Air Fryer Acorn Squash
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Learn how to cook acorn squash in the air fryer! Glazed with cinnamon and maple syrup, the edges are crisp and caramelized, while the insides stay soft and buttery. It’s cozy, naturally sweet, and ready in 25 minutes.
This air fryer acorn squash is my go-to fall side dish when I want roasted flavor without waiting for the oven to preheat. I make it once or twice a week alongside dinner, and my family devours it every time. The real magic here is in the caramelized edges- it’s naturally sweet, golden, and slightly crisp (thanks to a simple maple glaze), and the air fryer achieves that texture in under 25 minutes.
I was skeptical at first (I’m a roasted squash purist), but a few test batches later, I was sold (and so was my partner). The air fryer truly transforms the humble squash into something you’d seriously consider serving at Thanksgiving: tender inside, caramelized outside, and impossibly easy.
Table of Contents
Why trust my acorn squash recipe
- Half the time of the oven. It typically takes me about 50 minutes to roast an acorn squash, but the air fryer cuts that time in half.
- Cook halves or slices. You can keep them halved, sliced, or in rings.
- It’s healthy. Packed with vitamin C and fiber (9 grams per cup!), and naturally low in fat, it’s a naturally filling option without being heavy. I only use a touch of oil and maple syrup for texture and flavor.
Key Ingredients
This isn’t the complete list of ingredients, but rather a few key notes on the main ones. Jump to the full list below:
- Acorn squash: I recommend choosing a small to medium acorn squash, which is around 1 to 1 1/2 pounds. At this weight, it’s about 6 inches wide, which is the perfect size for two halves to fit perfectly in a standard air fryer (4-5 qt). Any larger and you’ll need to air fry half at a time.
- Olive oil: To brush on the squash before air frying. I also tested butter and coconut oil, so use whichever you prefer.
- Sweet glaze: I use a combination of maple syrup, olive oil, and cinnamon.
How to cook acorn squash halves in the air fryer
Step 1- Season. Scoop the seeds out of the squash, brush with oil, and season with salt.
Step 2- Air fry for 20 minutes.
Step 3- Make glaze. While the squash is cooking, whisk the glaze ingredients.
Step 4- Glaze and repeat. Open the air fryer, brush the glaze over the squash, and air fry for another 3-4 minutes, until caramelized.
Yes, you can air fry sliced acorn squash
While I prefer to air fry squash halves (as they are easier to serve, with each person getting half a squash), you can also serve it sliced into rings or wedges if you prefer. Here’s how:
- Slice the squash into half-inch slices, brush with oil, and season with salt.
- Add a single layer of squash to the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for another 8 minutes.
- Either serve immediately or glaze both sides and air-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Trim the ends. I usually trim the top and the base so it stays in position in the air fryer.
- Don’t skip the oil. I know many of you prefer to cook without oil in the air fryer, but hear me out. Even a little bit of oil (I use one teaspoon per half squash) prevents the flesh from drying out and keeps the edges tender and crisp.
- Adjust the cooking time. I’ve tested this in a standard Ninja air fryer (5-quart) and the cooking time was exactly 25 minutes, whereas my larger Phillips XXL took closer to 24 minutes. I recommend checking at the 23-minute mark and every minute after to prevent the glaze from burning.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can! Like oven-roasted squash, the skin softens as it cooks and is entirely edible. That being said, not everyone loves it, so feel free to remove it before serving.
I only add the maple glaze towards the end of the cooking process. To prevent burning, cook for about 3 to 4 minutes once glazed.
Nope, not at all. I like to add it to amplify the sweetness and enhance the cinnamon flavor. If you don’t want this to be overly sweet, simply use olive oil and salt. You can also add cinnamon here, too.
How to store leftovers
- Fridge: Once the squash has cooled, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Place the cooled squash in ziploc bags and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 2 acorn squash around 1 to 1 1/2 pounds each
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Maple glaze
- 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (190°C). Slice each acorn squash in half and discard the seeds and any sinew. If the squash is unsteady, slice the base.
- Brush one teaspoon of olive oil over each squash, then sprinkle with salt.
- Place two to four squash halves (depending on the size of your air fryer) in the air fryer basket skin side down. Air fry for 20 minutes.
- While the squash is cooking, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, and cinnamon.
- After 20 minutes, open the air fryer basket and brush the exterior of each squash half with the glaze.
- Air fry for another 3-4 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and caramelized.
- Remove the squash from the air fryer basket and serve immediately.
Notes
- Skip the glaze: If you prefer a less sweet squash, omit the glaze. Cook the squash for 20 minutes, then remove.
- Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or the freezer for 2 months.
