Description
This Air Fryer Acorn Squash recipe offers a quick and easy way to prepare tender, flavorful squash halves with a sweet cinnamon-butter glaze. Using an air fryer ensures perfectly cooked squash with a slightly golden finish in just 40 minutes, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Squash
- 2 small or medium acorn squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
Glaze
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- â…› teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 370°F (188°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the squash.
- Prepare Squash: Cut each acorn squash in half and carefully scrape out the seeds and stringy pulp using a spoon.
- Season Squash: Coat the cut sides of the squash halves with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt to enhance the flavor during cooking.
- Initial Cooking: Place the squash halves cut side up in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes. This starts the roasting process to soften the flesh.
- Make Glaze: While the squash cooks, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until well combined.
- Brush and Finish Cooking: After 15 minutes, open the air fryer and brush the squash flesh generously with the cinnamon-brown sugar butter mixture. Return the squash to the air fryer and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and slightly golden.
Notes
- For even cooking, choose squash that are similar sizes.
- Adjust cinnamon and brown sugar quantities to taste for a sweeter or less sweet glaze.
- You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the glaze for extra warmth and flavor.
- Use a silicone brush for easy and even glazing.
- Leftover squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
