What Is Acorn Squash? And Is Acorn Squash Healthy?

Acorn squash is a winter squash variety that is loaded with nutrition. It's low in calories but full of fiber, so it's supremely hearty. You'll get plenty of antioxidants and vitamin C when you eat it, and it's a great way to promote a healthier heart.

Should You Eat the Skin of Roasted Acorn Squash?

No harm will come to you if you eat the skin of a roasted acorn squash. However, the texture might not make you a fan. For this reason, I peel mine in this recipe.

How do you cut acorn squash for roasting?

You'll start by sawing off a small slice near the stem to keep it from rolling. Then cut down the center of the acorn squash. Remove the seeds and stringy bits; then, you can cut these halves into cubes.

How long does it take to roast acorn squash in an air fryer?

In your air fryer at 375F, it will take 16 to 18 minutes to cook a batch of cubed acorn squash.

How do you know when acorn squash is finished cooking?

It should be a nice golden brown. Also, you can tell by piercing the cubes with a fork to check for tenderness.

What goes well with acorn squash?

Lamb chops , pork, chicken , turkey , beef …oh, there are so many main dishes that will go so beautifully with this acorn squash. If you need inspiration for a full meal, check out the rest of my recipes.

Is acorn squash good for weight loss?

Good news, if you eat more acorn squash, you will feel like you're indulging while doing good things for your body. This squash is low in fat, and the fat it does contain is polyunsaturated. That's the kind you need for weight loss. It also has less sugar than other varieties of squash, and it is the perfect fit for anyone watching carbs. All that fiber leaves you full and satisfied too!

Easy Air Fryer Roasted Acorn Squash

Name: Easy Air Fryer Roasted Acorn Squash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Raw Acorn Squash or about 4 cups fresh raw acorn squash; 1 – 2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil; 1 teaspoon of onion powder; ½ teaspoon of garlic powder; ½ teaspoon of dry thyme; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste (I use about 1/2 teaspoon); Parsley or Basil (optional for garnishing); a dash of Knorr Bouillon seasoning (optional); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon Butter; 1 – 2 teaspoon Honey (or as needed); A dash of salt and pepper.

Description

Acorn squash is a winter squash variety that is loaded with nutrition. It’s low in calories but full of fiber and deliciously hearty. This buttery air fryer roasted acorn squash recipe is flavorful, easy, and perfect for your holiday dinners. Need a quick and delicious side dish everyone will want to pile onto their plates? Air fryer roasted acorn squash is the answer you need! You can also bake fresh acorn squash in the oven if you do not have an air fryer! Baked acorn squash is the best fall side dish for the holidays!

Ingredients

Scale

2 Raw Acorn Squash or about 4 cups fresh raw acorn squash
1 – 2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil
1 teaspoon of onion powder
½ teaspoon of garlic powder
½ teaspoon of dry thyme
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste (I use about 1/2 teaspoon)
Parsley or Basil (optional for garnishing)
a dash of Knorr Bouillon seasoning (optional)

Optional ingredients:

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Butter
1 – 2 teaspoon Honey (or as needed)
A dash of salt and pepper.

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Instructions

Wash. You’ll start by washing your acorn squash. Pat it dry with paper towels.
Cut. Once washed peel and cut the acorn squash using a sharp chef’s knife. You’ll then want to cut it into cubes.
Season. Put your acorn squash cubes into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and seasonings. Stir it together with a spatula to coat evenly.
Preheat & Cook. Preheat the air fryer to 375F, add seasoned acorn squash to the preheated air fryer, and air fry for 16 – 18 minutes until fork tender. ENSURE To shake/turn mid-cooking.
Finish (final optional step). You don’t have to do this optional step, though I highly recommend it. Melt butter and add dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper; mix and drizzle on the air fryer roasted acorn squash after baking (when they come out of the air fryer). Sprinkle chopped parsley and serve as the perfect fall side dish!

Notes

Use a sharp, strong chef’s knife.

Always preheat the air fryer. This ensures you cook the acorn squash evenly, and it starts cooking quickly.

Keep the cubes even. This is another way to ensure your pieces are all cooked to the same tenderness.

It’s easy to double this recipe for the holidays too. Just remember that you’ll need to cook them in batches.

The recipe calculation does not include optional ingredients.

This is my air fryer. I have had it for the last 2 years plus!