Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Air fryer acorn squash is easy to make and so flavorful. The acorn squash halves roast perfectly in the air fryer and are a delicious way to enjoy winter squash.

I have recently adored cooking whole squash in my air fryer. Well... I guess technically squash halves.

It's so easy! Just slice in half, scoop out the seeds, and air fry the squash. I've made air fryer butternut squash halves, but I think these acorn squash halves are my new favorite.

The acorn squash is so delicious after air frying. It gets slightly caramelized and is easy to just scoop out and eat.

I love adding a little butter when cooking and then I just mash it all together in the skin and eat it. So flavorful and easy!

Ingredients

• Acorn Squash
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter (optional)

What is acorn squash?

Acorn squash is a type of winter squash that is dark green on the outside when unripe, but gets yellow and orange spots as it ripens. The inside is a vibrant yellow-orange color.

The skin of acorn squash is edible, which means you can eat it! However, some people still prefer to scrape out the insides instead of eating the peel.

Where can you buy acorn squash?

Acorn squash can be found at most grocery stores in the fall and winter months. It will typically be stored on shelves, as it does not need to be refrigerated. You can find it alongside other produce such as spaghetti squash and butternut squash.

Customizations

I added little bit of Calabrian butter to the acorn squash after I flipped it in the air fryer. It was delicious and added a bit of spice (harissa butter would also be delicious)!

For a sweeter flavor, you can add some brown sugar butter. Or you can just add plain butter or none at all.

You can also season the acorn squash however you like! I kept it simple with salt and pepper, but you could add some cinnamon and brown sugar or maple syrup after flipping, or you can season with your favorite herbs.

Recipe tips

• All air fryers cook differently. Check frequently for doneness and adjust cook times as needed.
• The acorn squash seeds can be saved and roasted, either in the air fryer or oven.
• The squash can be used in a variety of ways, including just scooping and eating, slicing and eating, or using in a soup.

What to serve with the acorn squash

Acorn squash is delicious served as a main dish or side dish! Here's a few ideas of what to enjoy with air fried acorn squash.

• Air Fryer Salmon
• Oven Roasted Red Cabbage
• Instant Pot Parmesan Risotto
• Honey Sriracha Chicken

How to make air fryer acorn squash

First, slice your squash in half. I prefer to do this through the stem.

Next, scoop out the acorn squash seeds with a spoon, so you're left with two halves that look like this.

Drizzle olive oil over each half and rub into the yellow-orange squash. Season with salt and pepper.

Place the squash in your air fryer basket, yellow side down.

Air fry for 20 minutes, then flip. If desired, add a pat of butter into the acorn squash. Air fry another 10 minutes until fork tender.

Remove and enjoy!

Yum.

More squash recipes

• Air Fryer Butternut Squash
• Air Fryer Delicata Squash
• Roasted Acorn Squash Slices
• Roasted Acorn Squash with Parmesan
• Air Fryer Honeynut Squash