With a warm hint of cinnamon and maple, this Air Fryer Acorn Squash is tender, buttery, and perfectly caramelized. It's a simple and delicious side dish that's ready in under 15 minutes.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Acorn Squash Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Air Fryer Acorn Squash Slices
• 🔪 How to Make Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer
• 💡 Tips For Buying and Storing Acorn Squash
• ☑️ Storage Instructions for Air-Fried Squash
• 🍴 What to Serve with Roasted Acorn Squash Slices
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Does Acorn Squash Need to Be Peeled Before Cooking?
• Are Acorn Squash Healthy?
• Can You Cook a Whole Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer?
• Do I Have to Use an Air Fryer for this Recipe?
• 🍽️ More Air Fryer Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Acorn Squash Recipe

• Tender, buttery acorn squash
• Seasoned with warm cinnamon and maple
• Roasted and caramelized in the air fryer 
• Made in under 15 minutes
• Serve with any protein that you like

Acorn squash slices have a naturally nutty flavor that is enhanced by the warmth of cinnamon and the sweet touch of maple syrup. Air-frying creates a perfectly caramelized exterior with a tender, buttery interior in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in the oven.

With just a few easy steps, you can have this delectable dish on the table in under 15 minutes. This simple prep makes them ideal for busy weeknights, but that beautiful golden brown color makes for an elegant side dish, perfect for special occasions.

If you love winter squash recipes, also try this recipe for Honey-Roasted Butternut Squash and this delicious Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash. 

🛒 Ingredients for Air Fryer Acorn Squash Slices

• Acorn squash
• Maple syrup
• Coconut sugar
• Olive oil
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Air Fryer
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

🔪 How to Make Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes while you prepare the squash.

Wash, dry, and cut your acorn squash in half.

Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and pulp and discard, or roast the seeds and eat them.

Cut both halves into slices that are about ¾” thick.

Brush both sides with olive oil.

Sprinkle both sides with the coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Then remove and brush the tops with maple syrup; cook another 3 minutes or until slightly caramelized.

Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

💡 Tips For Buying and Storing Acorn Squash

• Freshness counts:  When buying acorn squash, look for ones that are heavy for their size and have a deep green color. The skin should be firm and free of soft spots or blemishes. A dull, matte finish is usually a good sign of ripeness.

• Size matters: Smaller acorn squashes tend to be more tender and flavorful, while larger ones may have tougher flesh.

• Storage: You’ll want to keep your fresh acorn squash in a cool, dark place, like a pantry. Keeping them away from direct sunlight or heat will help keep them fresh for up to a couple of weeks.

• Avoid the fridge: Do not store acorn squash in the fridge, because it can cause the squash to begin to deteriorate quickly.

• Wait to slice: If you don't plan to use the entire squash at once, it's best to store it whole. Once cut, acorn squash should be used within a few days.

• Freeze it: If you end up not getting around to cooking it, acorn squash can be peeled, cubed, and frozen for up to a couple of months. Blanching the cubes before freezing works best, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it.

☑️ Storage Instructions for Air-Fried Squash

• Fridge: Leftover air fryer acorn squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezer: To freeze leftover air fryer acorn squash, arrange the slices on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour or until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.

🍴 What to Serve with Roasted Acorn Squash Slices

This acorn squash recipe makes a great vegetable side dish for fall or year-round when they are available. They’re awesome with these Pan Fried Pork Chops and a simple side salad. They’re also great with these Baked Chicken Thighs or this Air Fryer Italian Chicken.  

For the holidays, add them to your menu lineup with this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast, this Homemade Cranberry Sauce and this easy homemade Sausage Herb Stuffing.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Honey: If you prefer, you can swap the maple syrup for honey.

• Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs on top as a garnish. You can use fresh or dried herbs like parsley, rosemary, thyme, or sage.  

• Spices: You can add a little heat to the sweet and savory flavors with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

• Nutty topping: Add a little crunchy texture by adding a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the top of the cooked squash.

• Citrus zest: Grate some citrus zest over the squash slices just before serving. This adds a refreshing pop of flavor.

• Cheese topping: Grated parmesan, gouda, or a crumbly cheese like feta goes great as a topping for these squash slices.

• Other additions: For the holidays, top the squash with pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries for a festive burst of color.

Does Acorn Squash Need to Be Peeled Before Cooking?

Acorn squash does not need to be peeled before cooking. The skin is edible and becomes tender when cooked, so you can skip the extra step of peeling. In fact, leaving the skin on can add a nice texture to the dish.

Are Acorn Squash Healthy?

It sure is. Acorn squash is rich in nutrients such as fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.

Can You Cook a Whole Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer?

You can. Just take a fork or a small knife and poke a few holes in the outside of the squash. Air fry at 375°F for 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of the squash. Let it cool for a few minutes before you slice into it.

Do I Have to Use an Air Fryer for this Recipe?

While the air fryer is a quick and convenient way to cook squash, you can also roast it on a lined sheet pan in the oven.

🍽️ More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Bone-in Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
• Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes