Air Fryer Butternut Squash Halves
These roasted, air fried Butternut Squash Halves come out tender, golden, and full of flavor. You can keep it simple or go sweet or savory depending on your meal. Don't miss my tip for softening the hard peel for easier cutting.
Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Calories: 1third cup
Equipment
Ingredients
Basic Option
- 1 whole (1½ to 2½ pounds) butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil, divided
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Sweet Option
- 2 tablespoons light or dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
Savory Option
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper or favorite seasoning blend
- chopped fresh thyme or parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Place the butternut squash on a sturdy cutting board. Carefully push the tip of a chef’s knife through the center of the squash and slice downward to one end, holding the squash steady.
- Turn the squash around and repeat the cut from the other end to split it completely in half. Tip: Rock the knife back and forth if needed at the thickest part.
- Use a spoon, melon baller, or ice cream scoop to remove and discard the seeds.
- Preheat the air fryer at 375°F for 3 minutes.
- Brush the cut sides of the squash with melted butter or oil.
- Air fry at 375°F for 20 minutes for a 1½ to 2 lb squash, and for 22 minutes if you’re using a 2½ lb squash.
- Carefully turn the squash halves over using tongs or spatula.
Choose your finish:
For the Basic Option
- Brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter or oil (or less, if preferred) and sprinkle with salt.
For the Sweet Option
- Brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.
For the Savory Option
- Brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter or oil (or less, if preferred).
- Sprinkle the cut surfaces with garlic salt and black pepper or chosen seasoning blend.
- For all versions
- Air fry at 375°F for an additional 10 minutes or until tender.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired.
Notes
How to serve Air Fryer Butternut Squash Halves? Scoop out the flesh and serve like mashed potatoes, cut into cubes, or (scooping to, but not through the peel), or slice the halves crosswise to serve as half-moon shaped pieces. If the squash halves are small, you can serve one half whole on each plate.
