This easy air fryer butternut squash recipe is oil-free, golden brown, and fork-tender in under 20 minutes. It’s the perfect healthy side dish for fall or Thanksgiving.
Want to make even more vegan butternut squash recipes? Try my Roasted Butternut Squash Soup or Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchiladas.
There's something about roasted butternut squash that feels like fall in a bowl. It's cozy, golden brown, and makes your kitchen smell like you know what you're doing and have a knack for it, like at Hobby Lobby.
But let's be honest. Peeling, cubing, and roasting an entire squash can feel like a full-body workout.
That's why this easy air fryer butternut squash recipe is my go-to during the season of turkey breasts, stretchy pants, and "I'll bring the sides." It delivers the same oven-roasted butternut flavor in less time, with no olive oil, avocado oil, or greasy pans to scrub.
In under 20 minutes, you’ll have sweet, tender, caramelized squash cubes that are perfect for tossing on salads, serving as a healthy side dish, or enjoying straight from the air fryer basket.
Why you'll love this simple side dish
- Oil-Free + WFPB: No little oil or spray needed. Just a mix of seasonings, a splash of maple syrup, and a few drops of water or broth.
- Quick Cooking Time: Ready in 15-18 minutes - way faster than your oven.
- Perfect Texture: Crispy edges, fork tender inside.
- Great Thanksgiving Side Dish: A cozy, colorful addition to any holiday table (and no one will miss the butter).
- Flexible: Works with fresh or pre-cut butternut from the grocery store. Ain’t no shame in saving a little bit of time.
Simple ingredients you’ll need
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.
- butternut squash, peeled and cubed (¾- to 1-inch cubes)
- pure maple syrup (optional for sweetness, but I wouldn’t leave it out)
- smoked paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt (optional)
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
- water or low-sodium vegetable broth (to help spices stick)
Pro tip
Use a sharp knife and a sturdy vegetable peeler to remove that tough skin. Or grab pre-cut butternut at the store and your fingers will thank you.
How to air fry butternut squash
This easy air fryer butternut squash recipe comes together in minutes. You toss fresh squash cubes with simple seasonings and cook until they are golden brown and fork-tender.
In a large bowl, toss your squash cubes with maple syrup (if using), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add just enough water or broth so the spices stick, not soggy, just shiny.
Air fryer tips
- Cut your squash into even cubes (about 1 inch) so they cook evenly.
- If using larger cubes, add 3-5 minutes to the cook time.
- Don't crowd the basket - cook in batches for the crispiest results.
- Store any leftover squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to crisp back up.
Serving tip
This dish is a great addition to any fall spread, especially next to your favorite hearty mains.
Flavor variations
- Savory Flavor: Skip the maple syrup, add ½ teaspoon cumin and a pinch of chili powder.
- Sweet Version: Add cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy twist.
- Herb Blend: Use Italian seasoning for an earthy, holiday flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted veggies or lentil loaf.
Wanting more? Try these recipes!
Air Fryer Butternut Squash (Vegan + Oil-free)
This easy air fryer butternut squash recipe is oil-free, golden brown, and fork-tender in under 20 minutes. It’s the perfect healthy side dish for fall or Thanksgiving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 medium fresh butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed (¾- to 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup (optional for sweetness, but I wouldn’t leave it out)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (optional)
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 teaspoon water or low-sodium vegetable broth (to help spices stick)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Prep the squash: In a large bowl, combine squash cubes, maple syrup (if using), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat evenly: Add a splash of water or broth, just enough to help the seasonings stick without making it soggy.
- Cook: Arrange the squash in a single layer in your air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry for 20 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden brown and fork-tender.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Savory: Skip the maple syrup and add ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning or cumin for a deeper, savory flavor.
- Sweet: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg before air frying.
- Shortcut: Use pre-cut butternut from the grocery store to save a bit of time.
- Air fryer tips: For best results, cook in an even layer and avoid crowding the basket.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 6.2 g
- Sodium: 7 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 20.5 g
- Fiber: 3.1 g
- Protein: 1.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
FAQs
You can, but you don't need to. This version uses water or broth to keep the spices stuck, giving you the same crispy edges with less oil.
Yep! Spread in an even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway.
ometimes, yes. You'll see a few here and there; they help keep my site running (and my air fryer plugged in).
How to serve air fryer butternut squash
- It’s a great Thanksgiving side dish. Colorful, easy, and crowd-friendly.
- Toss it into grain bowls with quinoa, kale, and cranberries.
- Add it to soups for body and natural sweetness.
- Mash it with almond milk for a creamy oil-free side.
Honestly, my favorite way is to stand at the counter and eat it right from the basket.
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Could you give some instructions for roasting in the oven too, please? Thanks!
Hi, Kathryn! Right below the recipe card in the FAQ section are the oven instructions. Cheers!