Easy Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Name: Easy Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 acorn squash (seed remove and sliced ); 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp parsley (chopped); 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds; salt and pepper taste

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This Easy Air Fryer Acorn squash is a great alternative to baking or microwaving it. It’s also faster than cooking in the oven. Plus, this method of cooking preserves more nutrients from the vegetable!

Roasted Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer serve in a white plate.

This dish not only looks like a burst of autumn on your plate but also brings together the sweetness of acorn squash, the richness of olive oil, and the vibrant pop of pomegranate seeds. this air fryer acorn squash recipe is simple yet elegant and it's the perfect fall side dish to impress your guest at dinner parties.

the Best thing about this recipe is that you can roast acorn squash in just 15 minutes with this recipe! This healthy side dish will be ready before you know it.

If you want more Simple Air recipes make sure to try these Air Fryer Garlic and Lemon Mushrooms and Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipes

Why you will love this recipe

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a delicious side dish that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen.
This recipe is a canvas for your culinary creativity. From herb-infused olive oil to personalized spice blends, you can adapt the flavors to suit your mood and taste preferences.
The air fryer's rapid cooking time means you can have a gourmet dish on the table in no time. It's perfect whenever you're craving something special but short on time.
it's a simple side dish and an easy recipe perfect for winter months.

Ingredients

You will need these ingredients you can easily find at grocery stores to make this Air fryer Acorn Squash

Acorn Squash: Acorn squash, with its sweet taste and nutty flavor, is the star of this dish. When choosing your squash, go for one that feels heavy and has a deep green color. The skin should be firm and without any soft spots.

Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with infused olive oils like garlic or rosemary for an extra layer of taste.

Parsley

Pomegranate Seeds: You can buy pre-packaged pomegranate seeds for convenience or extract them from a fresh pomegranate for an extra pop of flavor.

Salt and Pepper

Optional

ground cinnamon
garlic powder

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make the Air Fryer Acorn Squash: Step by step

With a sharp knife cut squash in half and scoop out those seeds.

Slice the squash into neat, even pieces, – about half an inch thick. (live the skin of acorn squash)

Slice acorn squash in a bowl with olive oil

Place the slice in a large bowl, add olive oil, salt and pepper, stir to combine everything

Slices acorn squash in the air fryer ready to be cooked

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.

Place the acorn slices in the basket of the air fryer in one single layer, you might need to make 2 batches.

You want them to have enough space to crisp up nicely without overcrowding.

Cooked Roasted Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer

Roast your squash slices for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. ( the time may vary a little depending of the type of air fryer)

Roasted Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer close up top view

Once your squash pieces have cooked to perfection and are fork tender, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Sprinkle them with the chopped parsley for a burst of freshness that complements the nutty sweetness of the squash. And now, for the pièce de résistance – those beautiful pomegranate seeds. Scatter them over the slices, adding a pop of color and an irresistible burst of tanginess.

Tips

When cutting the acorn squash, aim for uniform slices about half an inch thick. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout.

Just like preheating an oven, make sure to preheat your air fryer. This helps your squash slices start cooking immediately.

Keep an eye on the squash as it cooks. The goal is tender slices that are still holding their shape. If they seem to be browning too quickly, you can reduce the temperature slightly.

Pomegranate seeds add an amazing burst of flavor, but they can be a bit messy to prepare. To avoid staining your hands, cut the pomegranate underwater – the seeds will sink while the white pith floats. Then, strain and enjoy the mess-free seeds.

Variations

Before roasting, drizzle your acorn squash slices with a mixture of maple syrup and melted butter. This adds a touch of sweetness and a delightful caramelized glaze.
Replace pomegranate seeds with dried cranberries for a burst of tartness and chewy texture. The combination of sweet squash and tangy cranberries is simply irresistible.
Toast some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) and sprinkle them over the roasted squash along with your parsley. The nuts bring a satisfying crunch and an earthy richness.
Before roasting, drizzle your slices with a balsamic reduction. The deep, tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar perfectly complements the squash.

Substitutions

Squash Swap: If you can't find acorn squash, feel free to use other winter squash varieties like butternut, delicata, or kabocha. Each brings its unique flavor and texture to this winter side dish.

Oil Alternatives: While olive oil is a classic choice, you can experiment with unsalted butter , or avocado oil for its high smoke point.

Herb Varieties: If parsley isn't your favorite, swap it out for other fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or chives. Each herb adds a distinct aroma to the dish.

Fruit Replacements: Pomegranate seeds can be replaced with dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for a different burst of sweetness.

Roasted Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer top view

Storage

Cool Down: Allow the roasted acorn squash to cool down to room temperature before storing.

Place the leftover squash slices in an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator. Roasted squash can generally be stored for 3-4 days.

Freezing roasted acorn squash may affect its texture when thawed and reheated. It could become mushy due to the moisture content. It's best to enjoy this dish fresh or store leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days.

The best way to reheat your leftovers is in the air fryer itself. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F . Reheat for about 5-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they're heated through and slightly crispy.

Oven: If you don't have an air fryer, you can use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQ'S

Can I leave the skin on the acorn squash?

Yes, you can definitely leave the skin on the acorn squash if you prefer. Just make sure to wash it thoroughly before slicing. The green skin will become tender when roasted and adds an extra layer of texture to this healthy dish.

Can I use frozen acorn squash slices?

Using frozen acorn squash might result in a different texture, as frozen vegetables tend to release more moisture during cooking. Fresh acorn squash is recommended for the best results, but you can experiment with frozen slices if you'd like.

Can I make this recipe in a conventional oven?

Absolutely! If you don't have an air fryer, you can roast the acorn squash slices in a preheated conventional oven at around 375°F. Keep an eye on them and flip halfway through for even cooking.

What can I serve with this savory side dish?

You can serve roast chicken or turkey as the main course.

How do I cut and remove the seeds from the acorn squash?

To cut the acorn squash, start by slicing off a thin piece from the bottom to create a stable base. Then, cut the squash in half from top to bottom. Scoop out the seeds and stringy fibers using a spoon or ice cream scoop. Now you can slice the squash halves into your desired shape.

Roasted Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer serve in a white plate with fork

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