Air Fryer Delicata Squash Recipe

Air fryer delicata squash is a quick and easy gluten-free main you can whip up any night of the week. The warming fall flavors are also an excellent complement to roast pork.

Unlike other winter squashes, air fryer delicata squash has a thin skin, perfect for seasoning and cooking. It tastes like a mix between butternut squash and sweet potato and has a gorgeous, moist texture, exactly what you want as part of a fall meal.

Cooking delicata squash in an air fryer rather than the stove is quicker, uses less energy, and is easier to clean up. Air-fried squash is deliciously moist and tender, and the outside is wonderfully crisp.

The warm flavors of cinnamon and sage make this recipe for delicata squash in the air fryer something extraordinary. So simple and yet mouthwatering. 

Ingredients you’ll need to make delicata squash in air fryer

**Find the full list of ingredients along with the recipe instructions at the end of this post**

Delicata squash: Delicata is a winter squash characterized by its oblong shape and pale yellow skin with either green or orange stripes. Look for squashes that feel heavy and don’t have any soft or moldy spots on the skin.

Olive oil: Light olive oil is an excellent choice for cooking delicata squash in air fryer because of its high smoke point. It’s also good for your heart health. If you don’t have olive oil, choose another oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or sunflower.

Garlic powder: If you don’t have garlic powder, substitute for finely chopped fresh garlic or chives. Garlic salt also works well.

Ground cinnamon: Sweet and woody, cinnamon is autumnal and comforting. Substitute for nutmeg if you don’t have any.

Sage: Sage adds peppery and slightly minty notes, perfect for cooking delicata squash. You can substitute for marjoram or rosemary for a different flavor.

Tools used to make the recipe  

• Large sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Large bowl
• Air fryer

How to cook delicata squash in air fryer?

First, rinse the squash under running water to remove dust or dirt, then dry it. 

Use a large sharp knife to cut the squash in half lengthwise, then remove the seeds from both halves using a spoon and set them aside.

Put the squash cut side on the chopping board, then cut into half-moon-shaped slices.

Move the slices to a large bowl with olive oil, garlic, cinnamon, sage, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat. 

Put the delicata squash in air fryer and fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. 

Serve warm, and enjoy!

Recipe tips

• Once you scoop out the seeds, don’t throw them away. Squash seeds make a delicious snack, packed full of fiber, so they’re filling. Roast or air fry them with salt and pepper for a tasty treat.
• When laying out the delicata in the air fryer, leave a little space between each slice to allow the hot air to flow properly. Spacing ensures that it cooks evenly.
• The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and your slices' size. Serve the delicata squash when it’s soft on the inside.

How long to cook delicata squash in the air fryer

Cook delicata squash air fryer for around 15 minutes at 400°F or until the squash is soft in the middle. 

The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the slices, so always check that it is cooked before serving using a fork.

What to eat with delicata squash?

• Air fryer smashed potato.
• Healthy instant pot risotto
• Sausage and potatoes air fryer
• Best buffalo chicken thighs air fryer recipe

How to store leftovers?

If you have leftover cooked delicata squash roast, seal it in an airtight container and move it to the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. You can store it there safely for 3-4 days.

It is also possible to freeze leftover squash; however, defrosting can affect the texture, so that I wouldn’t recommend it. To freeze your leftovers, lay the squash slices out on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a ziplock bag.

Can you reheat roasted squash in the air fryer?

Yes. The air fryer is a great way to reheat roasted squash because it prevents moisture loss and keeps its moist and tender texture. 

Lay the slices out in the air fryer basket and heat to 390°F. Heat for 1-2 minutes on each side or until warmed through.

Can you eat delicata squash skin?

Yes, definitely. Delicata skin is very thin compared to other winter squashes, and if you make roasted delicata squash air fryer, it will go lovely and crisp.

It’s extra tasty if you season it well with cinnamon and sage.

How to cut delicata squash?

Always use a large, sharp knife to cut squash. Blunt blades can slide off and cause injury, so using a sharp knife is safer.

Cut the squash in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Lay the squash halves, each half cut side down on a chopping board, then cut into half-moon slices if you are making air fryer delicata squash or into chunks for soups and stews.

Can you peel delicata squash?

There’s no need to peel delicata squash because the skin is so thin. So save yourself the effort and food waste, and cook it with the skin on.

When is delicata squash in season?

Delicata are in season from late summer to early winter and can be stored up to three months after harvesting. 

Is delicata squash keto?

Delicata is keto-friendly! Delicata is low in carbs and loaded with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Its high fiber content means you’ll feel full longer, making it a great meal option for those following the keto diet.

Are the seeds edible?

Absolutely. When cooking delicata squash, always reserve the seeds, as you can air fry or roast them with a bit of salt for a delicious snack. 

The seeds are tasty and packed full of nutrients, so don’t let them go to waste! 

More air fryer Squash Recipes

• Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash
• Air Fryer Acorn Squash
• Spaghetti Squash In Air Fryer

Other air fryer side dishes

• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Chunks
• Baby Potatoes in Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Green Beans
• Air Fryer Cauliflower Steak

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