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This air fryer acorn squash is a simple side dish recipe that is ready in just ten minutes! Fresh slices of acorn squash are lightly coated in olive oil, brown sugar, and cinnamon and then air fried to perfection! This is the perfect fall recipe!

A white plate filled with slices of air fried acorn squash.

This recipe for acorn squash in the air fryer leaves the squash slices tender and sweet, with just a hint of autumn flavor from a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon. If you’ve never cooked acorn squash before, give this easy recipe a try!

Ingredients for this recipe

An acorn squash, bottle of olive oil, and small bowl of kosher salt sit on a white marble backdrop.

I like to go a little sweeter with my squash dishes. Typically I choose brown sugar and cinnamon or maple with a touch of cayenne. If you prefer just plain salted squash, that's A-OK!

How to cook acorn squash in the air fryer

This is just a brief overview, find detailed instructions in the recipe card below!

Slices of acorn squash on a cutting board. — Seed and slice the acorn squash.

Can you leave the skin on acorn squash?

The skin of acorn squash is much thinner than other squash varieties – such as a butternut or pumpkin – and can be left on during cooking. Some people even eat it!

Personally, I don’t like to eat it, but this cooking method does leave the skin of the squash fork tender and totally edible if you feel so inclined.

A side view of a white plate filled with slices of air fried acorn squash.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

In the fridge – The squash slices will keep for up to five days stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container.
In the freezer – Remove the skin and discard, place cooked squash in a freezer-safe, zip-top bag, squeezing out all the air. Lat flat in the freezer. Squash will keep over six months, up to one year.
Reheating – Leftover squash slices can be reheated in air fryer at 400 degrees for 2 – 3 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, the leftovers can be microwaved until warmed through.

An overhead shot of a white plate filled with slices of air fried acorn squash with a small bowl of brown sugar beside it.

Looking for more ways to enjoy acorn squash?

Another quick and easy recipe I love is microwaved acorn squash. Roasted acorn squash is slow baked in the oven for a deeply golden brown and delicious flavor.

Print Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Air Fryer Acorn Squash

This air fryer acorn squash is a simple side dish recipe that is ready in just ten minutes! Fresh slices of acorn squash are lightly coated in olive oil, brown sugar, and cinnamon and then air fried to perfection.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Air Fryer Acorn Squash, how to cook acorn squash, winter squash recipe

Servings: servings

Calories: 160kcal

Author: Amanda Gajdosik

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

1 acorn squash
3 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher Salt, to taste
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ tsp. cinnamon
Flaky salt, optional
Fresh thyme, optional

Instructions

Using a very sharp chef’s knife, carefully cut the acorn squash in half. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and discard. Lay the squash cut side down on the cutting board and slice into ½ inch crescents. Place acorn squash slices in a large bowl.
When all the squash is cut and in the bowl, drizzle in 3 tablespoons olive oil, a generous pinch of kosher salt plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and ½ tsp. cinnamon, if using. Toss to coat.
Place squash in a single layer in the basket of an air fryer and air fry at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, giving the basket a quick shake halfway through cooking.
Serve sliced squash with a sprinkle of flaky salt and fresh thyme leaves, if desired.

Notes

Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the squash in two batches.
Refer to post for storing and reheating instructions.

Nutrition

Comments

5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)