Air frying acorn squash is so QUICK and EASY! This recipe has tips for how to air fry sliced or halved acorn squash, and two tasty seasoning ideas: lightly sweetened with maple syrup, and a sweet-and-spicy savory seasoning for acorn squash.
Cut the acorn squash in half length-wise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
Decision time! You can air fry the two acorn squash halves, or slice each half into ¾-inch wide strips, or do half and half. See recipe notes below the instructions to help you decide.
Decision time! Decide whether you want a sweet acorn squash or a sweet-n-savory slightly spicy acorn squash. If sweet, combine the melted butter with maple syrup and mix well with a fork until totally combined. If you want a sweet-n-savory version, combine all the ingredients and the spices in a small bowl and mix well.
Place the acorn squash on the air fryer inner basket or tray. Brush with the melted butter mixture.
If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat it to 350F. Air fry at 350F for 18-25 minutes (see notes below for cooking time tips), or until the acorn squash can be easily pierced with a fork. Serve hot, or cool to peel and mash.
Notes
→ Do not peel the acorn squash! The squash will come off the peel easily after it is air fried.→ How to cut the acorn squash: The acorn squash is easier to eat when it's in 2 halves, but it can be divided into more portions if you slice it into half-moon shapes. Cook acorn squash halves if you:
plan to stuff it with something
want to make mashed acorn squash
have a small air fryer that won't fit all the sliced half moon shapes in one batch
→ Choose your seasoning: Acorn squash tastes AMAZING by itself, brushed with a little melted butter or olive oil. Adding maple syrup or honey adds a nice sweetness. You can also add ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon if choosing to make sweet acorn squash. Acorn squash is also really good served savory (and a little spicy!). The seasonings I use give it a nice smoky-spicy-savory flavor.→ How long to air fry acorn squash: The exact cooking time you need will depend on your air fryer model (they all cook a little differently!), the size, shape, and thickness of your acorn squash, and how soft you like your acorn squash. Start checking on it after 18 minutes (pierce it with a fork, if it goes through easily, it's done!), but it might take as long as 25 minutes for it to be done to your liking, especially for thicker/larger pieces.