Name: Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large butternut squash (5 cups cubed); 2-3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or pure maple syrup); 3/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

There’s something magically simple yet utterly satisfying about this Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe. The cozy warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg combined with a perfect roast creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to fall side!

A white bowl filled with small, golden-brown cubes of cooked sweet potatoes that have a soft texture and a slightly shiny surface, showing a light coating of spices. The sweet potatoes appear tender and caramelized, with some darker edges. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with two cinnamon sticks placed next to it, and a small white dish holding a mound of cinnamon powder nearby. A black spoon with a gold handle is partially inside the bowl. The scene includes a beige cloth napkin that is softly folded on the left side of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m a huge fan of recipes that come together quickly but taste like you’ve spent hours on them. This air fryer butternut squash hits that sweet spot perfectly — simple prep, minimal fuss, and a flavor that instantly feels like a hug on a plate.

Speedy and Convenient: The air fryer cuts down cooking time and delivers tender, caramelized squash with minimal effort.
Perfectly Spiced: Warm cinnamon and nutmeg add cozy fall vibes without overpowering the natural sweetness of the squash.
Hands-Off Cooking: Once you toss the squash in oil and seasonings, the air fryer does all the work — just shake the basket a couple of times.
Flexible for Any Meal: Whether you’re serving it alongside Thanksgiving turkey or tossing it into a vibrant salad, these cubes shine every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

It really is amazing how a handful of simple ingredients combine to bring out the best in butternut squash. Each one plays a special part, from enhancing sweetness to giving a gentle spice kick.

Flat lay of a large butternut squash whole with smooth tan skin, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light brown granulated brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white salt, a small white ceramic bowl of warm brown ground cinnamon, and a small white ceramic bowl of pale beige ground nutmeg, all ingredients arranged symmetrically in perfect balance, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butternut Squash: The star! Choose a firm, heavy squash with no soft spots to ensure sweet, tender cubes.
Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps those edges crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Brown Sugar (or Maple Syrup): Melts into the squash, deepening the natural sweetness and encouraging caramelization.
Salt: A small pinch balances out the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and subtle earthiness that pairs perfectly with squash.
Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch brightens up the dish with its nutty, cozy aroma.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with the spices — sometimes I add a touch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor or swap the cinnamon for a little chili powder to give it a warm kick. You can easily personalize this recipe to match your vibe or the season.

Variation: One time, I tossed in fresh rosemary before air frying and it turned out beautifully fragrant—definitely recommend if you like herbs.
Sweetener Swap: Maple syrup is a fantastic alternative to brown sugar, especially if you want a more natural touch.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a spicy-sweet twist that wakes up your taste buds.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe

Cubed pieces of roasted orange sweet potato are spread out on a silver wire rack, each piece showing a golden-brown crispy texture with some darker caramelized spots. The cubes vary slightly in size and shape, with smooth sides and rough, roasted edges. The wire rack underneath has a grid pattern, and everything is set on a clean white marbled surface, giving a fresh and simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Squash with Care

Start by peeling the butternut squash—it’s the trickiest part but totally worth it. I find using a sturdy vegetable peeler helps, and sometimes cutting the squash in half first makes it easier to handle. Then dice it into roughly 1-inch chunks so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Season and Toss

Pop your cubes into a large bowl and drizzle olive oil, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg right on top. Give it a good toss to make sure every piece is nicely coated. I usually use my hands for this—it’s easier and you won’t miss any spots.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Transfer the squash to your air fryer basket. Don’t worry about arranging them in a perfect single layer; giving them some room while not overcrowding is just right. Air fry at 400°F for about 20 to 30 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket every 10 minutes so they crisp up evenly and brown on all sides.

Step 4: Check & Serve

When the squash is fork-tender and golden with a touch of caramelization, it's ready to go. Don’t let it burn—checking in at the 20-minute mark gives you a perfect idea for your air fryer’s quirks. Serve it immediately for the best texture.

Top Tip

Having made this recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned little tweaks that make a big difference in texture and flavor. These tips helped me get perfectly caramelized cubes every time — and I’m sharing them so you don’t have to learn the hard way.

Don’t Skimp on the Shake: Shaking the basket every 10 minutes ensures even cooking and prevents squishy sides.
Uniform Cubes: Try to cut the squash into evenly sized chunks so they cook at the same rate and finish together.
Watch the Air Fryer Size: If your air fryer is smaller, cook in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
Sweetener Choice: If you’re using maple syrup, reduce the amount slightly to avoid added moisture that might slow crisping.

How to Serve Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little fresh thyme or parsley over the finished squash for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Sometimes a light drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving adds a tangy contrast that’s fantastic.

Side Dishes

This air fryer butternut squash pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork chops, or as part of a vegetarian Buddha bowl with quinoa and roasted chickpeas. It’s also a dream alongside Thanksgiving turkey and mashed potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these squash cubes on a bed of wilted spinach or alongside a creamy goat cheese spread for an elegant appetizer. Adding toasted pecans and dried cranberries can turn it into a festive salad topping that guests rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. I find that reheating them in the air fryer revives their crispiness much better than the microwave.

Freezing

I’ve frozen roasted butternut squash before and it holds up well—just be sure to cool it completely before freezing in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Your best bet is popping leftovers back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. This way, you get that lovely roasted texture instead of soggy squash.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does it take to cook butternut squash in the air fryer?

Cooking time typically ranges between 20 to 30 minutes at 400°F, depending on cube size and air fryer model. Checking for fork tenderness around 20 minutes is a good idea to avoid overcooking.

Can I use frozen butternut squash in this Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe?

You can use frozen squash, but it's best to thaw it first and pat dry to reduce excess moisture. Otherwise, they might steam instead of crisp in the air fryer.

What’s the best way to peel butternut squash?

Use a sharp, sturdy vegetable peeler to remove the skin. If it’s tough to peel, cut off the ends and slice the squash in half before peeling each section. Some find microwaving the whole squash for a minute softens the skin slightly for easier peeling.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply use maple syrup instead of brown sugar if you want to avoid refined sugars or honey nails, and make sure your air fryer isn’t using animal-derived filters or coatings. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Butternut Squash Recipe is one of those simple gems I keep coming back to, especially when I want something cozy without fuss. It balances sweet, spicy, and savory in a way that feels both homey and special. Next time you want a fall-inspired side that’s easy to execute and loved by everyone at the table, give this a try. I promise you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.