This is how to cook air fryer acorn squash to tender with a bit of crisp on the edges. It was a really tasty and healthy side dish made in just 10 minutes, lightly seasoned like our microwave acorn squash but even better.
You’ve gotta’ try this this week! With just salt, pepper and some extra virgin olive oil on the outside you too may never cook it any other way ever again after this. Just one more of our popular air fryer recipes we can’t get enough of.
We first started with zucchini + yellow squash and shared those instructions in our air fryer vegetables recipe. That was such a hit that we just had to keep going. I saw these at the store and literally everyone (even my kids) ate every bite so I knew it was a hit I had to share.
Then spaghetti squash in air fryer was next and came out amazing too. A great low carb way to enjoy “pasta” for sure. This baby was the next experiment and came out better than I would ever have imagined. You can make this sweet with brown sugar or savory like we did with butter and all the things.
Tips: My Favorite models are the Cosori or making Ninja Foodi recipes with the lid that is attached.
It is best practice to put food into a hot basket. This is how to preheat air fryer first before adding your food so it becomes as crispy as possible. For best results, here’s a printable free air fryer cooking time chart here for your fridge.
Ninja Foodi Acorn Squash
If you are going to use this dual machine this one will need the lid that IS attached. You are going to hit the air crisp button to get it tender with a bit of crisp on the outer edges. In other singular pots that use hot air to cook food such as an AirWave or Cosori you just follow the directions below. It is important to preheat this so it cooks at the same heat the whole time thru.
Do you peel acorn squash before cooking it?
No, it’s a lot easier to cook it first and then let it slide right off. If not you’ll lose a lot of the inside trying to cut it off with a knife. For our air fryer pumpkin slices I do slice them off at the beginning though. SO it is really up to you.
Yes, you can because the skin becomes tender enough and contains fiber and nutrients. However, some people prefer to scoop out the flesh and leave the skin behind due to its slightly chewy texture. If you want to eat it, just make sure to wash the squash thoroughly before cooking.
What is the best way to cut acorn squash?
I always like to make things super easy and prep it with very little effort. SO…first attempt to just cut it into 1″ slices after it’s rinsed and dried. If your knife isn’t sharp enough you can poke it at least 6 times all the way around and microwave for 3 minutes to soften. Then test to see if easier, if not continue in 2 minute increments until you can.
There is another way you could do it though. If you wanted to make it more like a bowl to scoop out the inners or add things inside and brown on the top once tender, you could slice squash in half lengthwise.
There are several best ways to cook squash really. Instant Pot was the first before we owned this machine. Under pressure really gets it done fast and keeps it nice and moist. Sliced small, air fryer squash and zucchini comes out great.
Tips for Success
You always want to preheat your machine first while you are prepping things so everything cooks at an even rate to become the best texture.
Timing below is based on 1/2 inch slices. If you chose to remove the rind and cut into bite size pieces this will yield a shorter cook time which you may need so just work with it according to your needs. The smaller the pieces, the quicker it will get done and you’ll get a bit more crisp on the edges. Start with 8 minutes flipping halfway thru and add 1 minute at a time thereafter until perfect for you.
Some people like it sweet and instead spread butter brown sugar and cinnamon on the squash halves or slices when done. Either way it’s delish. And there you have it my friends!! Looks pretty darn delicious don’t you think?!!
Air Fryer Acorn Squash Recipe
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the acorn squash into disks. Remove any of the seeds.
- Place into air fryer without overlapping and brush olive oil on top, or use spray. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes at 350 F. or as long as it takes to get as fork tender as you'd like.
- Garnish with diced parsley.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How do you store leftovers
Allow it to cool completely and then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap so it doesn’t dry out in the fridge. It will last a few days before needing to be reheated and eaten. You can throw it back into your Cosori to warm.
If you tried our air fryer butternut squash recipe it does taste kinda’ similar. The biggest difference would be what you add to it. I mean garlic salt is great, or some just opt for salt and pepper. Add heat with some chili powder.
Is Acorn Squash Good in the Air Fryer?
Yes! This way though will give you just a bit of crisp on the outer rims which is nice and seals in the seasonings well in the process while keeping the flesh nice and tender.They are pretty darn pretty this way too though don’t you think?
I mean served up like this they almost look like little flowers on your plate, which is fun for kids. Will probably entice your non vegetable loving children to try it, and maybe learn to love them!
