Air Fryer Delicata Squash

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Are you in need of an easy veggie side that goes with almost anything? Then welcome this Air Fryer Delicata Squash into your life! Simple, tasty, and so so easy, this is the perfect veggie dish, and it only takes about 15 minutes to make! Oven instructions are included if you do not have an air fryer.

Air Fryer Delicata Squash Recipe

Squash in the air fryer? Oh yes indeed! This delicata squash recipe is a great weeknight veggie side. Why? Because it is fast and works well with all kinds of main dishes.

This simple recipe is just four ingredients!

1. Delicata Squash
2. Salt 
3. Pepper
4. Olive Oil

I like a simple seasoning for this recipe, because it really is very versatile and you can use it many ways, not just eating it as a side. For more ideas, check out the bottom of the post for other ways to use it, and ideas for seasonings!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Delicata Squash

Is squash good in the air fryer? Most definitely! There is so much to love about this recipe, but I think my favorite thing about it is that if you are already using your oven for something else, you can use the air fryer for your veggie and not have your oven taking turns with every dish you’re trying to cook.

This Delicata squash tastes just like it was roasted in the oven, you’ll never guess it was made in the air fryer!

I’m always looking for new ways to change my weeknight side dish game and find new ways to cook vegetables that my family will love. The great thing about squash? Its sweeter flavor means that kids are more likely to enjoy eating it. That means fewer battles at the dinner table and let me tell you, I’m here for that!

What Is Delicata Squash?

Let’s talk about Delicata squash! In the Fall and Winter Months, they are in plentiful supply at most grocery stores, Winter Farmers Markets, and maybe in your CSA box if you subscribe to one. If you happen to see this in your local market, don’t pass them up! They are tasty and easy to cook!

I help out at an organic farm near my home during the Summer and into the Fall. They are always growing Delicatas, and they are a popular item.

They are oblong in shape, with vertical grooves running the length of the squash. The skin ranges from off white or pale yellow to a darker yellow, with dark green vertical stripes that run from the stem down to the bottom. 

They have a thin skin that does not have to be peeled. You can cook these by cutting them into rings (which we are doing for this recipe) or they can be cut in half lengthwise and baked or air fried after the seeds have been removed. 

Delicata is a winter squash, but it actually comes from the same family as zucchini.

What Does Delicata Squash Taste Like? 

This squash has a creamy texture and slightly sweet taste, much like Acorn or Butternut. This makes it a great alternative because it does not need peeling, making for an overall faster and easier cooking experience.

How To Store Delicata Squash

This squash should be stored in a cool dry place. I leave mine sitting out on my kitchen counter and they are just fine. Once I bring my squash home, I try to use it within two weeks.

Once the squash is cooked, store any leftovers in an airtight container with a lid. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Equipment Needed For This Recipe

Because this is an air fryer recipe, it goes without saying that you will need an air fryer. There are oven instructions on the recipe card if you need them, however!

Here are the other items you’ll need:

• Bowl and wooden spoon for tossing the squash with the oil and seasoning
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Chef’s Knife

Most air fryers will work for this recipe. Just be sure that your air fryer basket will hold the squash without overcrowding, which makes for uneven cooking. 

How To Make Air Fryer Delicata Squash

This recipe will become a favorite. It is so fast and easy, here is how to make it:

1. Cut your Squash.
2. Preheat your air fryer.
3. Toss your squash slices in oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the squash to the air fryer.
5. Shake the squash once.
6. Serve your favorite way!

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post for full instructions, including oven instructions if you don’t have an air fryer.

How To Cut Delicata Squash

What makes Delicata squash so easy to cut is that its thin skin means it does not need to be peeled! There are two different ways to cut your squash, neither of them are wrong, and one is not easier than the other.

You can either cut them in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and then cut each half into slices. Alternatively, you can cut the squash into rings by slicing it whole, and then pull the seeds out from inside the rings at the end. No way is better than the other!

How to Air Fry Delicata Squash

This is probably the easiest thing to air fry! Not that air frying isn’t super easy, because it is! You will want to follow the instructions for the air fryer you have, as each one is a little bit different. 

I set my air fryer to cook for 5 minutes, then when it beeps, I pull out the basket to give it a shake and stir the squash, then set the air fryer to cook for another 5 minutes. 

Alternatively, you can set your air fryer for 10 minutes and stop cooking halfway through, or use a setting that will automatically beep and remind you to give it a shake. Each air fryer is different, so just go with whatever method works best for the air fryer that you have.

I have found this method works really well for even cooking.

For oven instructions, please see the Notes section of the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How To Reheat Leftover Squash

All you need to do is pop this in the microwave to reheat! A minute or two should be all you need.

What to Serve With Delicata Squash

I love this with almost any main dish! This recipe is great with poultry, beef, or pork. It makes a nice easy Thanksgiving or Christmas (or most any other holiday) side dish too, and it is great paired with my Pear and Parmesan Salad for your holiday table!

This makes a nice side along with a soup and salad meal too, such as my Leek and Potato Soup. I love this as a quick side with my Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya or Cheeseburger Macaroni too!

Serve it with my Pumpkin and Mushroom Risotto for a hearty and filling Vegetarian meal.

Other Ways To Use This Air Fryer Delicata Squash

One of my favorite ways to eat this squash is to add it to my Warm Goat Cheese Salad. For a quick main dish, you could toss your air fried squash with some pasta and a little parmesan cheese.

This recipe is doubled pretty easily, but I would do one squash in the air fryer at a time if you are making two or more. What can you do with the extra squash? Try stirring it into risotto, toss it with a little Basil Pesto, add it to a cold pasta salad, stir into a vegetable soup, or toss into a stir fry right at the end. This recipe has a lot of possibilities!

I seasoned this very simply with just salt and pepper, but you don’t have to stop there! Here are a few great ideas for seasoning your squash:

• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Curry powder
• Cumin
• Chili Powder
• Paprika
• Onion Powder
• Garlic powder
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Creole Seasoning

For one squash, I would start with a half teaspoon of a seasoning that is not spicy, or a quarter teaspoon for something that is spicy. Just take care not to over season so that you don’t overpower the flavor of the squash.

If you are reading this, I’m so glad you stopped by. I hope you love this Air Fryer Delicata Squash! 

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Just leave a rating or comment below.

If you’d like to share this recipe with friends, make it and take a picture and tag me @thecoppertable in a post on Instagram, pin to a Side Dish or Air Fryer board on Pinterest or share on Facebook, Twitter, or anywhere else you like! 

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