with an extra ¼ teaspoon black pepper and a pinch of salt, brush with olive oil, and roast. After cooking, brush with another tablespoon of olive oil and finish with a final sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, roast the squash in the oven (see FAQ below for timing).
How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash:
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cut the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Brush the cut surfaces with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
Step 2: Place the squash skin-side down in the preheated air fryer. Cook for about 25 minutes. Test with a fork—if it’s not tender, continue to air fry in 5-minute increments until it mashes easily.
Step 3: Warm the butter over low heat and whisk in brown sugar and ground cinnamon until smooth to make the glaze. Brush a few tablespoons of glaze over the squash, then air fry for an additional 5 minutes so the glaze sets and becomes glossy.
Step 4: Let the squash cool briefly, then transfer to a serving dish. Brush the remaining glaze over the flesh and spoon any extra glaze into the cavity where the seeds were. Serve warm.
You can serve the squash as halves, scoop it directly from the skin, or mash the flesh for an easy side dish.
Expert Tips:
- Take care when cutting the squash; use a stable cutting board and a sharp, sturdy knife.
- Confirm the interior is fully cooked by testing with a fork—it should mash easily like a potato.
- When returning glazed squash to the air fryer, place it on a sheet of foil for easier cleanup if needed.
Recipe FAQs:
Yes. Use the same preparation but roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45–50 minutes, until the squash is tender. Roast on a parchment- or foil-lined baking sheet or in a casserole dish.
A medium butternut squash typically takes around 30 minutes in the air fryer, which is about 15 minutes faster than the oven and produces great texture.
Scoop the roasted flesh directly from the skin and serve as is, cut into cubes, or mash the flesh and serve in a bowl. All are simple and delicious options.
A fork should slide in easily when the squash is done. If it still feels firm, cook in additional 5-minute increments until soft.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.
More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love:
Blackened Salmon in the Air Fryer-
Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
-
Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer
-
Air Fryer Parmesan Zucchini
If you try this Butternut Squash Recipe, please leave a star rating and share how it turned out in the comments. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
5 from 1 review
- Author: Tara Smithson
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups
Description
This Air Fryer Butternut Squash is roasted until tender, then coated in a brown sugar butter glaze. It’s quick to prepare and makes a comforting side dish for fall and winter gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Slice the squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Brush the cut sides with olive oil and season with salt.
- Place the squash skin-side down in the air fryer and cook for about 25 minutes. Test with a fork; if it’s still firm, cook an additional 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in brown sugar and cinnamon until smooth. Brush a few tablespoons of the glaze onto the squash, then air fry for another 5 minutes so the glaze sets.
- Remove the squash and let it cool briefly. Transfer to a serving dish, brush with the remaining glaze, and spoon any extra glaze into the seed cavities. Serve warm. You may also scoop and mash the flesh for easier serving.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Sharp knife
Notes
- Use caution when cutting the squash; it can be tough to slice when whole.
- Ensure the flesh is fully tender before serving—it should mash easily.
- Placing foil under the squash when glazing in the air fryer helps with cleanup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American