Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash Home Fries: A Healthy & Delicious Side!

Looking for a healthier alternative to traditional potato fries? Craving something sweet, savory, and utterly delicious? Look no further than these Air Fryer Butternut Squash Home Fries! This recipe transforms humble butternut squash into crispy, golden-brown delights that are perfect as a side dish, snack, or even a light meal.

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor and texture. The air fryer is the secret weapon here, circulating hot air to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and slightly sweet. Forget soggy fries – these butternut squash home fries are a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Butternut Squash Home Fries

• Healthy and Nutritious: Butternut squash is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a much healthier option than potatoes.
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil.
• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The natural sweetness of butternut squash is enhanced by savory spices, creating a balanced and irresistible flavor profile.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these home fries are perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: Serve them as a side dish, snack, or appetizer – the possibilities are endless!
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the slightly sweet and crispy texture of these butternut squash fries.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the spices to your personal preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds): Choose a firm butternut squash with a smooth, even skin.
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil helps the squash crisp up and adds flavor. Avocado oil or coconut oil can also be used.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a savory and aromatic flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory flavor profile.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
• Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or other herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or chili powder.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Air Fryer: Essential for achieving that crispy texture.
• Chef’s Knife: For safely and efficiently cutting the butternut squash.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for cutting.
• Large Bowl: For tossing the squash with oil and spices.
• Spoon or Spatula: For evenly coating the squash.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy and delicious air fryer butternut squash home fries:

Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash

1. Wash the Butternut Squash: Rinse the butternut squash under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Cut Off the Ends: Using a sharp chef’s knife, carefully cut off the top and bottom ends of the squash. This creates a stable base for cutting.
3. Peel the Butternut Squash: This can be the trickiest part! You have a few options:
   • Vegetable Peeler: Use a sturdy vegetable peeler to remove the skin. This can be challenging, especially if the squash is hard. Apply consistent pressure and be careful not to cut yourself.
   • Knife: Carefully slice off the skin with a sharp knife, following the contours of the squash. This method requires more skill and caution but can be faster.
   • Microwave: Pierce the squash several times with a fork and microwave for 2-3 minutes. This will slightly soften the skin, making it easier to peel. Be careful, as the squash will be hot.
4. Scoop Out the Seeds: Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise, from top to bottom. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp.
5. Cut into Fries: Cut each half into 1/2-inch thick slices, then cut each slice into 1/2-inch thick fries. Aim for roughly uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Butternut Squash

1. Place the Fries in a Bowl: Transfer the cut butternut squash fries to a large bowl.
2. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the fries.
3. Add Spices: Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add any optional spices like cayenne pepper or herbs at this point.
4. Toss to Coat: Use a spoon or spatula to toss the fries thoroughly, ensuring that they are evenly coated with oil and spices.

Step 3: Air Fry the Butternut Squash

1. Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional): Some air fryers recommend preheating. Check your air fryer’s manual for instructions. If preheating, set it to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
2. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned butternut squash fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will prevent them from crisping up properly. You may need to cook them in batches.
3. Air Fry: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the size of the fries.
4. Check for Doneness: The fries are done when they are tender on the inside and crispy and golden brown on the outside. Use a fork to test for tenderness.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove from Air Fryer: Carefully remove the cooked butternut squash fries from the air fryer basket.
2. Season with Extra Salt (Optional): If desired, sprinkle with a little extra salt to taste.
3. Serve Immediately: Serve the fries immediately while they are still hot and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Butternut Squash Home Fries

• Cut the Squash Uniformly: Consistent size ensures even cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook in batches if necessary to allow for proper air circulation. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping.
• Flip Halfway Through: Flipping ensures even browning on all sides.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Air fryers vary, so adjust the cooking time as needed. Keep a close eye on the fries during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
• Use Enough Oil: A little oil is essential for crisping, but don’t overdo it. Too much oil can make the fries soggy.
• Pat Dry if Needed: If the butternut squash seems particularly moist, pat it dry with a paper towel before seasoning to help it crisp up.
• Add a Pinch of Sugar (Optional): A tiny pinch of brown sugar or maple syrup can enhance the natural sweetness of the butternut squash.

Variations and Substitutions

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Herby Flavor: Toss with fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage for an earthy flavor.
• Garlic Lovers: Use roasted garlic powder for a deeper garlic flavor.
• Sweet and Savory: Drizzle with a little maple syrup or honey after cooking for a sweet and savory treat.
• Different Oil: Experiment with different oils, such as avocado oil or coconut oil.
• Other Vegetables: Try this recipe with other root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, or parsnips. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer butternut squash home fries are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Side Dish: Serve them alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
• Snack: Enjoy them as a healthy and satisfying snack.
• Appetizer: Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, aioli, or ketchup.
• Bowl Meal: Add them to a grain bowl with quinoa, black beans, avocado, and a fried egg.
• Tacos or Wraps: Use them as a filling for tacos or wraps.

Dipping Sauce Ideas

• Ranch Dressing: A classic choice.
• Aioli: Garlic aioli, chipotle aioli, or sriracha aioli.
• Ketchup: A simple and familiar option.
• Spicy Mayo: Combine mayonnaise with sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
• Maple Mustard: Whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a touch of mayonnaise.
• Avocado Crema: Blend avocado, lime juice, cilantro, and Greek yogurt.
• Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy option.

Making Ahead and Storing

Making Ahead: You can cut the butternut squash into fries a few hours ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Toss them with the oil and spices just before air frying.

Storing Leftovers: Leftover air fryer butternut squash fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They will lose some of their crispness as they sit.

Reheating: To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Reheating in a skillet with a little oil can also help to restore some of the crispness.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Nutritional information will vary depending on the size of the butternut squash, the amount of oil used, and any additional ingredients. However, a serving of these air fryer butternut squash home fries is generally a good source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium.

Printable Recipe Card

Air Fryer Butternut Squash Home Fries

Crispy and delicious air fryer butternut squash home fries, a healthy and flavorful side dish!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper or other herbs/spices

Instructions

1. Wash, peel, and deseed the butternut squash. Cut into 1/2-inch thick fries.
2. In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash fries with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if required by your model. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary).
4. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until tender on the inside and crispy and golden brown on the outside.
5. Serve immediately.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Butternut Squash Home Fries are a delicious, healthy, and easy way to enjoy butternut squash. The crispy texture and sweet and savory flavor make them a crowd-pleaser, and the air fryer makes them a breeze to prepare. So, ditch the traditional potato fries and give these butternut squash fries a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy!