With just 4 ingredients, this Air Fryer Acorn Squash recipe turns boring squash into something absolutely amazing. It’s the perfect side for fall and winter and so easy to make!
Our other favorite way to enjoy acorn squash is to stuff it! As seen here in our Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash and Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash
Easy Air Fryer Acorn Squash Recipe
It’s amazing how easily this recipe turns a basic acorn squash into a buttery, sweet, and savory side dish. All you need is an air fryer (or oven), an acorn squash, salt, butter, and brown sugar. I love to add a pinch of cayenne pepper which adds just a touch of heat and really turns up the flavor, but that’s completely optional.
While roasted acorn squash is usually baked, I love making it in the air fryer, too. It cuts down on the cooking time significantly – it takes just 35 minutes to cook an acorn squash in the air fryer. Most of the time for this recipe is hands-off, beyond cutting the squash and removing the seeds, so it’s ideal for popping in the air fryer while you work on the rest of dinner.
This air fryer acorn squash will be making a regular appearance on our dinner table through fall and winter, that’s for sure. The whole family loves it!
Ingredients Needed
Just 5 ingredients are needed to make this super tasty side dish.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Acorn squash – For this recipe, you’ll want a squash that’s approximately 1 & 1/2 pounds.
- Butter – Adds moisture and richness.
- Brown sugar – For a sweet molasses flavor.
- Salt – To taste. Helps to balance the buttery sweetness of the dish.
- Cayenne pepper – The cayenne pepper is optional but recommended. It’s just a pinch and does not make the squash spicy, rather it lends balance to the sweet sugar.
Recipe Variations
There are so many different flavors for acorn squash recipes, that you’ll never get bored with it. I love the combination of butter, brown sugar, salt, and a pinch of cayenne. It has a total wow factor. It’s sweet, salty, with a little heat – it’s crazy delish! But there are other flavor combos you can try. Here are a few recommendations:
- Cinnamon and honey or maple syrup
- Butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon
- Garlic, thyme, and rosemary
- Garlic, cumin, and lime juice
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
How to Cook Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer
This air fryer acorn squash recipe requires just a few easy steps, with only 5 to 10 minutes of prep needed.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Prepare the squash. Wash and dry the squash, then cut it in half along the ribs. Scrape out the seeds and pulp from each half (discard or wash and dry the seeds to roast later.)
- Air fry the squash. Place the squash in the air fryer basket, cut side up. Cook at 325°F for 20 minutes.
- Add the sugar and seasonings. Spread the butter over each half, then sprinkle with sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Increase temperature and continue air frying. Increase the air fryer temp to 375°F and air fry an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork or pairing knife. Enjoy!
How Long To Cook Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer?
Acorn squash usually range in size from 1 & 1/2 to 2 pounds. Most of the ones I find are 1 & 1/2 pounds and my cooking time reflects that. If your squash is larger, you might need to extend the cooking time.
Another thing to note is the size of your air fryer. My air fryer is a 5.8-quart Cosori Air Fryer which can easily fit both squash halves. If you own a different model air fryer or a smaller one, you might need to cook in batches. Some air fryers also heat differently, so if your squash isn’t tender after 35 minutes, just add a few more minutes.
Can I Make This In The Oven?
Yes, you can also make this acorn squash recipe in the oven. Prepare as directed above, then place the cut squash on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 50 to 60 minutes, until the squash is fork tender.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many ways to serve this acorn squash with brown sugar. You can scoop it directly out of the skin, cut it into chunks, or even mash it a bit.
It pairs well with pretty much any entree, like baked chicken breast, crispy pork chops, or pork tenderloin. You can even serve it with something like honey glazed salmon, for an easy, restaurant-worthy dinner.
Proper Storage
Leftover acorn squash should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop the entire half back into the air fryer to warm through.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes:
- Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
- Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Breaded Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Hoisin Air Fryer Salmon
- Air Fryer Pineapple
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 pound acorn squash
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter , softened
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- sprinkle of salt , to taste
- sprinkle of cayenne pepper , optional but recommended!
Instructions
- Wash and dry the squash, then carefully (but with some muscle!) cut in half along the ribs, lengthwise.
- With a spoon, scrape the seeds and pulp from each half; discard (or wash, dry, and roast the seeds with seasoning!)
- If your air fryer requires preheating, set it on 325°F degrees F for 5 minutes.
- Place acorn squash halves in the air fryer, cut side up.
- Air fry for 20 minutes.
- Spread the butter over the flesh of each half, then sprinkle with the sugar, salt, and cayenne (if using.)
- Increase the air fryer temp to 375°F and air fry for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork or pairing knife.
This was so good. The cayenne adds just the right touch. I will definitely make this again.
French quarter cheese spread
I made this twice already and as you said it was a hit. It will be on my to make list for partying.
It was quick and easy to make also.
I loved this recipe. I’ve never done it like this before. Ive always boiled it, and thought of trying something new for Thanksgiving . Everyone who tried it loved
It as well, they couldn’t stop telling me. So thank you for sharing it. Making it again.