Name: Air Fryer Spiced Butternut Squash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large butternut squash (5 cups cubed); 2-3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or pure maple syrup); 3/4 teaspoon salt; 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

There’s something about the smell of warm cinnamon and nutmeg that instantly feels like cozy autumn days. That's why this Air Fryer Spiced Butternut Squash Recipe is a true keeper—crispy edges with tender centers and just the right touch of spice, all made effortlessly in your air fryer.

A white bowl filled with about two layers of small, golden brown cooked potato cubes, with some pieces showing a slightly darker, crispy texture. The potatoes look soft and coated in a shiny glaze with specks of seasoning. A spoon with a black handle is partly inside the bowl resting on the potatoes. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, near two cinnamon sticks lying on the top right and a white cloth on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Spiced Butternut Squash Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Spiced Butternut Squash Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Spiced Butternut Squash Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly find this Air Fryer Spiced Butternut Squash Recipe to be my go-to when I want an easy yet flavorful side dish. It’s quick, has just the right balance of sweetness and spice, and the air fryer gives it such a lovely roasted texture that’s hard to beat.

Effortless Roasting: Using the air fryer means your squash roasts evenly and perfectly crisp on the outside with minimal fuss.
Cozy Warm Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add a subtle warmth that turns simple squash into a comforting fall favorite.
Versatility: Whether you want a Thanksgiving side or a salad topper, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.
Quick and Clean-Up Friendly: No need to heat a huge oven or dirty extra pans—air fryer to the rescue!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Air Fryer Spiced Butternut Squash Recipe plays a simple but crucial part. From the natural sweetness of the squash enhanced by brown sugar or maple syrup to the warming spices that elevate the flavor—here’s why these ingredients come together so well.

Flat lay of a large butternut squash whole and uncut showing its smooth tan skin, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright orange cubed butternut squash, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil glistening, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden brown sugar crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with fine ground cinnamon powder in warm reddish brown, a small white ceramic bowl containing fine light beige ground nutmeg powder, and a small white ceramic bowl of coarse white sea salt crystals, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butternut Squash: Choose a firm, heavy one with smooth skin—this means it’s fresh and sweet.
Olive Oil: Coats the squash to help it crisp up in the air fryer and carries the spices beautifully.
Brown Sugar or Pure Maple Syrup: Adds a mellow sweetness that complements the natural sugars in the squash.
Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and bringing out deeper flavors.
Ground Cinnamon: Provides that classic fall warmth with a touch of earthiness.
Ground Nutmeg: Adds a subtle spicy note that makes the dish feel extra special.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak this recipe depending on the season or what I’m serving it with. Don’t be shy about making it yours! The beauty of this Air Fryer Spiced Butternut Squash Recipe is how flexible it is.

Variation: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika gives it a subtle smoky kick—perfect if you want a little twist I’ve grown to love.
Dietary modification: Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup or a drizzle of honey to keep it refined sugar-free, which works wonderfully.
Seasonal changes: In winter, I sometimes sprinkle some crushed rosemary or thyme for an herby layer that pairs great with roast meats.
Spice levels: A dash of cayenne can add unexpected warmth if you enjoy that little heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Spiced Butternut Squash Recipe

The image shows many small cubes of roasted butternut squash with a golden-orange color and slightly crispy edges. They are spread out evenly on a wire cooling rack. The background is a white marbled texture, making the bright orange color of the squash stand out clearly. The cubes have a soft, roasted texture with some areas a bit darker, showing light browning. There are no other elements visible in the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Squash with Care

I start by peeling the butternut squash—it’s the trickiest part but totally worth it for that tender bite. Then I chop it into roughly 1-inch cubes. You want pieces that aren’t too small or too big so they cook evenly. Toss them in a large bowl ready for seasoning.

Step 2: Add Oil, Spices & Sweetness

Now for the fun part: drizzle in olive oil, then sprinkle brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg over the cubes. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything until every cube is coated in that beautiful spice mix. This step sets the flavor base—don’t rush it!

Step 3: Load and Air Fry

Place the spiced squash into your air fryer basket. Don’t stress about layering them in a single row—they just need space to breathe. I usually cook in one or two batches depending on my air fryer size. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, shaking the basket every 10 minutes for even crisping.

Step 4: Check for Tenderness and Serve

After about 20 minutes, start checking the squash by piercing a cube with a fork. You’re aiming for tender inside with golden, slightly caramelized edges—not burnt. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. They’re pure magic right out of the air fryer.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, here’s what I’ve learned making this Air Fryer Spiced Butternut Squash Recipe multiple times — these little tricks help you get perfectly cooked squash every time and avoid any slip-ups.

Uniform Cubes: Make sure your squash pieces are close in size for even cooking; uneven pieces lead to some burning while others stay undercooked.
Shake it Up: Don’t forget shaking the basket midway—this simple step lets hot air circulate nicely and crisps the squash all over.
Watch Closely Near the End: Since air fryer models vary, check your squash a few minutes early just in case it’s done sooner.
Oil Matters: Use good-quality olive oil for flavor and crispness, but don’t drench the squash—it only needs a light coat.

How to Serve Air Fryer Spiced Butternut Squash Recipe

spiced butternut squash - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often finish these with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a few toasted pepitas for crunch. A little drizzle of maple syrup on top right before serving also amps the sweetness if you love it extra cozy.

Side Dishes

This spiced butternut squash pairs especially well with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or as part of a hearty grain bowl with quinoa and kale. On Thanksgiving, it’s my favorite alongside mashed potatoes and turkey.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like serving the squash in small ramekins topped with a sprig of rosemary and a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness. It makes the plate feel festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I pop any leftover squash into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It stays great for up to 3 to 4 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinner sides during the week.

Freezing

Freezing works too! I spread the cooked squash on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready, thaw quickly and re-crisp in the air fryer or oven—it holds up well.

Reheating

Reheating in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes restores the crispiness far better than the microwave. Just keep an eye to make sure they don’t burn. It’s almost like freshly cooked squash again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?

Frozen butternut squash tends to release extra moisture, which can prevent the cubes from crisping properly in the air fryer. If you do use frozen, make sure to dry it thoroughly and expect a softer texture rather than crispy edges.

What if my air fryer basket is small?

If your air fryer basket is on the smaller side, cook the squash in batches rather than overcrowding it. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness. Just keep the cooked batches warm in a low oven or covered plate while you finish the rest.

Can I skip the brown sugar or maple syrup?

Yes! The brown sugar or maple syrup adds lovely sweetness and helps caramelize the squash, but if you prefer savory, you can omit it or try adding savory spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder instead.

How can I tell when the squash is done?

The best way is to pierce a cube with a fork; it should slide in easily without resistance and the edges should be golden and slightly caramelized. If they’re still firm in the center, give them a few more minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Spiced Butternut Squash Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite simple ways to bring a little magic and warmth to any meal. It’s reliable, the flavors just sing, and it lets you enjoy squash without spending too much time in the kitchen. Give it a try—you might be as hooked as I am once that cozy aroma fills your house!