This Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe is an easy fall or holiday side that uses just a few pantry ingredients and cooks quickly in the air fryer. With a blend of herbs, smoked paprika and a touch of maple syrup, the squash roasts up tender, slightly caramelized and full of flavor. Choose to prepare it as cubes or as halves—both methods are included below.
Autumn is my favorite season, and I look forward to butternut squash every year. I often use it in creamy soups, but it also shines roasted, especially when made in the air fryer for a faster, hands-off result.
This recipe was originally published in 2019 and updated to reflect basket-style air fryers, with clearer timing, fresh photos and practical tips to help you succeed.
Why this air fryer butternut squash works so well
- Tender, sweet flesh with caramelized edges—air frying concentrates the squash’s natural sugars.
- Dried sage and Italian seasoning add warm, autumnal herb notes that pair beautifully with maple syrup.
- Smoked paprika gives a subtle smoky depth without overpowering the squash.
- Prep ahead: peel and cut the squash a day before to save time on a busy holiday.
- Air frying is faster than oven roasting and frees up oven space during holiday cooking.
- Includes both cube and half methods so you can choose speed or convenience.
Ingredients and substitutions
Below is a quick ingredient overview. Exact quantities are in the recipe card further down.
- Butternut squash – One medium squash (about 2½–3 lbs) yields roughly 4 cups cubed.
- Oil – Olive oil, extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil all work.
- Maple syrup – Adds sweetness and helps caramelize edges. Brown sugar can be used instead.
- Italian seasoning – A convenient dried herb blend. If unavailable, use thyme, rosemary, sage and oregano.
- Dried sage – Enhances the squash’s fall flavor; increase Italian seasoning if you don’t have extra sage.
- Garlic powder – Adds savory depth; avoid garlic salt to prevent over-salting.
- Smoked paprika – For a smoky note. Regular paprika is a milder substitute.
- Salt – Adjust to taste once the squash is cooked.
How to cut butternut squash into cubes
Quick overview—use a large, sharp knife and a stable cutting surface:
- Trim the top and bottom so the squash can stand upright easily.
- Peel with a vegetable peeler (a Y-peeler works well).
- Cut where the neck meets the bulb; slice the neck and dice into 1-inch cubes.
- Halve the bulb, scoop seeds, slice and chop into 1-inch cubes.
How to cook butternut squash cubes in the air fryer
Summary steps—see the recipe card below for full measurements and times.
How to roast butternut squash halves in the air fryer
For a lower-effort option, halve the squash, scoop the seeds and roast without peeling.
What to serve with butternut squash
- Perfect with turkey or ham and classic sides like stuffing and roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Toss with savory granola and fresh parsley for texture and brightness.
- Add roasted pumpkin seeds or toasted pecans for crunch.
- Use in grain bowls or salads as a warm, sweet component.
Storage and reheating tips
Store leftover cubes or scooped squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat cubes in the air fryer at 400°F for 3–5 minutes; texture will be softer than freshly cooked. Reheat scooped halves in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Key recipe tips
- Choose a squash that fits your air fryer when roasting halves; trim the bottom or stem if needed.
- Cut cubes as uniformly as possible (about 1-inch) for even cooking.
- Air fry in a single layer and shake the basket a few times to promote even browning.
- Use dried herbs and garlic powder—fresh herbs and raw garlic can burn during air frying. Add fresh herbs as a garnish after cooking.
- If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Air fryer models vary; cook until fork-tender and adjust time slightly as needed.
Recipe FAQs
Fresh cubes give the best texture. Frozen squash can release more water and become soft or mushy when air fried, so fresh is recommended for this method.
For halves, leave the skin on. For cubes, peel first so the cubes are tender and evenly seasoned.
Yes—acorn, buttercup, honeynut or sugar pumpkin can substitute. Adjust air-fry time based on density and cube size.
More air fryer recipes
- Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
- Air Fryer Pork Schnitzel
- Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
- Air Fryer Pumpkin Fries
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Sign up for the newsletter and follow the creator on social media for new recipes and tips.
If you make this recipe, please leave a review or rating to share your experience or ask questions below.
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Butternut squash seasoned with herbs, smoked paprika and maple syrup, air fried until tender. Choose cubes or halves.
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized butternut squash (about 2½–3 lbs or 4 cups cubed)
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
For squash cubes:
- Peel and chop the squash into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups).
- Toss cubes with oil and maple syrup in a bowl.
- Add Italian seasoning, dried sage, garlic powder, smoked paprika and salt; toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400°F for 13–15 minutes, or until fork-tender, shaking the basket a few times during cooking.
For squash halves:
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Brush the flesh with 1 tablespoon oil.
- Air fry cut-side up at 360°F for 15 minutes.
- Brush with remaining oil and maple syrup, then sprinkle with seasoning (use about 1/4 of the cube seasoning amount).
- Air fry another 10–15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Scoop out the flesh to serve or use in recipes.
Notes
- Pre-cut squash from the store saves time.
- Keep cubes close in size for even cooking; adjust time for smaller or larger pieces.
- Air fry in a single layer and shake the basket several times for even browning.
- Ensure halves fit your air fryer—trim stem or bottom if necessary.
- Add cayenne or crushed red pepper for heat.
- Use dried herbs and garlic powder; fresh herbs can burn during air frying—add fresh herbs as a garnish after cooking.
- Air fryer models vary—use fork tenderness as your cue for doneness.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on substitutions and brands used.