Air Fryer Acorn Squash
This Air Fryer Acorn Squash comes out tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, making for a delicious side dish that’s also low-carb-friendly. I put my own Middle Eastern spin on this and seasoned the squash with Aleppo pepper and za’atar.
Middle Eastern Air-Fryer Acorn Squash Recipe
One of my favorite things about fall is acorn squash, and this Middle Eastern spiced squash and dip combination does not disappoint! It’s one of those trusty air fryer recipes that is as easy to make as it is to love.
Just season your cut squash, place it in the air fryer, and boom — the perfect side dish, appetizer, or snack to satisfy all your autumn cravings.
These bad boys taste delicious on their own, but I highly recommend dipping them in my garlic aioli dipping sauce. It’s creamy, flavorful, and takes your air fryer squash up a few notches!
Why You’ll Love It
- A tasty yet healthy dish packed with nutrients.
- The ultimate comfort food!
- A simple side dish perfect for serving at the holiday table.
- The dip tastes amazing with the flavors of the seasoned squash.
Health Benefits of Acorn Squash
According to Healthline, acorn squash is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s rich in fiber, vitamins C and B6, potassium, magnesium, carotenoid antioxidants, and essential plant compounds. All in all, it’s an excellent way to get your daily dose of veggies without sacrificing flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Acorn Squash: I used a medium to large-sized acorn squash for this recipe.
- Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is a heart-healthy oil that gets the squash nice and crispy.
- Garlic: Minced garlic acts as a flavorful base for seasoning the acorn squash.
- Salt: You’ll need a pinch or two of salt to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Aleppo Pepper: This pepper has a mildly tangy and sweet flavor that pairs excellently with the squash.
- Za’atar: Za’atar adds a floral, nutty, acidic element that takes this dish to the next level.
Optional Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Greek Yogurt
- Garlic
- Paprika
- Lemon Juice
How to Make Air-Fryer Acorn Squash
The steps are simple, and I’m outlining them below, but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the full, printable recipe card. You can also watch how it comes together in my Instagram reel!
STEP 1 – PREP SQUASH
Cut a medium to large acorn squash in half vertically, remove the seeds, and then roughly cut each half into 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick slices.
STEP 2 – SEASON
Next, add the acorn squash to a bowl. Then add the avocado oil, garlic, a pinch or two of salt, Aleppo pepper, and za’atar. Mix everything together thoroughly.
STEP 3 – AIR FRY
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then place the seasoned acorn squash in an even layer in the air fryer basket.
Pro Tip: Make sure the slices of acorn squash aren’t touching. This will ensure they get nice and crispy.
Allow the acorn squash to cook for 18–22 minutes, flipping the squash halfway through. Cook until tender (it should be easy to pierce the squash with a fork).
Note that the cooking time will vary based on the size and thickness of your squash.
STEP 4 – SERVE & ENJOY
Now it’s time to chow down your crispy roasted acorn squash!
Eat them as is, with your favorite dipping sauce, or try our garlic aioli dipping sauce mentioned below.
ENJOY!
Tasty Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce
Take this delicious air fryer acorn squash recipe to the next level with this flavorful garlic aioli dipping sauce! It’s creamy, ridiculously easy to make, and uses simple ingredients you’ll likely already have in your kitchen.
To make it, add mayo, Greek yogurt, garlic, smoked paprika, and a couple squeezes of lemon juice to a small bowl. Give it a good mix, then feel free to adjust as you want. It’s as simple as that!
FAQ
Should you remove the skin from acorn squash?
You certainly don’t have to! The skin of acorn squash will turn tender and edible once it’s cooked. We recommend keeping it on for this recipe, as it’ll make it extra crispy and delicious. And, it keeps prep time to a minimum!
Is acorn an anti-inflammatory food?
Yes. Acorn squash is an excellent source of carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and protect cells from damage.
Studies have shown that eating a diet rich in carotenoid-containing foods may reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, certain cancers, and cardiovascular disease. So, it’s definitely worth adding this superfood to your diet for its health benefits!
Can I make these in the oven instead?
Absolutely! While this quick air fryer recipe is much easier than cooking the acorn squash in the oven, you can always opt for roasting them in the oven if that’s what you prefer.
Simply place your acorn squash on a baking sheet with a wire rack and roast in the oven at 425°F for 30-35 minutes or until fork tender and crispy.
Storage
Store any leftover acorn squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place the acorn squash in your air fryer preheated to 400°F. Let them air fry for 3 to 5 minutes or until heated through.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Thomas Keller Zucchini
- Keto Brussels Sprouts
- Cheese Stuffed Peppers
- Cauliflower Tabbouleh
- Mutabal Recipe (Middle Eastern Eggplant Dip)
Air Fryer Acorn Squash
One of my favorite things about fall is acorn squash, and this Middle Eastern spiced squash and dip combination does not disappoint! It's one of those trusty air fryer recipes that is as easy to make as it is to love.
Ingredients
- 1 medium to large acorn squash
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- a pinch or two of salt
- 1-2 tablespoons Aleppo pepper
- 2 tablespoons za'atar
Smoky Garlic Aioli (optional)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons mayo
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- a couple squeezes of lemon juice
Instructions
- Cut a medium to large acorn squash in half, remove the seeds, and roughly cut them into 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick slices.
- Add the acorn squash to a bowl. Then add the avocado oil, garlic, a pinch or two of salt, Aleppo pepper, and za'atar. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then place the seasoned acorn squash in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure the slices of acorn squash aren't touching. This will ensure they get nice and crispy.
- Cook the acorn squash for 18–22 minutes, flipping the squash halfway through. Cook until tender (it should be easy to pierce the squash with a fork). Note that the cooking time will vary based on the size and thickness of your squash.
- Eat them as is, with your favorite dipping sauce, or make the smoky garlic aioli by mixing all of the aioli ingredients in a small dish and serving it with the squash.
Notes
Store any leftover acorn squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place the acorn squash in your air fryer preheated to 400°F. Let them air fry for 3 to 5 minutes or until heated through.
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