Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries are easy to make and so delicious! These fries are seasoned with smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
I know you can buy frozen butternut squash crinkle fries and put them in your air fryer... BUT this recipe is so easy! Plus, everything is better homemade!
Butternut squash fries in the air fryer is one of my favorite side dishes during the colder months. I have a feeling it will become one of your favorites too!
Why you'll love air fryer butternut squash fries:
- Butternut squash air fryer fries are gluten free, vegan and paleo.
- All you need is 5 ingredients (including salt) to make this recipe!
- Great change from sweet potatoes - Sweet potatoes fries are delicious because they have a sweet flavor. Butternut squash fries have a sweet flavor, but they also have a nice nuttiness.
- Naturally sweet - There is no added sugar in this recipe.
Ingredients overview:
- small - medium butternut squash cut into ¾ inch thick fries
- avocado oil
- smoked paprika
- salt
- ground black pepper
Ingredients substitutions:
- avocado oil - You can use any neutral oil of choice.
- smoked paprika - Swap out smoked paprika for sweet paprika or chili powder.
How to make butternut squash fries in air fryer:
A complete list of ingredients, amounts and instructions is located on the recipe card below.
- First, cut the ends off of the butternut squash.
- Then, cut in half and then, half again.
- You should have 4 pieces. Scoop out the seeds.
- Lastly, slice the butternut squash into fries (about ¾ inch thick).
- Preheat your air fryer.
- Place the cut butternut squash into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the oil and spices.
- Use your hands to make sure the butternut squash is evenly coated in the spices and oil.
- Next, lay the butternut squash in the air fryer basket.
- Make sure you do not stack them on top of each other.
- Air fry at 375 degrees F for about 10-14 minutes, tossing halfway.
- You will need to make this recipe in 2-3 batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- When a batch finishes cooking, allow the fries to cool on a wire cooling rack while you cook the next batch.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!
Recipe pro-tips:
I recommend preheating your air fryer for even cooking.
You do not need to peel the butternut squash. You can if you would like to but it's not necessary.
If your butternut squash is extremely hard to cut, poke holes in it and stick it in the microwave for a few minutes to soften it.
Don't stack the butternut squash sticks on top of each other in the air fryer to keep them from getting mushy.
These are not regular fries. Butternut squash does not have the texture of a potato. The fries will not be hard and crispy. It's not possible. It's just fun to cut them into fries and they taste delicious. Part of the reason I like leaving the skin on is because it gives them more structure. The two other reasons are nutrients and laziness. 😉
Recipe variations:
Garlic parmesan fries - Add garlic powder and grated parmesan cheese.
Maple fries - Add a bit of maple syrup and cinnamon.
Truffle fries - Add truffle oil and dried herbs.
Serve butternut squash fries with...
Storage directions:
Refrigeration - Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating - Reheat the fries in the air fryer at 325 degrees F until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Nope! No need to peel the squash. You can also keep the seeds when you scoop them out of the squash. I air fry the seeds with spices and add them to salads. No waste here!
First, cut the ends off of the butternut squash. Then, cut in half and then, half again. You should have 4 pieces. Scoop out the seeds. Lastly, slice the butternut squash into fries (about ¾ inch thick).
Lay the butternut squash fries in the air fryer basket. Make sure they do not touch. Air fry at 375 degrees F for about 10-14 minutes, tossing halfway.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 small - medium butternut squash - cut into ¾ inch thick fries
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- First, cut the ends off of the butternut squash. Then, cut in half and then, half again. You should have 4 pieces. Scoop out the seeds. Lastly, slice the butternut squash into fries (about ¾ inch thick).
- Preheat your air fryer. If your air fryer has a preheating option you can preheat your air fryer. If you don’t have that option, you can run the machine at 375 degrees F for 2-5 minutes. Leave the machine running for about 3 minutes for smaller air fryers. Leave the machine running for about 5 minutes for larger air fryers.
- Place the cut butternut squash into a large mixing bowl. Add the oil and spices. Use your hands to make sure the butternut squash is evenly coated in the spices and oil.
- Next, lay the butternut squash in the air fryer basket. Make sure you do not stack them on top of each other. Air fry at 375 degrees F for about 10-14 minutes, tossing halfway.
- You will need to make this recipe in 2-3 batches depending on the size of your air fryer. When a batch finishes cooking, allow the fries to cool on a wire cooling rack while you cook the next batch.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
Storage directions:
Refrigeration - Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheating - Reheat the fries in the air fryer at 325 degrees F until warm.This nutrition information is an estimate and should not be taken as fact. The owner of this website is not liable for this estimation.
Kara
This recipe will be on repeat all fall and winter long. Just got an air fryer and I’m obsessedddd
❤️