Air fryer acorn squash halves are the perfect fall treat. The acorn squash roasts perfectly in the air fryer and is 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 halves are so delicious after air frying. The squash 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 and a delicious air fryer fall recipe.
Ingredients
- Acorn Squash
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Butter (optional)
How to make air fryer acorn squash halves
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 halves 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.
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.
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.
More squash recipes
- Air Fryer Delicata Squash
- Roasted Acorn Squash Slices
- Roasted Acorn Squash with Parmesan
- Air Fryer Honeynut Squash
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- salt
- pepper
- butter optional
Instructions
- Take acorn squash and slice in half through the stem. Scoop out the seeds from each half.
- Drizzle the yellow squash faces with olive oil and brush or rub into the surface. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place in air fryer basket, face side down. Air fry for 20 minutes at 380 degrees F.
- Flip the squash so that it is skin side down (face side up) and place a pat of butter in the center of each squash half (if desired). Air fry for another 7-10 minutes until squash is fork tender.
- Remove from air fryer basket and enjoy.
Notes
- 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.
Nutrition
If nutrition info is shown, values are based on an online calculator and are estimates. Please verify using your own data.
Jenn
A simple and delicious seasonal dish!
Robin
Absolutely delicious! Didn't use olive oil, but smeared butter over flesh. Salted only. Was generous with adding butter when flipped over (about 3 tbsp or so). When time was up, there were butter swimming pools in the squash, but it was all absorbed into the squash by the time the hamburgers were done in the air fryer. I'm in love with acorn squash done this way! Soooo sweet with just butter.
Thanks!!!