These air fryer acorn squash slices are seasoned, roasted, and topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. The sweet and savory flavors of this winter squash are perfect for snacking on!
Why this recipe works
Air fryer acorn squash makes a fantastic snack or side dish and is a great way to use up your harvest of acorn squash from the garden. A quick toss in flavorful seasonings and a dash of fresh thyme and parmesan cheese lend so much flavor to its naturally sweet flesh once cooked.
If you’ve never tried acorn squash, think of butternut squash, but a little milder. Acorn squash is tender, sweet, and slightly nutty and can be dressed up or down as an appetizer, snack, or healthy side dish. It’s rich in potassium, vitamin C, and other antioxidants and can be mashed, sliced, or blended into soups.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
SQUASH – We used a 1 1/2 pound acorn squash for this recipe. Simply remove the stem, slice it in half, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. The skin on acorn squash is edible. The air fryer will give it a bit of a crispy texture which some people may not care for. Eating the skin is entirely up to you!
SEASONING – In addition to the fresh thyme leaves we provided an all-purpose seasoning blend in the recipe card below for you to use. If preferred, you can use a pre-bottled seasoning in its place.
How to Make Air Fryer Acorn Squash
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- If easily removed, pop the stem off the acorn squash so you don’t have to cut through it. If it won’t pop off, you can slice off that end of the squash.
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp.
- Slice off each end of the squash, then cut the remaining squash into 3/4-inch pieces,
- Brush the flesh of the acorn squash with olive oil. Turn over and brush the other side as well.
- Season both sides of the oiled squash with all-purpose seasoning.
TIP – If you use our seasoning blend, you will only use half of the seasoning on this squash. Save the rest for another recipe!
- Place the seasoned slices in the air fryer basket.
TIP – You may need to work in batches. Do not crowd the squash. We needed two batches for this one squash.
- Sprinkle the squash with thyme leaves.
- Top each piece with shredded parmesan cheese.
- Air fry at 380 F for 10 minutes. Remove to a wire rack and repeat for second batch.
TIP – There is no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Yes, the skin on acorn squash is edible. Air frying the skin simply adds a nice crispy crunch, however, you can peel the skin before or after cooking it if desired (it’s easier to peel after being cooked).
Yes, this recipe will work with almost any other small variety of squash. Butternut, hubbard, kabocha, buttercup, and even pumpkin will work in its place so long as you cut them into roughly the same sized pieces.
Store leftover cooked acorn squash in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use the reheat function on the air fryer to rewarm.
Serving Suggestions
We love to air fryer acorn squash with anything from pot roast to stuffed chicken breast and pork tenderloin. This versatile fruit goes well with so much, and since it’s cooked in the air fryer, you have plenty of room to work on the stovetop or in the oven.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Avocado Fries
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
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Air Fryer Acorn Squash
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 1 large acorn squash ours weighed 1 1/2 pounds
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose seasoning see below, or use your favorite seasoning blend
- 2 Tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- ¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese
All Purpose Seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
- ½ Tablespoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried minced onion
- ½ Tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- There is no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
- The skin on acorn squash is edible. The air fryer will give it a bit of a crispy texture which some people may not care for. Eating the skin is entirely up to you!
- Store leftover cooked acorn squash in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use the reheat function on the air fryer to rewarm.
Instructions
- If easily removed, pop the stem off the acorn squash so you don’t have to cut through it. If it won’t pop off, you can slice off that end of the squash.
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp.
- Slice off each end of the squash, then cut the remaining squash into 3/4-inch pieces.
- Brush the flesh of the acorn squash with olive oil. Turn over and brush the other side as well.
- Season both sides of the oiled squash with all purpose seasoning.TIP – If you use our seasoning blend, you will only use half of the seasoning on this squash. Save the rest for another recipe!
- Place the seasoned slices in the air fryer basket.TIP – You may need to work in batches. Do not crowd the squash. We needed two batches for this one squash.
- Sprinkle the squash with thyme leaves.
- Top each piece with shredded parmesan cheese.
- Air fry at 380 F for 10 minutes. Remove to a wire rack and repeat for second batch.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
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June Stillwell says
Hello Amanda. This recipe sounds delicious!
Can I cook the squash in a conventional fan oven?
Amanda Formaro says
Yes, 400 F on a parchment lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes. If it’s convection you may want to reduce the temp to 375.