• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Food Lovin Family
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Cooking Tips
  • Appetizers
  • Breakfast
  • Drinks
  • Dinner
  • Lunch
  • Sweets
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Cooking Tips
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • About Me
    • Recipes
    • Cooking Tips
  • ×

    Home » Dinner

    Air Fryer Acorn Squash (Savory and Sweet)

    Published: Sep 17, 2020 · Modified: Sep 30, 2021 by heather · This post may contain affiliate links

    • Facebook
    Jump to Recipe

    Air fryer acorn squash makes a simple side dish that is delicious and nutritious. Can be served in a variety of ways from sweet to savory, whole or mashed. 

    We love cooking squash with our air fryer. Some of our other favorites are roasted delicata squash, air fryer spaghetti squash and air fryer butternut squash. 

    Roasted acorn squash on a plate

    There are a few methods of cooking like microwave acorn squash or roasting in the oven. If you like a more roasted taste and texture I recommend using the air fryer. 

    Acorn squash is a winter squash that can typically be found at the grocery store in the fall and winter months. It has a natural sweetness that works well as a great side dish or even main dish. 

    This dish is also a great addition to any table during the holiday season. 

    Why cook acorn squash in the air fryer

    • An easy way to cook squash and minimal cleanup. 
    • Takes less time than cooking in the oven and don’t have to preheat.
    • Delicious roasted squash in less than 30 minutes from start to finish. 

    Ingredients needed 

    Acorn squash – Choose an squash that is mostly dark green and has a heavy feel with minimal blemishes. 

    Savory

    Olive oil, salt and pepper

    Sweet

    Butter, cinnamon, brown sugar

    How to make air fryer acorn squash

    Scroll to the bottom for full, printable recipe, ingredients and video.

    1. Prepare: Cut squash down the middle from top to bottom. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and set aside. 
    2. Season: For the savory version, brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. *** See notes in recipe card for sweet version.  
    3. Cook: Place squash halves cut side up in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes or until desired. 
    4. Serve: Serve as is, stuffed or mashed. 

    acorn squash cut in half and in air fryer basket

    How to store

    Store: Let squash completely cool and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. 

    Freeze: Allow squash to cool, remove pulp and store in a freezer safe bag. It can be frozen for 8-10 months. 

    Recipe tips

    • Each air fryer cooks a little different so the cook time might vary slightly depending on the type of air fryer you have. Mine was finished cooking in 15 minutes. You may find that you need to cook a little longer depending on your machine and size of the squash. 
    • Cutting an acorn squash can be a little difficult sometimes. If necessary, place the whole squash in the microwave for 30 seconds to make it a little softer and easier to cut. Also, be sure to use a sharp knife. 
    • I used a 5.8 quart air fryer and was able to fit both halves in with plenty of room. Depending on your air fryer basket size, you might have to cook one at a time. 

    Variations

    There are several ways to eat and season acorn squash. We like it as a side, stuffed and mashed. Here are a few serving ideas:

    • Herbs: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary. You could also add 1/8 teaspoon of dried spices on each squash half.
    • Maple Syrup: Replace olive oil with a little butter and once finished cooking, drizzle with maple syrup and even a little brown sugar.
    • Marshmallows: Mash the squash and add a little butter and top with mini marshmallows. 
    • Stuff: Try stuffing with a mixture of sausage, brown rice and cranberries for a full meal. 
    • Cheese: Sprinkle salt, toasted pine nuts, and a little parmesan cheese for a super simple, flavorful squash. 

    roasted acorn squash in air fryer

    Is acorn squash healthy? 

    This WebMd article shares that acorn squash is very nutritious and full of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. 

    More easy air fryer recipes

    • Air fryer spaghetti squash – Perfectly cooked spaghetti squash with light seasoning. 
    • Air fryer broccoli – Roast broccoli quick and easy. 
    • Air fryer baked potatoes – Crispy potato skin with a tender middle. 
    • Air fryer mushrooms – These mushrooms are a delicious side. 
    • Air fryer corn on the cob – A quick way to roast corn on the cob. 

    *** If you made this recipe, please feel free to leave a comment and star rating below. 

    Roasted squash on board.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    No ratings yet

    Air Fryer Acorn Squash

    Air fryer acorn squash is quick and easy to make. Make it sweet or savory for a delicious side dish.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: acorn squash
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 148kcal
    Author: Heather

    Ingredients

    • 1 acorn squash
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1/8 teaspoon salt
    • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

    Instructions

    • Cut acorn squash in half and scoop out seeds.
    • Spread oil over the cut portion of the squash. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
    • Place acorn squash halves in air fryer basket. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes.

    Video

    Notes

    *** Sweet - To make this acorn squash sweet, cook the squash for 12 minutes at 400 degrees F. Add 1/4 tablespoon of butter, 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar and pinch of cinnamon to both squash halves. Cook another 5 minutes at 400 degrees. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 152mg | Potassium: 748mg | Fiber: 3g | Vitamin A: 791IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Follow me @foodlovinfamily or tag #foodlovinfamily!

    More Dinner Recipes

    • Meatloaf With Brown Gravy
    • How Long To Boil Chicken Thighs
    • What To Serve With Pork Chops – 31 Recipes
    • What To Serve With Ribs – 32 Recipes
    • Facebook

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah Bailey

      September 17, 2020 at 10:18 pm

      Honestly I am amazed by all the different things you can do with an air fryer – I think I might have to get myself one and give this recipe a try.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hello and thank you for visiting Food Lovin’ Family! With 3 kids I know it can be hard getting food on the table. Here you will find easy and delicious recipes that the whole family will enjoy.

    More about me →

    Favorite Recipes

    • 28 Best Movie Snacks
    • 21 Best Loaded Fries Recipes
    • Chili Cheese Dip
    • How Long To Bake Chicken Wings
    • 31 Delicious Crescent Roll Recipes
    • 35 Best Party Dip Recipes

    Sweets

    27 Best Brownie Mix Recipes

    Chocolate cookies, brownie sundae, and brownies.

    Brownie Sundae

    28 Best Movie Snacks

    Candy, popcorn, chicken nuggets, and soft pretzel.

    31 Best Lemon Desserts

    Lemon cookies, lemon cake, lemon bars, and lemon sorbet.

    More Love →

    Drinks

    25 Delicious Breakfast Drinks

    Smoothie, hot chocolate, frappuccino, and mimosa.

    25 Delicious Apple Cider Cocktails

    Glass filled with ice and apple juice.

    25 Spooky Halloween Cocktails

    Orange martini, bloody mary, and green martini.

    30 Festive Christmas Cocktails

    Copper much with cranberries, blue drink, green drink, and a milky drink.

    More Love →

    Lunch

    30 Best Fall Soup Recipes

    Four bowls of soup.

    30 Tortilla Wrap Recipes

    Chicken tortilla wrap, hap and cheese wrap, and chicken wrap.

    25 Bagel Sandwich Recipes

    Four different bagel sandwiches

    50 Cold Lunch Ideas

    Chicken wrap, chicken salad, tortilla roll up, and stacked sandwich.

    More Love →

    Breakfast

    Strawberry Muffins

    25 Delicious Breakfast Drinks

    Smoothie, hot chocolate, frappuccino, and mimosa.

    McDonald’s Breakfast Sauce Recipe

    Bowl of yellow sauce and a spoon.

    27 Best Bisquick Recipes

    Breakfast casserole, chicken tenders, pizza, and piece of quiche on plate.

    More Love →

    Appetizers

    28 Best Movie Snacks

    Candy, popcorn, chicken nuggets, and soft pretzel.

    21 Best Loaded Fries Recipes

    Loaded cheese fries.

    Chili Cheese Dip

    Hand holding chip with cheese dip.

    How Long To Bake Chicken Wings

    Plate of chicken wings and bowl of sauce.

    More Love →

    Dinner

    Meatloaf With Brown Gravy

    Meatloaf with gravy and mashed potatoes on a plate.

    How Long To Boil Chicken Thighs

    Boiled chicken thighs on a plate.

    What To Serve With Pork Chops – 31 Recipes

    Spinach casserole, corn casserole, slaw, and fruit salad.

    What To Serve With Ribs – 32 Recipes

    Pea salad, slaw, mac and cheese, corn pudding.

    More Love →

    Footer

    Collage of logos.

    Copyright © 2022 foodlovinfamily.com. All rights reserved. PRIVACY POLICY.