Air fryer delicata squash is an easy fall side dish! Seasoned with a blend of garlic, parmesan and spices, this recipe is deliciously savory and slightly sweet and roasted to perfection in about 15 minutes!
This air fried delicata squash is kind of like fries but ultimately a quick easy roasted fall vegetable! I’ve also included the oven directions and different ways to enjoy this recipe too.
You’ll only need a few ingredients for this recipe. And odds are, you already have a bunch of the ingredients in your pantry.
Ingredients
Delicata squash
Extra virgin olive oil
Grated parmesan cheese (or vegan parmesan)
Garlic powder
Basil
Salt and cracked black pepper
How to pick the best squash
Choose a delicata squash that feels heavy for its size. This is a sign that the squash is fresher and well hydrated. (Older winter squash tends to dry out over time.)
And if possible, enjoy it in the fall and early winter when winter squash is in season and readily available.
How to store winter squash
Like other gourds, delicata squash is pantry-friendly. Store it at room temperature in a dry, cool spot for at least 10 days but up to a few weeks. So this recipe can be whipped up in no time.
Nutrition benefits
Like other winter squash, delicata squash is an excellent source of beta carotene and fiber. It’s nutrition will be similar to that of butternut squash.
One cup of squash provides 2g fiber and an impressive 600mg potassium which is almost 13% of the recommended amount. Potassium is a key nutrient in helping to keep blood pressure normal.
Do you eat the skin?
Yes! Delicata squash skin is edible so you don’t have to peel it before cooking. Just be sure to clean the squash well before eating – just like any other vegetable.
Delicata squash is one of the easiest winter squashes to cut. The skin is edible and fairly easy to cut through compared to butternut and other hard squashes.
Prepping delicata squash
This oblong squash is available in small to large sizes. When picking one out, choose ones of about the same size to ensure even cooking.
You can use the air fryer, a toaster oven, or the regular oven to make this recipe. I like the air fryer for the quickest finish, most even roasting and you can usually use a little less oil than if in the oven.
Once the squash is done, sprinkle with more salt and parmesan cheese, if you’d like. Serve these right away to enjoy the crispy texture.
Tips for success
- Cut the squash into evenly-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Enjoy right away. This recipe is best enjoyed the same day while it’s still warm. But you can use the leftovers in other ways the next day.
- Experiment with different seasonings. You can use the blend I’m using here or play around with chili powder or other dried herbs.
Oven instructions
If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries! You can easily make this recipe in the oven. Simply place the slices on a sheet pan in an even layer and roast in a preheated 400°F oven.
For a different flavor profile, try my Rosemary Roasted Delicata Squash recipe that’s perfect for fall and winter!
How to reheat leftover squash
These air fryer delicata squash (fries) are best eaten right away. But if you do have leftovers, use a wire rack and pop them into a hot oven or the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to reheat.
You can also embrace the softer texture and use them on a winter or fall salad. Swap it in for the butternut squash in this Fall Harvest Mason Jar Salad or put them on a flatbread for some extra flavor and color!
Delicata squash is good for roasting, pan frying or adding to salads and flatbread so get creative! You can also pair it up with other vegetables on a fall veggie board or plate with air fryer Brussels sprouts or in a hearty chickpea bowl.
Air Fryer Delicata Squash
Easy air fryer delicata squash for a simple fall side dish. Seasoned with garlic and parmesan this recipe is ready in about 15 minutes!
Servings: 4
Calories: 115kcal
Ingredients
- 1 large delicata squash
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- ¼ teaspoon coarse salt plus more for topping
- ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F.
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Halve and remove the seeds from the delicata squash. With the cut side down on a cutting board, cut each halve into ¾ to 1 inch slices (resembling half moons).
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In a large bowl, toss the slices with the olive oil, garlic powder, basil, salt and pepper. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese.
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Place the seasoned slices in the pre-heated air fryer basket in a single layer. Work in batches if needed. Cook at 400°F for 12 minutes. Enjoy warm, sprinkled with additional salt, parmesan and black pepper if desired.marisamoore.com
For oven roasting:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F. Once the squash is sliced and seasoned, place in a single layer on a sheet pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, turning halfway.
Notes
- Cut the squash into evenly-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Enjoy right away. This recipe is best enjoyed the same day while it’s still warm. But you can use the leftovers in other ways the next day.
- Experiment with different seasonings. You can use the blend I’m using here or play around with chili powder or other dried herbs.
Also try this Rosemary Roasted Delicata Squash made in the oven!
Nutrition
Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 260mg | Potassium: 425mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1605IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 1mg
