Get all the delicious caramelization of roasted acorn squash in less time than roasting in the oven using this Air Fryer Acorn Squash recipe! A DELICIOUS VEGGIE SIDE DISH RECIPE Ever get so excited about a recipe? I get that way about certain recipes and this Air Fryer Acorn Squash was one of them. Acorn squash can feel difficult or daunting to some people, but there’s really no reason why it should feel that way. This recipe lets the Air Fryer do all the work and the flavor is on point! I love that it’s on the slightly sweet side (great for those who don’t LOVE veggies but want to be encouraged to try new ones). So much flavor and super easy to make! FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:  What kind of Air Fryer did you use? So, I’ve only tested this recipe in a basket style Air Fryer, just like my other Air Fryer recipes. If you have a different style of Air Fryer, I recommend that you follow your specific make and model instructions from the Owner’s Manual. Use your personal experience and knowledge to adjust this recipe to suit your personal Air Fryer as needed. How do I pick the best Acorn Squash? Acorn squash is found in stores between October and December. Look for one that is smooth and dark green on the outside. Orange spots on the outside are normal. Do I need to preheat the Air Fryer first? Yes, I suggest preheating the Air Fryer to 375F for 5 minutes while you complete steps 2,3, and 4 of the recipe. Do you bake acorn squash cut side up or down? I recommend air frying this squash cut side up. What can I serve with this? Acorn squash is a versatile side dish that goes with almost anything. It’s perfect for your Thanksgiving table or for a Sunday dinner. Can I quarter the squash instead of halving it? If you want to reduce the cooking time, you can also quarter the acorn squash instead of keeping them as halves.  Can I make any substitutions? Instead of air frying acorn squash, you could try butternut squash (as long as it fits in your air fryer) and get the same results. You could also sprinkle pancetta in the cavity halfway through air-frying. How do I store leftovers? Any leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.You can freeze leftover Acorn Squash by placing it in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months. How many servings does this make? If you’re serving this as a side dish, it’ll make about 4 servings. if you’re serving it as a main dish, it’ll be about 2 servings. INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE) unsalted butter– you can use salted butter if that’s what you have. If you do, I’d recommend cutting the salt in half or just omit it overall if that’s what you would need. maple syrup salt– If you’re sensitive to sodium, you can omit the salt altogether. pumpkin spice– While I like the flavor it adds to the flavor profile, if you don’t care for it, you could try cinnamon. If you don’t have any pumpkin spice on hand, try making your own using my Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe. cayenne pepper– optional. But, I really like the touch of heat and flavor it brings. whole acorn squash– Look for medium-sized acorn squash. Anything larger will not fit in the air fryer basket (my air fryer is a 5-quart size for reference).
 crushed toasted pecans– optional garnish but adds a nice texture if desired. HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER ACORN SQUASH Add the butter, maple syrup, salt, pumpkin spice, and cayenne pepper to a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds or until melted. Whisk the ingredients together with a fork until combined. Rinse and cut an acorn squash vertically. Remove the seeds and inner membrane. Brush the cut edges and cavity with the butter mixture and place the two halves face up in the air fryer basket. Heat the air fryer to 375° F and cook the squash for 25 to 30 minutes, basting with the remaining butter mixture every 8-10 minutes.  The squash is done when it is fork-tender and caramelized along the cut edges. Serve with optional toasted pecans and flaky sea salt, if desired. CRAVING MORE RECIPES?  Southern Fried Squash Italian Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites Air Fryer Lemon Herb Potatoes Air Fryer Roasted Red Potatoes Air Fryer Baby Baked Potatoes Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread Air Fryer Salmon Patties Air Fryer Meatloaf Air Fryer Steak Air Fryer Butter Swim Biscuits Air Fryer Whole Roasted Chicken Squash Casserole Print Air Fryer Acorn Squash Get all the delicious caramelization of roasted acorn squash in less time than roasting in the oven using this Air Fryer Acorn Squash recipe! Course Main Course, Side DishCuisine American Prep Time 5 minutes minutesCook Time 30 minutes minutesTotal Time 35 minutes minutes Servings 4 Calories 134kcal Author Brandie @ The Country Cook Ingredients2 Tablespoons unsalted butter3 Tablespoons maple syrup¼ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon pumpkin spicepinch of cayenne pepper (optional)1 whole acorn squashcrushed toasted pecans and flakey sea salt (optional topping) InstructionsAdd the butter, maple syrup, salt, pumpkin spice, and cayenne pepper to a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds or until melted. Whisk the ingredients together with a fork until combined. Rinse and cut an acorn squash vertically. Remove the seeds and inner membrane. Brush the cut edges and cavity with the butter mixture and place the two halves face up in the air fryer basket. Heat the air fryer to 375° F and cook the squash for 25 to 30 minutes, basting with the remaining butter mixture every 8-10 minutes. The squash is done when it is fork-tender and caramelized along the cut edges.Serve with optional toasted pecans and flaky sea salt, if desired. Notes Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions. NutritionCalories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 151mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g