Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries

December 5, 2023
Last Updated: March 13, 2024
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Recipes

Air Fryer Butternut Squash fries are flavorful and fun for kids! If you have picky eaters, roasting butternut squash in the air fryer is a great way to get crispy, flavorful, nutrients into your kiddos.

air fryer butternut squash fries on white plate

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Making any vegetable into a french fry shape is a wonderful invention, I’ll tell you.

Not only does it make it dip-able, but fries are just the perfect kid language. And these butternut squash air fryer fries are no different – the perfect vehicle to reap all the benefits of our fall friend, butternut squash.

crinkle cut butternut squash fries in a clear bowl

There are so many ways to cook butternut squash, but this may be my favorite.

Plus, using a crinkle cutter makes it so fun for kids, and me too! Adults will love the crispy texture.

For more tips on how to cook winter squash, I’ve got you covered there!

crinkle cut butternut squash fries on cutting board

Why We Love Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries

Perfectly crisp – The air fryer results in perfectly crispy fries without actually “frying” anything. It’s genius. Plus, did I mention they are crinkle shaped?
Easy clean up- These air fryer liners work magic and make clean up so easy and quick!
Healthy – Butternut squash is a powerhouse when it comes to immune-boosting nutrients, such as Vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and antioxidants. These are great for the fall season when kids always seem to be picking up germs.
Great for kids – Kids will eat anything if you label them “fries,” right? These air fryer squash fries are slightly sweet (without sugar!), thanks to the cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. They make for a great, fall after-school snack!
Fun to dip – Using dips and sauces is such a savior for parents, because they really helps kids try more in the kitchen. It’s no different with these butternut squash crinkle fries – Set up an assortment of dips for your kids to try!
Great for holidays! Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or want to spruce up your Christmas assortment of appetizers, these butternut squash air fryer fries are what you want to add a punch of color and array of nutrition.

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.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe.

Butternut squash – The essential part of these butternut squash crinkle fries.

Cornstarch – You can omit this if you don’t have it, but it really does help turn these into crispy butternut squash fries and avoid sogginess. Arrowroot powder is another option.

Avocado Oil – Avocado oil is neutral, and great for high heat, so I prefer it to olive oil.

Thyme – A mildly sweet, earthy undertone which complements these naturally sweet fries.

Spice blend – I used cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt for some amazing flavor.

crinkle cut butternut squash fries in clear bowl — *Using a crinkle cutter for crinkle cut butternut squash fries makes them fun for kids!*

You’ll also need an air fryer. Scroll down for the version to make these butternut squash fries in the oven!

I also combined lemon, yogurt and honey for this tasty lemon yogurt dip.

How to Make Butternut Squash Fries in the Air Fryer

I promise – these air fryer butternut squash fries are so easy! The most labor intensive part is cutting the butternut squash.

Make sure to have a sturdy cutting board and sharp knife when doing so!

Step 1: Peel your butternut squash and cut it into thirds. In my opinion, this is the easiest way to get it down to fry shape.

You’ll remove your seeds, and work on cutting the thirds into smaller fry shapes, about 1-2 inches wide. Remember, if you’re using a crinkle cutter, cut them wider.

Step 2: Add your fries to a medium mixing bowl with the cornstarch and spices.

crinkle cut butternut squash fries in bowl

Make sure to scroll down for the full recipe!

Step 3: Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and add the fries to the basket, and bake for about 15 minutes.

I advise cooking in multiple batches for best results.

air fryer butternut squash fries in white serving bowl

The lemon yogurt sauce is what I use in my lemon pepper baked chicken tenders, which is why these pair fabulously together.

For reference, this is the air fryer I have and use. The timing/temperature may vary slightly based on different models.

Check with your manufacturer’s manual if needed.

Expert Tips

Try to cut your butternut squash into even slices so they cook evenly and quickly.
If you’re using a crinkle cutter, cut the squash slices a little wider so it’s easier to then make them into a crinkle shape by pressing down with the cutter over the squash fry.
You may want to do 2-3 batches when making these butternut squash fries in the air fryer. Overcrowding results in less space and will prevent the butternut squash fries from cooking evenly.
I love the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger (or allspice), but for a more savory option, try garlic, butter and/or herbs.
You can omit the cornstarch but it really does give these butternut squash fries some extra crisp!
To cook in the oven, set your fries on a baking sheet, coated in oil and spices. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.

FAQ

How to store butternut squash fries

You can store leftover fries in an air-tight tupperware container in the fridge. However, know that they won’t be as crispy when eating as leftovers. To get the crispy texture, reheat in a microwave oven, oven or air fryer, rather than the microwave.

Can you cook butternut squash fries in the oven?

Yes, pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Follow the same directions for cutting your squash and adding the spices and oil. Put on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.

What to pair with butternut squash fries

I think they pair beautifully with a burger, thai pork meatballs, fish, chicken bruschetta sandwich, salad, or even a grain salad, like this quinoa fruit salad!

TRY some of these other recipes!

3 servings

Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Air Fryer Butternut Squash fries are flavorful and fun for kids! If you have picky eaters, roasting butternut squash in the air fryer is a great way to get a delicious and crispy texture!

Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash
2-3 tbsp avocado oil, divided
2 tbsp cornstarch
½ tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/8 tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp salt

Instructions

Peel butternut squash and cut it in thirds, saving the bottom “bulb” part for other use. Remove the seeds. Take the bigger thirds of the butternut squash and cut them into smaller fry shapes, uniform in size if applicable*.
Add your fries to a medium mixing bowl. Add cornstarch, avocado oil and spices and shake it up well so they are evenly coated.
Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it’s preheated, add the fries to the basket in one layer and air fry for 14-17 minutes. I recommend to shake the batch halfway through cooking. Cook in multiple batches for best results.
Pair with ketchup, ranch, garlic aioli, tahini, honey yogurt sauce. To make honey yogurt sauce, combine plain yogurt with a splash of honey and lemon and modify to desired taste.

Notes

*If you're using a crinkle cutter, make sure to make the fries a little wider, since that will make it easier to make the crinkle impression.

The top two-thirds should get you plenty of fries.

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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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