Best Air Fryer Butternut Squash Home Fries Recipes

Butternut squash is a popular vegetable in the winter months due to its sweet taste and versatility in cooking. One simple and delicious way to prepare butternut squash is by turning it into home fries using an air fryer. Air fryer butternut squash home fries are a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional potato home fries, and are easy to make in just a few steps.

Ingredients

To make air fryer butternut squash home fries, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 medium-sized butternut squash
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

To make air fryer butternut squash home fries, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Squash

Begin by peeling the butternut squash and removing the seeds. Cut the squash into small cubes, roughly the size of traditional potato home fries.

Step 2: Season the Squash

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add the squash cubes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Air Fry the Squash

Once the air fryer is heated, add the seasoned squash cubes to the basket. Be sure to spread them out in a single layer for even cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Squash

Cook the squash in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure they are cooking evenly.

Step 6: Serve

Once the air fryer butternut squash home fries are cooked to your liking, remove them from the basket and serve hot. Enjoy as a side dish with your favorite protein or as a healthy snack.

Benefits of Using the Air Fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook food with less oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Air fryer butternut squash home fries are a great example of using the air fryer to cook a healthy and tasty dish without the added calories and fat from frying in oil. Additionally, cooking with an air fryer is easy and convenient, making it a great option for busy weeknight dinners.

Conclusion

Air fryer butternut squash home fries are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional potato home fries. Made with just a few simple ingredients and cooked in an air fryer, they are an easy and convenient side dish or snack. Try adding your own seasonings and spices to create your perfect flavor combination, and enjoy the benefits of cooking with an air fryer.

Air fryer butternut squash home fries are an excellent side dish and a healthier alternative to traditional potato fries. Butternut squash, a winter squash rich in Vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable that is perfect for air frying. Making air fryer butternut squash home fries recipes can be tricky, but with a few valuable tips, you can prepare crispy, delicious home fries that everyone will love.

Tip 1: Choosing the Right Butternut Squash

The first step in making air fryer butternut squash home fries is selecting the right butternut squash. You want to pick a butternut squash that is firm, unblemished, and heavy for its size. If the squash has been sitting on the shelf for a while, it may have started to dry out, making it harder to cut and cook. You should also look for a butternut squash with a long, straight neck and a bulbous, round bottom. The neck is easier to cut into uniform pieces, and the bulbous bottom has fewer seeds, making it more comfortable to prep.

Tip 2: Prepping the Butternut Squash

The next step is to prep the butternut squash for air frying. Start by peeling the skin off the squash using a vegetable peeler. Next, chop off the top and bottom of the squash and use a sharp knife to slice through the neck of the squash. Remove the seeds and the stringy flesh around them. Now that your butternut squash is prepped, you can begin to cut it into fries. Slice the neck of the squash into 1/2-inch-thick rounds, and then cut each round into 1/2-inch-thick sticks. Cut the bulbous bottom of the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Slice each half lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick sticks.

Tip 3: Seasoning the Butternut Squash

Once your butternut squash fries are prepped and ready to go, it's time to season them. You can season your butternut squash fries with any flavors you like, such as garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, or rosemary. For a sweeter option, you can sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar over the fries. Place the butternut squash fries in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Use your hands to toss the fries until they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Tip 4: Cooking the Butternut Squash

Now that your butternut squash fries are seasoned, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and pour the butternut squash fries into the basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket; the fries should be in a single layer with a little bit of space between them. Cook the butternut squash fries for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly. The fries should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Tip 5: Serving and Storing

Once your air fryer butternut squash home fries are cooked to perfection, it's time to serve them up. You can serve them on their own as a tasty snack, or as a side dish to a main meal. If you want to make them even more exciting, you can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, like garlic aioli, ketchup, or ranch dressing. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat them, place them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-6 minutes until they are warm and crispy.

Conclusion

Making air fryer butternut squash home fries recipes is simple with these valuable tips. Remember to choose the right butternut squash, prep it properly, season it to your liking, cook it in the air fryer, and serve it up with your favorite sauce. With these tips, you'll have a delicious and healthy side dish that everyone will love.