Indulge in a delightful twist on traditional fries with the mouthwatering aroma and irresistible texture of air-fried Butternut Squash Fries. These golden strips of goodness will captivate your taste buds with their tender interior and caramelized exterior. The air fryer works its magic, creating a healthier alternative that retains all the flavors you love while delivering a guilt-free snacking experience. Get ready to savor each bite of these delectable delights, as they effortlessly elevate any meal or stand as a savory snack on their own.
When I think of butternut squash, the last thing I think about is making fries! But butternut squash is such a versatile winter squash! Making pumpkin fries in the air fryer was such a hit in my family, I decided to make fries with my favorite winter squash – the versatile butternut squash!
Butternut squash possesses an array of virtues that make it a beloved ingredient in the plant-based world. Whether as a savory main course like butternut squash and chickpea curry, or a comforting side dish like these butternut squash fries, this vibrant winter vegetable is one of my favorites! Its lovely orange flesh, rich in beta-carotene, its naturally sweet and nutty flavor, and versatility in the kitchen make butternut squash a valuable plant-based ingredient to use.
Versatile and delicious, butternut squash can be the star ingredient in comforting soups and stews like this flavorful creamy butternut squash soup with rosemary and thyme, adding depth and richness to every spoonful. Whether roasted, pureed, or incorporated into various recipes like this roasted butternut squash sauce, it lends its natural sweetness and creamy texture to a range of dishes.
Why use an air fryer for butternut squash fries?
An air fryer offers several health benefits that make it a popular choice for those seeking a healthier cooking method. Using an air fryer significantly reduces the need for oil when compared to traditional deep frying. Maple-glazed Brussels spouts use no oil at all!
When making these butternut squash fries using an air fryer, you will still need to use a little oil to get that nice caramelized outer layer, but you won’t be soaking your butternut squash fries in pure oil like you would in a deep fryer!
Air fryers utilize hot air circulation technology and can achieve a crispy and golden exterior on foods with only a fraction of the oil required for deep frying. And even though this is not a health blog, I’m okay with reducing unhealthy saturated fats whenever I can.
Ingredients you will need to make your own butternut squash fries in the air fryer
You’ll only need a few ingredients for yummy butternut squash fries. Get excited about how simple this is!
- butternut squash – Pick a medium-sized butternut squash for this recipe. Depending on the size of your air fryer and this size of the butternut squash you choose, you may need to cook your fries in batches.
- olive oil – You will only need one tablespoon of olive oil. We can live with that, can’t we? I like to use robust flavored olive oil for the subtle depth of flavor it lends.
- garlic powder
- parsley – I used dry parsley. If you use fresh parsley then use triple the amount.
- optional salt to flavor – And yes, I usually use salt, depending on the sauce I choose (see below).
- You will also need an air fryer for this recipe. I actually have a few air fryers. Today I’m using the “basket style” air fryer. You can also use the “oven-style” air fryer.
How to make air fryer butternut squash fries
This recipe is really so easy to make! The most challenging part will be timing everything in your air fryer. Every air fryer cooks a little bit differently and It’s hard to know exactly how each air fryer cooks. I have three different air fryers and yep – each one of them cooks a little bit differently. The first time you make this recipe might be a little trial and error.
Step one: Cutting the butternut squash fries
To cut the squash into fries, peel the skin from the squash and then split the squash in half vertically. Scoop the seeds out using a spoon. Then begin to cut the two halves into fries at your desired size and length.
I will be honest here – peeling and cutting a butternut squash can be super tricky! Sometimes the skin is nice and thin and peels off easily with a sturdy vegetable peeler. And other times the squash skin is super tough and stubborn! You will need a paring knife for that.
Another problem with peeling the butternut squash is that it is not a perfect little cylinder – there are all those annoying curves and a big bulbous end piece. I find it easier to peel horizontally around the bulbous end first and then you can peel straight down vertically on the rest of the cylinder-shaped remaining part of the butternut squash.
Another problem you might run into is cutting your fries into even lengths. When you open the butternut squash and remove the seeds. You’ll have a very awkward “pocket” you scooped the seeds from. I just cut that part off and deal with it first, slicing the fries shapes the best I can. Then it’s easy enough to slice and form perfectly even fries from the rest of the squash.
Steps two and three: Seasoning the fries
Place the fries into a large bowl, drizzle with oil, and toss and around so that all of the fries are well coated. Sprinkle on the garlic powder and parsley. Toss once more to evenly coat.
Step four: Time to air fry your butternut squash fries
Remember how I said that every air fryer is different? It’s important to read and understand the manufacturer’s directions for your air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F before adding the butternut squash fries to the basket. I did not use a liner today because this recipe does not call for much oil (the messy part). If you’d like to use an air fryer basket liner, it does make for an easier cleanup. Just make sure to select the right shape and size to match your air fryer basket.
After your air fryer is heated then add the butternut squash fries to the basket. Lay the uncooked fries in a mostly single layer for more even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket and the size of the squash you use, you may need to air fry in batches.
Cook at 400°F for 15 minutes shaking the fries every five minutes. Remember that every air fryer is different, and everyone will cut their butternut fries differently. This timing works for my air fryer and for the way (thickness) I cut my fries. You may need to add a few more minutes on the end OR if they are looking close to done when you check them at the 10-minute mark, watch closely for the next few minutes so that they don’t get overdone.
Also, remember that you are not deep frying your butternut squash fried in oil but cooking in an air fryer so they are not going to be super crispy like they would have if deep fried. But ohhh so yummy! And so much healthier too.
What to serve with your butternut squash fries
You could serve your fries with regular everyday ketchup…I sure enjoy ketchup! OR, you could bump it up a notch and serve your butternut squash fries with a side of vegan burger sauce, chimichurri sauce, or jalapeno ranch dressing. All great options!
The printable recipe card
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Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- optional salt to flavor
Instructions
- To cut the squash into fries, peel the skin from the squash and then split the squash in half vertically. Scoop the seeds out using a spoon. Then begin to cut the two halves into fries at your desired size and length.
- Place the fries into a large bowl, drizzle with oil, and toss.
- Season with garlic powder and parsley. Toss once more.
- Preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer's directions. Place the fries into the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°f for 15 minutes shaking the fries every five minutes. See notes for more details.
- Remove fries and let cool before enjoying your favorite dip.