Are you looking for a simple yet flavorful side dish? Look no further than air fryer Acorn Squash! This recipe combines the nutty flavor of acorn squash with the sweetness of brown sugar, turning out a perfect fall side dish. Plus, cooking acorn squash in the air fryer is fast, and it's ready in less time than traditional methods. In this blog post, I'll walk you through the steps to create this dish and share some tips along the way. Read on!
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Ingredients
A small acorn squash: When choosing acorn squash for air frying, it's best to look for smaller to medium-sized squash with a firm texture and smooth green skin. Once you've selected the right acorn squash, depending on your air fryer's capacity and the size of your squash pieces, you can prepare it for air frying by cutting it to half size or slicing it into evenly sized wedges.
Olive oil: You can substitute it with any type of cooking oil.
Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a delicious touch of sweetness and caramelized flavor to your acorn squash while air frying. The brown sugar will melt and caramelize during the air frying process, creating a sweet and flavorful glaze on the acorn squash.
Salt: to taste.
Dried red dates: They are optional. They add extra sweet flavors.
Step-by-step cooking instructions
Start by washing the acorn squash and patting them dry. The skin of acorn squash is edible, so there's no need to peel it. Cut each squash in half vertically and scoop out the seeds and any stringy pulp using a spoon.
Mix the olive oil, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This savory-sweet blend will enhance the flavor of your acorn squash.
Brush the flesh of the squash halves with the seasoning mixture. Make sure to coat them evenly for the best flavor.
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F. (The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the type of air fryer you have, so double-check your user manual for specific instructions.)
Line the air fryer basket with liners or parchment paper. You can lightly grease it with cooking spray if you want. This will prevent the squash from sticking to the basket; I did not.
Place both halves of the seasoned acorn squash in the air fryer basket, cut side up. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook the squash at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until they are fork tender and have turned golden brown on the edges.
Brush another layer of sauce mixture over the squash again. Put them back into the air fryer for another 5 minutes for a delightful touch of sweetness.
Once the squash is done, throw in a couple of dried red dates in the squash for another 1 minute or just garnish with fresh herbs. Thyme or rosemary all work wonderfully. Transfer the fried acorn squash to a serving platter and enjoy your delicious side dish!
How to tell when the acorn squash is tender and caramelized
Here's how to tell when your acorn squash is ready:
- Color Change: As the acorn squash cooks in the air fryer, it will change a noticeable color. It will transform from a pale or vibrant green to a golden or caramelized brown on the outside.
- Texture: The exterior of the squash should appear slightly crispy and caramelized, with a glaze. The brown sugar should be melted and have formed a sweet, golden crust.
- Fork Test: Insert a fork or a sharp knife into a piece of the acorn squash. If it easily pierces through the flesh with little resistance, it's a sign that the squash is tender. It should feel soft and not raw or crunchy.
Keep in mind that slightly different textures may be preferred by different people. Some people like their acorn squash to have a firmer texture, while others prefer it very soft and caramelized. Once you're satisfied with the texture, remove the acorn squash from the air fryer and serve it hot.:)
More squash dishes
Air fryer acorn squash is a versatile dish that can be customized with various seasonings and flavors. If you're a fan of winter squashes like acorn squash, you'll also love experimenting with air fryer butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or even spaghetti squash in your air fryer. Each type of winter squash brings its unique flavor profile, making for a great addition to your favorite recipes.
Storing and reheating leftovers
Storing and reheating air fryer acorn squash is relatively easy.
Storing: Transfer the cooled squash to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. You can store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you freeze the air fryer acorn squash, they are good for up to 3 months.
Reheating: You can place the refrigerated air-fried acorn squash into the air fryer for about 10-15 minutes or until the squash is heated. You can brush it with a little olive oil or melted butter if you like to prevent it from drying out. If you are reheating the frozen ones, use the same method but increase the time to 20-30 minutes, checking periodically to see if it's tender.
Final thoughts
Air fryer acorn squash is the perfect way to enjoy fall flavors in a simple side dish. With its nutty flavor, sweet seasonings, and crispy edges, it's sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. So, grab your air fryer and some fresh acorn squash, and give this easy air fryer recipe a try.:)
Delicious Air Fryer Acorn Squash With Brown Sugar
Ingredients
- 1 whole acorn squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- Dried red dates optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by washing the acorn squash and patting them dry. The skin of acorn squash is edible, so there's no need to peel it. Cut the small squash in half vertically and scoop out the seeds and any stringy pulp using a spoon.
- Mix the olive oil, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This savory-sweet blend will enhance the flavor of your acorn squash.
- Brush the flesh of the squash halves with the seasoning mixture. Make sure to coat them evenly for the best flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees. (The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the type of air fryer you have, so double-check your user manual for specific instructions.)
- Line the air fryer basket with liners or parchment paper. You can lightly grease it with cooking spray if you want. This will prevent the squash from sticking to the basket; I did not.
- Place both halves of the seasoned acorn squash in the air fryer basket, cut side up.
- Cook the squash at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until they are fork tender and have turned golden brown on the edges.
- Brush another layer of sauce mixture over the squash again. Put them back into the air fryer for another 5 minutes for a delightful touch of sweetness.
- Once the squash is done, throw in a couple of dried red dates in the squash for another 1 minute or just garnish with fresh herbs. Transfer the air fried acorn squash to a serving platter and enjoy your delicious side dish!
Ali says
This was my first time making squash in the air fryer — it was so easy and turned out delicious! Will be making this again while acorn squash is in season!
Emily says
This was so good, everyone loved it! The savory-sweet blend really complimented the flavor of the squash. This recipe is going on rotation for a tasty fall side dish!
Gianne says
The squash came out perfectly tender and the brown sugar added just the right amount of sweetness. I was surprised that the kids loved it even though they rarely eat squash.
Sara Welch says
Another great recipe for my air fryer! Enjoyed this with dinner tonight and it was a savory success! Easily, a new fall favorite recipe; delicious!
Mairead says
What a perfect recipe for fall. I love using my airfryer to make delicious sides and this one is definitely a keeper.
Kim says
I recently tried it, and the result was pure perfection: crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with autumn flavors.