Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried air fryer delicata squash yet, you’re seriously missing out! This little gem of a vegetable is not only incredibly versatile, but it’s also packed with nutrients and flavor. I love how the air fryer brings out its natural sweetness while making it perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It’s become one of my go-to side dishes because it’s so quick and easy to whip up! Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll be adding it to your dinner rotation again and again.
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best air fryer delicata squash. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 2 medium delicata squashes – sliced in half lengthwise and then cut into half-moon slices. The skin is edible and adds a lovely texture!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – this helps to crisp up the squash and adds a delicious flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – to enhance the natural sweetness of the squash.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a little kick and balance.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – because garlic makes everything better, am I right?
Keep these ingredients handy, and you’re all set to create a delightful dish that will wow your taste buds!
How to Prepare Air Fryer Delicata Squash
Preparing air fryer delicata squash is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every step! Let’s dive into the process so you can enjoy this tasty side dish in no time. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have perfectly cooked squash ready to serve!
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, preheating your air fryer is super important for getting that crispy texture we all crave. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for about 5 minutes. This helps your delicata squash cook evenly and beautifully!
Prepare the Squash
Next, grab your delicata squashes and slice them in half lengthwise. Don’t forget to scoop out those seeds—you won’t want them in your dish! Now, cut each half into half-moon slices about 1/2 inch thick. This size is perfect for cooking evenly and gives you that delightful texture!
Seasoning the Squash
In a large bowl, toss your sliced squash with the olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure each piece is coated evenly to maximize flavor. I love getting my hands in there to really mix it up!
Cooking the Squash
Now it’s time to cook! Place the seasoned squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Check for tenderness with a fork, and adjust the time if needed. You want them perfectly crispy!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this delicious air fryer delicata squash comes in at approximately 150 calories. You’ll also get about 7g of fat, 2g of protein, and 22g of carbohydrates. Plus, it has 3g of fiber and only 300mg of sodium. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’re a great way to feel good about your dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthy and nutritious, packed with vitamins and fiber.
- Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—yum!
- Versatile side dish that pairs well with almost any meal.
- Vegetarian and vegan-friendly, making it a great choice for everyone.
Tips for Success
To ensure your air fryer delicata squash turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure to cut your squash into even slices. This helps them cook uniformly, so you don’t end up with some pieces overdone while others are still crunchy. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; give those squash pieces room to breathe for that delightful crispiness! If you have extra seasoning on hand, feel free to experiment with spices like paprika or cumin for a fun twist. And remember to check for doneness a couple of minutes before the timer goes off—nobody likes mushy squash!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your leftover air fryer delicata squash, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for that crispy goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of squash? Absolutely! While I love delicata squash for its sweetness and easy preparation, you can try acorn or butternut squash too. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is air fryer delicata squash healthy? Yes! It’s low in calories and high in fiber, making it a nutritious side dish for any meal.
How do I know when it’s done? Check for tenderness with a fork. You want it to be golden and crispy on the edges!
Can I season it differently? Of course! Feel free to get creative with spices like cinnamon or chili powder for a unique twist.
What’s the best way to serve it? Serve it warm as a side dish, or toss it on salads for added flavor and texture!
Print
Airfryer Delicata Squash: 5 Reasons to Fall in Love
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This recipe shows you how to prepare air fryer delicata squash for a tasty side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 medium delicata squashes, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the delicata squashes in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Cut the squash into half-moon slices.
- In a bowl, toss the squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check for tenderness and adjust cooking time if necessary.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: air fryer delicata squash, delicata squash recipe, air fried squash