Air Fryer Acorn Squash
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Air Fryer Acorn Squash is so easy and delicious! Cook your squash in the air fryer for a roasted taste in half the time it takes in your oven. This is an easy vegetable side dish that requires only a few basic ingredients.With some olive oil, herbs, salt and pepper, you too can enjoy this roasted squash any time. No air fryer? No problem! Scroll down for instructions below for roasting acorn squash in the oven.
I love roasting vegetables like asparagus in the air fryer! I find it especially helpful when my oven is already full with other items like a roasted half chicken for Sunday dinner, a smoked carver ham at Christmas or a turkey at Thanksgiving. It is also great during summer months when it is too hot to want to turn on my oven.
Air Fryer Acorn Squash Ingredients:
Just a few basic ingredients are needed to make this acorn squash in the air fryer.
- acorn squash
- olive oil
- sea salt salt
- freshly ground pepper
- fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, oregano and/or sage
I used fresh thyme but you could also substitute other fresh herbs or dried including rosemary, sage or oregano.
How to Cook Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer
To make this acorn squash recipe, you’ll need to split your squash in half. I find it easier split the squash by first to cook my acorn in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes. 
Using a sharp knife, carefully split your acorn squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and strings using a spoon and discard.
Turn your squash over and coat skin with olive oil using a silicone brush.
Turn over and repeat with the inside flesh so entire squash has been brushed in oil.
Top with fresh sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. For a stronger herb flavor, use 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves or other fresh herbs.
How Long to Cook Acorn Squash in Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your squash in the air fryer basket or tray, being careful to not overlap. Cook for about 20 to 25 minutes or until squash is golden brown and fork tender. Serve warm with a some butter, if desired.
How to Roast Acorn Squash in Oven
You can easily make this recipe in the oven instead. Simply preheat oven to 425 degrees F . Follow the instructions for seasoning your acorn squash. Place squash on baking sheet and bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until lightly brown and tender.
Can you add butter or brown sugar when cooking Air Fryer Acorn Squash?
If you are looking for a sweet version of this recipe you can add some brown sugar and butter to the center of your squash halves. However, be sure that they can remain upright and not tilted at all while cooking. (Sometimes just opening up the door can cause shifting.) I cooked this recipe in a oven style air fryer and it worked great with just olive oil and spices. I have tried brown sugar and butter in a basket style air fryer once and paid the price. My basket wasn’t quiet big enough so one of the halves was slightly tilted. That was all it took for some of the brown sugar and butter mixture to spill out and start smoking heavily. I recommend cooking with olive oil instead and adding butter right before serving. It will melt quickly with the squash still warm.
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh minced herbs thyme, oregano, rosemary or sage (optional)
- garnish with sprigs of thyme or rosemary
- butter optional
Instructions
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Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F.
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Place acorn squash in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes to soften slightly. Carefully cut squash in half lengthwise.
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Scoop out seeds with a spoon and discard.
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Brush olive oil on squash halves, both outside and inside.
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Sprinkle with sea salt, freshly ground pepper and fresh minced herbs if desired. Garnish with thyme sprigs (optional).
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Place upright in air fryer basket and cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned and fork-tender.
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Serve warm with butter if desired.
Recipe Notes
How to Roast in Oven:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F . Place squash on baking sheet and bake squash for 50 to 55 minutes or until brown and tender.
More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes:
Looking for more air fryer vegetables? Here are some more great side dishes you can make in your air fryer.
- Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Artichokes
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots
- Air Fryer Curly Zucchini Fries
- Air Fryer Okra
This Air Fryer Acorn Squash recipe is so easy to make! Enjoy your harvest and serve this side dish with your favorite fall meals including Thanksgiving. Skip the oven and get that great roasted taste we all love in your air fryer.
