• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Midwest Nice logo

  • Recipes
    • All Recipes
    • Recipe Index
  • Ebooks
    • Venison Ebook
    • Coffee Ebook
  • About
  • Contact
  • Portfolio
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Search
  • Recipe Index
  • Ebooks
    • Venison Ebook
    • Coffee Ebook
  • About
  • Contact
  • Portfolio
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Acorn Squash

    September 26, 2022 · Updated September 26, 2022

    10 Minute Air Fryer Acorn Squash

    5 from 3 votes
    2 Comments

    · by Amanda Gajdosik

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. This blog generates income via ads.

    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

    • Acorn Squash
    • Olive Oil
    • Kosher Salt
    • Brown Sugar, optional
    • Cinnamon, optional
    • Flaky Salt, optional
    • Thyme, optional
    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

    1. Seed & slice the squash. With a very sharp knife. Leave the skin on.
    2. Season the squash. With olive oil, kosher salt, and brown sugar and cinnamon if you like it sweet.
    3. Air fry the squash. For just ten minutes!
    4. Enjoy! You’ll be amazed at how delicious this is!
    Slices of acorn squash on a cutting board.
    Seed and slice the acorn squash.
    Season the slices.
    Air fry for ten minutes.
    Serve with flaky salt and fresh thyme.

    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 cook. 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.

    A white plate filled with slices of air fried acorn squash.
    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 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time15 minutes mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Air Fryer Acorn Squash, how to cook acorn squash, winter squash recipe
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 160kcal
    Author: Amanda Gajdosik
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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

    Serving: 0.5squash | Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 385mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 397IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg

    Browse More Recipes!

    • An orange jello mold garnished with mandarin orange sits on a white cake stand.
      Three Ingredient Mandarin Orange Jello Salad (No Cottage Cheese)
    • An overhead image of a blue bowl filled with freezer corn.
      Buttery and Sweet Freezer Corn (no canning required!)
    • A close up of crispy smashed potatoes topped with shredded parmesan cheese on a rimmed baking sheet.
      Buttery & Crispy Smashed Potatoes (with video!)
    • A white bowl filled with mashed acorn squash and topped with butter pats and a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon.
      Sweet & Buttery Mashed Acorn Squash
    715 shares
    • Share this Recipe!
    • Send this Recipe!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

      Leave a rating and review! Cancel reply

      Did you love the recipe? Let me know! And let others know too by leaving a comment and star rating. Reviews are so useful in helping other people find my site and make my recipes. Your support means the world to me!

      Amanda

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. MarniB says

      September 25, 2024 at 12:22 am

      Firat time I've made acorn squash and first time I've eaten it. My husband and I loved it. So easy to make. I followed the directions without deviations.

      Reply
      • Amanda Gajdosik says

        September 26, 2024 at 3:12 pm

        Hi Marni,

        So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! And your husband! It's one of mine and my husband's favorites too 🙂

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey, Yall!

    Amanda, a food photographer and recipe developer, leans against a kitchen counter. She is smiling and holding a camera. She wears a white shirt and black jeans.
    Hi! I'm Amanda, and I believe in good food for good people. I hope you enjoy the homemade recipes you'll find on my site.
    • instagram
    • facebook
    • pinterest

    Choose a Category

    Looking For Something?

    Recently

    • Lemon Drop Jello Shots (Using Real Lemons!)
    • Ground Venison Taco Salad (Great for Leftovers!)
    • London Fog Latte with Lavender Syrup (Hot or Iced)
    • Ground Venison Tater Tot Hotdish (Midwestern Casserole)
    • Three Ingredient Mandarin Orange Jello Salad (No Cottage Cheese)
    • Sweet & Spicy Dirty Chai Espresso Martini
    • One Pan Venison Hamburger Helper
    • Strawberry Rosé Jello Shots (3 Ingredients!)
    • Old Fashioned Green Jello Salad with Pineapple and Cool Whip
    • Three Ingredient Champagne Jello Shots (No Vodka!)

    Archived Posts

    Meet Amanda

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Wisconsin Classics

    • Brandy slush cocktail 
    • Beer battered fish fry
    • Wisconsin brandy old fashioned
    • Grasshopper cocktail
    • Beer brats and onions
    • Pink squirrel with ice cream
    • Raspberry jello pretzel salad

    Venison Dinners

    • Seared venison tenderloin 
    • Venison dry rub 
    • Juicy venison burger
    • Red wine venison roast
    • Venison meat sauce 
    • Smoked venison backstrap
    • Grilled venison tenderloin

    Coffee at Home

    • Pumpkin cream cold brew 
    • Vanilla iced coffee
    • Dirty chai latte 
    • Pistachio cream cold brew
    • Maple syrup latte
    • Vanilla sweet cream cold brew
    • Homemade chai concentrate

    About / Contact / Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2025 Midwest Nice

    715 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.