10 Delicious Air Fryer Winter Squash Recipes for 2026

1. Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries

If you love fries but want a healthier option, these air fryer butternut squash fries will satisfy your cravings. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect side dish or snack.

• Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. Peel and cut the butternut squash into fry-shaped pieces.
  2. In a bowl, toss the squash with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Place the squash fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  5. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.

2. Air Fryer Acorn Squash with Maple Glaze

This air fryer acorn squash recipe is a sweet and savory dish that highlights the natural flavors of winter squash. The maple glaze adds a delightful touch that pairs beautifully with roasted meats.

• Ingredients: 1 acorn squash, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and cinnamon to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. Cut the acorn squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
  2. Brush the inside with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and cinnamon, and drizzle with maple syrup.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Place the acorn squash halves in the air fryer basket, cut side up.
  5. Air fry for 20-25 minutes until the squash is tender and caramelized.

3. Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash with Garlic Butter

Spaghetti squash is a fantastic low-carb alternative to pasta. This air fryer version, tossed with garlic butter, is sure to impress your family and friends.

• Ingredients: 1 medium spaghetti squash, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 cloves garlic minced, salt, and parsley for garnish.
• Instructions:
  1. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  3. Place the squash halves cut side down in the air fryer basket.
  4. Air fry for 25-30 minutes until the flesh is tender and can be shredded with a fork.
  5. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
  6. Once the squash is cooked, scrape the insides with a fork, mix in the garlic butter, and garnish with parsley.

4. Air Fryer Delicata Squash Rings

Delicata squash has a unique flavor and is easy to cook. These air fryer delicata squash rings are perfect as a snack or side dish, and they look beautiful on the plate!

• Ingredients: 1 delicata squash, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. Slice the delicata squash into rings, removing the seeds.
  2. Toss the rings with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Arrange the squash rings in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  5. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.

5. Air Fryer Stuffed Winter Squash

These stuffed winter squashes are not only delicious but also make for a stunning centerpiece at any winter gathering. You can use any stuffing of your choice, but a savory mixture of quinoa, cranberries, and nuts works beautifully.

• Ingredients: 2 small winter squashes, 1 cup cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup chopped nuts, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the squashes and scoop out the insides.
  3. In a bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, cranberries, nuts, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stuff the mixture into each squash and place them in the air fryer basket.
  5. Air fry for 25-30 minutes until the squash is tender and the stuffing is heated through.

6. Air Fryer Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Don’t throw away the seeds when you’re preparing your winter squash! Instead, roast them in the air fryer for a crunchy snack. They’re easy to make and can be seasoned in various ways.

• Ingredients: Seeds from your winter squash, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and your choice of spices (cayenne, garlic powder, or paprika).
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Rinse the seeds to remove any pulp and pat them dry.
  3. Toss the seeds with olive oil, salt, and your chosen spices.
  4. Spread the seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  5. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes until golden and crispy.

7. Air Fryer Creamy Winter Squash Risotto

This creamy risotto made with air-fried winter squash is comforting and perfect for chilly nights. The air fryer makes the squash tender while adding a lovely roasted flavor.

• Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup cooked winter squash, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
  2. Add the Arborio rice and toast it for a minute.
  3. Slowly add vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring until absorbed.
  4. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and air fry the winter squash for 15-20 minutes until tender.
  5. Once the rice is creamy and cooked, mix in the air-fried squash and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Air Fryer Maple Balsamic Roasted Winter Squash

This dish combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tang of balsamic vinegar for a flavorful roasted winter squash that complements any meal.

• Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Peel and cube the butternut squash.
  3. In a bowl, toss the cubed squash with olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add the squash to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  5. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until caramelized and tender.

9. Air Fryer Winter Squash Soup

This flavorful winter squash soup is creamy, comforting, and perfect for warming up on a cold day. The air fryer enhances the sweetness of the squash, making it the star of the dish.

• Ingredients: 1 medium winter squash, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup coconut milk, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the winter squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
  3. Air fry the squash halves for 25-30 minutes until tender.
  4. In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
  5. Add the cooked squash, vegetable broth, and coconut milk. Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper.

10. Air Fryer Savory Winter Squash Muffins

These savory muffins make a great breakfast or snack option. Packed with winter squash and spices, they are deliciously moist and satisfying.

• Ingredients: 1 cup pureed winter squash, 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs, and 1/4 cup olive oil.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix the pureed winter squash, flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and olive oil.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Fill muffin cups with the batter and place them in the air fryer basket.
  6. Air fry for 15-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

These 10 air fryer winter squash recipes are sure to bring warmth and comfort to your winter meals. From crispy fries to creamy soups, the air fryer helps you create delicious dishes that celebrate the flavors of winter squash. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a hearty main course, these recipes are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting with these versatile ingredients and delight in the wonderful world of air-fried winter squash!

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Bonus Tips for Cooking Winter Squash in an Air Fryer

Getting the most out of your air fryer winter squash recipes can be easy with a few helpful tips. Here are some to keep in mind:

• Choosing the Right Squash: Opt for fresh, firm winter squash. Varieties such as butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash are great choices that yield fantastic results in the air fryer.
• Uniform Cutting: Cut your squash into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This will help avoid some pieces being undercooked while others are overdone.
• Tossing with Oil: Always toss your cubed or sliced squash with a bit of oil before air frying. This not only enhances flavor but also helps achieve that desirable crispy texture.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to get creative with your spices and herbs. Try adding garlic powder, paprika, or even fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate your dish.
• Preheating is Key: Always preheat your air fryer. This helps to seal in moisture and gives your squash a nice, crispy exterior.

Final Thoughts

Air frying winter squash is a fantastic way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable with minimal fuss. The versatility of winter squash means you can create a variety of dishes that cater to all tastes and preferences. From savory muffins to warming soups, these recipes will surely become favorites in your winter meal rotation. Embrace the season’s bounty and enjoy the delicious flavors of air-fried winter squash!

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