Air Fryer Acorn Squash
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Our air fryer acorn squash recipe is an easy Fall dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes. It’s roasted to perfection and seasoned with balsamic vinegar and sprinkled with feta cheese.
Now that we are officially in the Fall season, I’ve been experimenting with squash recipes. In case you missed it, I have already mastered spaghetti squash in the air fryer and air fried butternut squash fries. So I thought I would try acorn squash next.
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If you haven’t had much experience with this type of Winter squash, it has a slightly sweet and naturally nutty flavor, especially when compared to butternut squash. While you can make a sweet version, my favorite way to prepare it is with a savory flavor profile because it makes a delicious side dish for cold weather meals.
How to Choose Acorn Squash
When shopping the produce section, ripe acorn squash will be dark green and the stem will be dry. You’ll also want the skin to be firm. As always, steer clear of squash with bruises, mold, or blemishes.
You may also notice that when you pick it up, it feels heavy for the size.
Unlike other popular produce items, acorn squash stored in a cool dry place can stay fresh for 1 to 2 months. If you cut into it and it’s a little slimy or the seeds have a gray tint, you’ll want to toss it in the trash. These are indicators that it has spoiled.
Ingredients Needed
- acorn squash
- olive oil
- balsamic vinegar
- salt & pepper
- feta cheese crumbles
- honey to drizzle
How to Make Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
Whisk together the oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small shallow dish.
Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash halves cut side down on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into ½ inch slices.
Dip the cut squash pieces into the balsamic mixture and turn to coat completely.
Spray the air fryer basket with oil (I use this refillable oil mister). Add the squash in a single layer and cook for 6 minutes. Turn the slices and cook for an additional 6 minutes. Depending on the size of your air fryer you may need to cook in batches.
Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with feta then drizzle with a little honey.
How to Make Oven Baked Acorn Squash
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Follow the instructions above for cutting and dipping in seasoning mix.
Place the squash slices on the sheet pan and bake for 25 minutes at 375 degrees F. Flip each slice and continue cooking for another 15 or 20 minutes until tender.
Tips for Making Air Fryer Squash
- When cutting the acorn squash make sure you use a knife that is heavy and sharp.
- To save time you can check the produce section for pre-sliced acorn squash.
- The number of servings may vary based on the size of your squash.
- If desired, drizzle with maple syrup instead of honey.
- Instead of greasing the basket you can use a parchment paper liner.
- For a sweet version, use butter cinnamon, and sugar in place of the balsamic and feta.
- Cooking time may vary based on the size and model of your air fryer.
Is Acorn Squash Skin Edible?
Sometimes the skin on these squash is described as being tough. When air frying, it does get tender so it’s really a personal preference when making this recipe. Once it’s cooked, it’s really easy to peel the skin off if you don’t want to eat it.
Can You Cook Whole Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer?
Sure can! This is perfect when you want to make soup or mash it up. Simply slice it in half (scoop out the insides) and place it face down in the basket. Air fry for 20 minutes at 400 degrees F until it’s fork tender.
Before adding it to soup, let it cool slightly. You can then mash it by hand or use an immersion blender.
How to Store
Keep leftover roasted acorn squash in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at 375 degrees F.
MORE EASY
Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes
**Save Air Fryer Acorn Squash Recipe for Later**
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized acorn squash, rinsed and dried
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- salt & pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup feta cheese crumbles
- Honey to drizzle, optional
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt & pepper.
- Cut the acorn squash in half lengthwise with a sharp knife and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Place squash cut side down on a cutting board and cut into ½-inch slices.
- Dip the slices into the olive oil mixture and turn to coat completely.
- Grease the air fryer basket and add squash slices, leaving a little room between the slices.
- Cook for 6 minutes, then turn and cook for an additional 6 minutes or until the squash is fork tender.
- Remove squash from air fryer and place on a serving platter. Sprinkle on feta crumbles and drizzle with honey.
Notes
- Use a heavy, sharp knife to cut the squash.
- Look for pre-sliced squash in your produce department.
- Substitute maple syrup for the honey if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat: 3-5 minutes at 375 degrees F.
- Oven bake directions: preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cook for 25 minutes, turn and cook for 15-20 minutes more, until squash is fork tender.
Nutritional Estimate
Nutritional information is provided as a reference, using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently for accuracy.
