Last Updated on August 1, 2023 by MOe
The air fryer has become an incredibly popular kitchen appliance in recent years.
Its ability to cook foods with little to no oil makes it a healthier cooking option compared to deep frying.
Acorn squash is a great candidate for the air fryer – its tender flesh cooks up moist and caramelized with just a touch of oil and seasoning.
Cooking acorn squash air fryer brings out its naturally sweet flavor and results in a delicious side dish or main course that is perfect for any meal.
This method yields tasty roasted squash without the hassle of turning it in the oven.
Benefits of Cooking Acorn Squash in Air Fryer
There are several benefits to cooking acorn squash in an air fryer rather than using the oven or stovetop:
– It cooks faster – The circulating hot air in an air fryer cooks acorn squash very quickly and evenly in about 25-35 minutes. Oven roasting takes nearly an hour.
– Uses less oil – Only about 1-2 Tbsp of oil is needed to coat and roast the squash in an air fryer. Oven roasting uses more oil since the pan needs to be greased.
– More flavorful results – The squash develops a deep caramelized flavor from the Maillard reaction that occurs during air frying.
– Retains moisture – The squash stays tender and moist inside with an air-fried crusty exterior. Oven roasting can dry it out.
– Easy cleanup – Air frying makes a neatly self-contained meal with no pans to wash. Oven roasting dirties up a baking sheet.
– Healthier – With minimal oil, air frying results in a lower fat dish compared to other cooking methods.
Choosing the Right Acorn Squash for Air Fryer
Look for acorn squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and free of blemishes. Size will depend on whether you want halves, slices, or stuffed squash:
– For halves or slices, choose medium acorn squash about 1-1.5 lbs each. Larger squash can be difficult to cut and fit in the air fryer.
– For acorn squash stuffed with fillings like rice or meat, select larger squash in the 2-3 lb range for more stuffing capacity.
– Avoid very large or very small squash, which will cook unevenly. Evenly-sized medium squash will roast the best.
Don’t worry about peel color – acorn squash skin can be dark green, orange, yellow, or a mix. The interior flesh is most important, which should be pale yellow to orange when ripe.
Cutting Acorn Squash for Air Frying
Cutting the acorn squash properly ensures the pieces cook evenly in the air fryer:
– **Squash halves** – Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Roast cut-side down.
– **Squash slices** – Slice across width into 1-inch rounds. Scoop out seeds first for easier slicing.
– **Stuffed squash** – Cut off 1/4 of squash lengthwise. Scoop out seeds, brush with oil, fill with stuffing. Replace top and roast.
Use a large sturdy knife and be cautious when cutting tough acorn squash. Apply downward pressure while following the curved shape.
Trim off any excess stringy bits from inside the cavity. Try to maintain the uniform acorn shape for even roasting; irregular pieces may burn.
Air Fryer Acorn Squash Cooking Times
Cooking time can vary based on the size and amount of squash pieces. But here are general guidelines:
– **Squash halves** – 30-40 mins at 370°F
– **Squash slices** – 15-20 mins at 400°F
– **Stuffed squash** – 45-55 mins at 350°F
For any style, check for doneness after the minimum cook time. Use a fork to ensure the flesh is tender when pierced. If not, continue cooking 5 minute increments until done.
Seasoning and Flavoring Acorn Squash Before Air Frying
One of the best parts of air frying is that little to no oil is needed. But for more flavor, brush or drizzle the squash with 1-2 Tbsp of olive or avocado oil before seasoning.
Sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, curry powder, and cumin are all good seasoning options. Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, thyme, rosemary, brown sugar, or maple syrup will give it a sweet flavor profile.
Drizzle balsamic vinegar or lemon juice over the roasted squash when it’s finished cooking for a tangy brightness.
Consider sprinkling with parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs for more texture. Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can be dolloped on top as well.
Air Frying Cut Acorn Squash
Air frying cut acorn squash into halves or slices is simple:
1. Cut washed squash into desired shape and remove seeds and strings.
2. Toss the pieces in 1-2 Tbsp oil to coat and add any seasonings.
3. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap.
4. Air fry at 370-400°F for 15-40 minutes depending on the size.
5. Check frequently and flip halfway through for even cooking.
6. Roast until fork tender and caramelized on the outside.
7. Remove and top with any additional herbs, cheese, vinegar, yogurt, etc.
The result is tender roasted squash with a crispy exterior full of concentrated flavor from the seasonings and touch of oil.
Air Frying Stuffed Acorn Squash
With its large cavity, acorn squash is perfect for stuffing and air frying:
1. Cut squash into two long halves and scoop out the seeds.
2. Brush the insides with oil and season if desired.
3. Prepare your filling – rice, meat, veggies, etc.
4. Mound the filling into the cavities of the squash halves, pressing to compact it.
5. Return the tops of the squash and place in the air fryer seam-side down.
6. Air fry stuffed squash at 350°F for 45-55 minutes until fork tender.
7. Carefully remove the top and spoon out the hot filling to serve.
Stuffings like meatloaf mix, sausage and rice, or southwestern beans and veggies pair great with roasted acorn squash.
Serving Ideas for Air Fried Acorn Squash
Beyond side dishes, creatively serve air fried acorn squash in these easy ways:
– Slice rounds and use instead of bread for sandwiches or burgers.
– Toss cubes into fall soups, chilis, or stews for texture.
– Layer sliced squash in casseroles or baked pasta dishes.
– Puree roasted flesh into a silky soup, adding chicken stock and cream.
– Mash flesh with butter and herbs for an alternative to mashed potatoes.
– Fill halved squash with chili or taco meat for a fun edible bowl.
– Top halves with quinoa, black beans, avocado, and salsa for a Mexican-style stuffed squash.
With its mild sweetness, meaty texture, and pretty yellow-orange color, acorn squash is a versatile ingredient perfect for air frying.
FAQs about Cooking Acorn Squash in an Air Fryer
What size air fryer do I need for acorn squash?
– For halved or sliced acorn squash, a 6 quart air fryer is sufficient. For extra-large squash, an 8 quart size allows more room.
Should I flip the squash during air frying?
– Yes, flip the squash halfway through cooking for evenly browned and tender results.
Can I air fry squash with other foods?
– It’s best to avoid crowding to allow proper air circulation. Cook squash by itself or with one other item like chicken thighs or sausage links.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer for acorn squash?
– Preheating is not necessary, but it will slightly decrease the overall cooking time.
What temperature should I use to air fry acorn squash?
– 350-400°F gives the best results. Higher heat starts to caramelize the sugars but may burn the exterior before the interior is done.
With its fast cooking time, minimal mess, and concentrated flavor, air fried acorn squash makes for a perfect fall meal that is healthy and delicious.
Experiment with different styles and seasonings to find your favorite preparation.
Tips for Maximizing Flavor When Air Frying Acorn Squash
Air frying brings out the natural sweetness of acorn squash, but you can amplify the flavor with these easy tips:
– Brush the cut squash with maple syrup or brown sugar before air frying. The sugars will caramelize into the exterior.
– Toss cubed squash with spices like garam masala, harissa, Chinese five spice, or pumpkin pie spice.
– Stuff halved squash with boldly flavored ingredients like chorizo sausage, bacon, caramelized onions, or cheese.
– Marinate raw squash slices briefly in orange juice or cider before air frying for a citrusy flavor infusion.
– Top roasted squash with fresh herbs, lemon zest, toasted nuts, pomegranate seeds or tart fruits like cranberries.
– Whisk tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice into a drizzle for finished squash.
– Swirl pumpkin butter, pesto, chimichurri, or compound butter over hot roasted squash.
– Experiment with ethnic seasonings like jerk seasoning, za’atar, shawarma spices, or Japanese togarashi.
With creative use of flavors, air fried acorn squash can be taken from boring to extraordinary.
Troubleshooting Common Air Fryer Acorn Squash Problems
Air frying acorn squash is usually foolproof but here are some fixes for potential issues:
**Squash pieces burning:** Lower the temperature 25 degrees and increase cooking time. Use smaller, evenly sized pieces.
**Raw or hard squash centers:** Increase cooking time 5 minutes at a time. Wrap stuffed halves in foil if needed.
**Dry, stringy texture:** Brush raw squash with oil or cooking spray. Don’t overcook past fork tender stage.
**Bland flavor:** Be generous with oil and seasonings/spices on raw squash before cooking.
**Uneven cooking:** Allow space between pieces for air circulation. Flip halfway through cooking time.
**Squash doesn’t fit:** Cut into smaller pieces or switch to halved recipe. Use smaller squash.
**Bursting squash skin:** Avoid overstuffing halves. Use fork to poke steam vents in skin before cooking.
With a few simple adjustments, you can easily fix any acorn squash air frying issues for delicious results every time.
Acorn Squash Air Fryer Recipe Ideas
Take your acorn squash game up a notch with these creative air fryer recipe ideas:
– Italian Stuffed Squash – Fill halved squash with sausage, rice, tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan
– Thai Caramel Squash – Toss cubed squash in Thai curry paste and maple syrup before air frying
– Mexican Squash Tacos – Dice roasted squash and mix with black beans, corn, cilantro, cotija. Serve in taco shells.
– Greek Squash Salad – Toss air fried squash slices with cucumber, olives, feta, red onion, lemon dressing
– Bacon Jam Stuffed Squash – Roast halves filled with bacon jam and goat cheese
– Parmesan Squash Au Gratin – Layer sliced squash with creamy Parmesan sauce and breadcrumbs
– Szechuan Squash – Toss roasted diced squash in Szechuan peppercorns and chili garlic sauce
– Apple Harvest Squash – Fill halved squash with sausage stuffing and baked apples
With creative spices and globally inspired flavors, the possibilities for elevated air fried acorn squash recipes are endless.
Final Takeaways on Cooking Acorn Squash in an Air Fryer
Air frying makes cooking acorn squash fast, easy, and delicious. With its concentrated flavor and caramelized exterior, this roasted veggie adds interest and nutrition to any meal.
Maximize taste by oiling, seasoning generously, and pairing with sweet and savory flavors. Stuff halves for a creative entree, slice into slabs for sandwiches, or dice into salads and sides.
Troubleshoot any issues like uneven cooking or lack of flavor with tips like lowering heat, allowing airflow, boosting spices, and basting with oil and sugar.
Air fried acorn squash offers versatility and nutrition with minimal fuss. This underutilized veggie shines when roasted in the air fryer to bring out its natural sweetness.
Experiment with this autumn staple using the guidance provided for delicious results.