Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer (Two Ways)

September 22, 2023
Last Updated: January 17, 2024
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Recipes

Did you know how easy it is to make acorn squash in the air fryer? It’s flavorful and perfectly crispy, and after making this air fried acorn squash, you won’t want it any other way!

acorn squash made in air fryer over quinoa in white bowl

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I love a good roasted acorn squash – it’s one of my favorite flavors of fall.

But, now that I’ve had air fryer acorn squash, I can’t go back. It’s like once you see something, you can’t unsee it.

No more waiting for the oven to preheat and cooking for an hour!

This is key when you have to feed a hungry baby – so many ways to serve acorn squash to babies!

With air fried acorn squash, it’s ready in 20 minutes. Just allow yourself a few minutes to properly cut so you don’t hurt yourself.

I don’t know about all kids, but my kids love air fryer acorn squash slices so much.

You’d think it was candy – I guess it kind of is because it is naturally sweet.

But, my 11 month old, he was SO INTO them. We actually introduced acorn squash at 9 months, since it’s great for baby led weaning.

When serving to baby, I serve with baby meatballs so the Vitamin C from the squash can help him absorb iron.

Why We Love Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer

Quick – Cooking acorn squash in the air fryer is so much faster than the oven! And the texture is perfect.
So many ways to serve it – Whether you like acorn squash cut into small pieces with or without skin, or like it served in a half to stuff in it, you can do both with this air fryer acorn squash recipe. In fact, we’ve included both methods in the instructions below.
Even cooking: Air fryers help distribute heat evenly, ensuring that your acorn squash cooks consistently. This results in a uniform texture and flavor throughout the squash, without the risk of some parts being undercooked or overcooked.
Easy side dish – Acorn squash is one of my favorite side dishes with chicken tenders. It’s naturally sweet but full of nutrients, plus kids already love chicken tenders!
High in immune nutrients – It’s fall, and it’s flu season, and…there’s just always something going around, ya know? Acorn squash in high in Vitamins A and C, which both play a huge role in our immunity responses. It also offers fiber, B-Vitamins, iron, magnesium and potassium. Stellar!
Sweet or savory – Kind of like sweetpotatoes, you can serve acorn squash however your taste buds please. Whether you prefer it sweet with cinnamon, sugar or maple syrup, or savory with salt, garlic and some spices, it all tastes fantastic. One of my favorite thanksgiving snacks for kids!

sliced acorn squash on plate with half acorn stuffed squash

Ingredients for Air Fried Acorn Squash

You can either make these as air fryer acorn squash slices or bake the halves of the acorn squash. Both are delicious, it just depends on how you want to serve it.

We have recommendations for serving both air fryer acorn squash slices and acorn squash halves below.

half of acorn squash after taking seeds out

Here’s what you’ll need to make cinnamon acorn squash:

cinnamon
nutmeg
butter or olive oil
salt

If you choose to make it savory, I used:

garlic powder
ground cumin
freshly ground pepper and sea salt, to taste

I also enjoy melting parmesan cheese on top – so good! Some natural sweetness from the acorn squash and then melted cheese.

All of these are great options for spices for babies, so feel free to share them with your little ones.

Just moniter salt when serving to babies.

AIR FRYER ESSENTIALS – I love to keep some go-to’s on hand for my air fryer recipes. Here’s what I recommend using:

Fast Instant Read Thermometer – You’ll use this more than you know! It works for meat on the grill or stove or oven, too. It’s super fast and the large screen is easy to read.

Reusable Air Fryer Liners – I love these for easy cleaning!

Plate Gripper – This is great for HOT things when they come out of the air fryer. Take care and don’t burn yourself.

Tongs – Tongs can be helpful for transferring seasoned items and then hot items after cooked in the air fryer.

How to Cook Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer

Wait until to see how easy it is to make air friend acorn squash.

Preheat your air fryer and cut your acorn squash.
Make your seasoning blend, depending on if you’re making cinnamon roasted acorn squash or a savory blend.
Air fry for 16-18 minutes, rotating halfway through, and test for doneness.

acorn squash with olive oil and cinnamon in air fryer

Here are some other popular recipes for the air fryer:

How to Serve Acorn Squash

You can serve acorn squash as a side to any dish! I also love sprinkling feta cheese and/or pomegranate seeds on top.

Serve it in slices, or stuffed with cheese and veggies for stuffed acorn squash.

It pairs nicely with turkey burgers or bison meatballs!

Tips and FAQS

Spices for acorn squash

I really love acorn squash both ways – sweet and savory! While the cinnamon, nutmeg combination is fantastic, I love a nice savory acorn squash too – with garlic, butter, and maybe a sprinkle of paprika.

Can I bake in the oven?

Yes, you can. If you bake your acorn squash in the oven, preheat to 375, and roast halves for 45-55 minutes, or until softened and skin peels apart.

How to store air fried acorn squash

You can store your acorn squash in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze acorn squash

Can you eat the skin on acorn squash?

Yes, it is safe to eat the skin on acorn squash, as it softens as it cooks. However, with kids or if you don’t prefer it, simply cut it off before serving.

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3-4 servings

Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Did you know how easy it is to make acorn squash in the air fryer? It's flavorful and perfectly crispy, and after making this air fried acorn squash, you won't want it any other way!

Ingredients

Cinnamon Acorn Squash

1-2 Tbsp butter, melted
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
pinch of salt, optional

Savory Blend

1/8 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper, to taste

1 medium acorn squash

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 375.
While preheating, cut acorn squash into crescent-shaped pieces.
Make your seasoning blend. For the sweet option, blend cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of salt. For the savory option, blend garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
Place acorn squash pieces on air fryer tray. Do not overcrowd them or overlap them (it's okay if they are slightly touching).
Spread melted butter over the pieces and add the seasoning blend of choice.
Air fry for 16-18 minutes, rotating halfway through. You’ll know the acorn squash is done when you can mash it with a spoon or fork, and the edges have a slight brown to them.

Notes

It may be necessary to make a few batches at a time, depending on the size of your acorn squash.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Colavita Extra Virgin Olive Oil, First Cold Pressed, (2 Liters) 68 fl. oz.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 70Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 204mgCarbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g

Sarah Schlichter is a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s in Public Health Nutrition. She specializes in family nutrition, sports nutrition and intuitive eating. She also co-hosts the podcast, Nail Your Nutrition.
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