Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries

There’s something magical about the way butternut squash transforms in the air fryer - tender inside, yet deliciously crispy on the outside.

I rely on my air fryer for quick, healthy meals all fall and winter long. And these air fryer butternut squash fries are a regular in my side dish rotation. 

In just 30 minutes, you can make these healthy, flavorful air fryer fries for dinner. They’re perfect for dipping or serving alongside burgers, sandwiches, and more.

Today, I’m walking you through how to make the best air fryer butternut squash fries, including which ingredients to use, tips for success, and some of my favorite dips to serve with this easy side dish recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy- In just 30 minutes, you can have these crispy air-fried butternut squash fries ready to serve.
• Healthy- What better way to eat your vegetables than to turn them into healthy fries? Butternut squash is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals so, you'll feel good munching on this delicious side dish or snack.
• Flavorful- A blend of warm spices gives these butternut squash fries an earthy, smoky flavor.
• Crispy- Tossing the butternut squash fries in flour and air frying them gives the outside a wonderfully crispy texture.
• Seasonal Fall Side Dish- These air fryer butternut squash fries are a fun and creative way to transform this seasonal fall vegetable.

Ingredient Notes

Here are some notes on key ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

• Butternut Squash- Choose a small, approximately 1 to 1½-pound   butternut squash for this recipe. Cut it into uniform ½-inch thick strips for even cooking.
• Flour- All-purpose flour provides a light coating for the squash, giving the outside of the fries a crispier texture.
• Olive Oil- Coat the butternut squash fries in olive oil to help the spices stick and to achieve a crispier texture in the air fryer.
• Seasonings- For this recipe, I seasoned the butternut squash fries with a mix of smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin, as their smoky flavors complement the squash.

🌱Sustainability Tip: Enjoy butternut squash when it’s in season for the best flavor and lowest environmental impact. Even better, try growing butternut squash in your garden.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ways to try customizing this air fryer butternut squash fries recipe to fit your diet and taste preferences.

Substitutions

• Butternut Squash- Swap butternut squash for sweet potato, pumpkin, or acorn squash.
• Flour- Substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, cornstarch, or gluten-free flour.
• Olive Oil- Use any neutral-flavored oil you prefer. You can also use melted butter.
• Spices- Replace the spices in this recipe with any dried herbs, spices, or seasonings you like!

Variations

• Sweet & Spicy- Add more cayenne pepper to the spice mix, then drizzle the cooked fries with maple syrup or hot honey.
• Cinnamon Sugar- Cook the fries with just melted butter, then toss them in a blend of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet treat.
• Parmesan Herb- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme) over the hot fries for a savory twist.
• Thanksgiving-Inspired- Season the butternut squash with poultry seasoning for a Thanksgiving-inspired flavor.
• Cajun- Toss the fries with homemade Cajun seasoning for a bold and spicy variation.

How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries

Here is how to make crispy butternut squash fries in the air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare the butternut squash. Peel and cut butternut squash into ½-inch fry-shaped pieces. Place the cut squash in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat.

Step 2: Season the squash. Sprinkle the flour and spices over the butternut squash, tossing to ensure each piece is coated evenly.

Step 3: Cook the squash fries. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes. Place the seasoned butternut squash in the air fryer basket. Cook for 14 to 16 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until the fries are crispy on the outside and cooked through.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy. Serve butternut squash fries with your favorite dip, such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, or aioli. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Remove excess moisture. If the butternut squash is wet after cutting, pat it dry before tossing it with olive oil.
• Cut uniformly. To ensure even cooking in the air fryer, cut the butternut squash uniformly. Separate the neck of the squash from the rounder portion for easier cutting.
• Shake the basket. Shake the air fryer basket occasionally during cooking to promote even browning on all sides of the butternut squash fries.
• Serve immediately. Air fryer butternut squash fries are best enjoyed immediately after cooking.
• Adjust seasonings to taste. Feel free to adjust the quantity of spices to match your personal preferences.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries

Air fryer squash fries are delicious as a snack paired with a dipping sauce or as a flavorful side dish for a variety of meals.

Of course, you can’t eat fries without your favorite dipping sauce. Try pairing these butternut squash fries with ketchup, honey mustard, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or guacamole.

For a more satisfying meal, consider pairing these air fryer butternut squash fries with a delicious burger. Some of my favorites include BBQ bacon burgers, turkey smash burgers, and air fryer turkey burgers.

A few lighter main dish options include roasted chicken, grilled chicken, arugula quinoa salad, and turkey pumpkin chili.

Storage and Reheating

How to Store

• Refrigerator- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezer- For longer storage, air fryer butternut squash fries can be frozen for up to 3 months. Freeze in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe storage container.

How to Reheat

• Air Fryer- Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Arrange leftover butternut squash fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes or until crispy and hot.
• Oven- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread butternut squash fries out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until hot.
• Microwave- Transfer a serving of butternut squash fries to a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals until fully warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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