Air Fryer Delicata Squash

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Air Fryer Delicata Squash is one of my favorites to make as a side dish. After roasting it in the air fryer, it’s sweet and creamy with edible skin and a delicate flavor that goes with anything else you’re serving.

» Also see how to make Air Fryer Butternut Squash and Air Fryer Portobello Mushrooms.

Delicata Squash

During the late summer and fall, you’ll start to see all manner of squash varieties available at the store, and if you’re lucky you are growing some in your garden too.

Delicata squash has become so popular over the last few years and they’re popping up everywhere now. It’s one of the prettiest squashes, in my opinion, with a yellow exterior and darker stripes running down it. When sliced, it’s gorgeous and can really dress up your table.

Try this easy air fryer recipe for roasting it in a super quick way that leaves you with delicious sweet and tender squash that can be served as a side dish or used in so many other ways.

What Is Delicata Squash?

delicata squash

Delicata squash is a winter squash with an oblong shape, striped pale yellow skin, and orange-colored flesh. They have become quite popular lately and you’ll see them in abundance at the store throughout the season.

One of the things that makes a delicata squash unique is that the skin is edible, and not only edible, but good. You don’t have to remove the skin, and you likely won’t even notice it’s there while eating it.

Delicata is also known as a peanut squash, bohemian squash, or sweet potato squash. It went out of style a long time ago because it’s prone to mildew, making it difficult to grow, but some scientists at Cornell University created a mildew resistant variety that’s now becoming popular.

delicata squash

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

  • Delicata Squash – You’re going to want to find one that’s not too big. For 2 people, one squash is enough. For 4 people you’ll want to make 2 squashes.
  • Olive oil – This will keep the squash from getting dried out. You can brush it with olive oil or spritz it with some oil spray.
  • Salt and pepper – Salt and pepper is all you really need to add plenty of great flavor to the squash. It won’t overpower the taste. However, if you want to add more seasonings, go for it! I like to add seasoned salt or some dried rosemary.

Why Use an Air Fryer

An air fryer is an incredibly easy way to cook just about anything. You place the food in a fryer-style basket and hot air rapidly circulates all around the food, making the food crisp – much like deep-frying, but without the oil. You can cook anything you’d make in the oven.

How to Make Delicata Squash in the Air Fryer

The method for making delicata squash in the air fryer is very simple. You can use this recipe for any small squash that measures about the size of a softball – or slightly larger or smaller.

Since the size of your squash might vary from mine, you may have to adjust the cooking time a little to get the right level of doneness.

Wash the delicata squash well to remove any surface dirt. Then cut the squash in half, lengthwise.

Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp.  I always keep and roast the seeds. It’s a great nutritious snack and doesn’t waste anything.

delicata squash halves

Once the insides are cleaned out, you’ll want to slice the squash into 1″ slices, to form little half-moon shapes.

Rub olive oil on the slices so they are well coated. You could spray the squash with cooking spray instead if you want. Season them with salt & pepper.

delicata squash with olive oil

Place the squash in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 1215 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Depending on the size of your slices, they might need a little more or less time to get perfectly tender. Do check on them near the end of cooking to make sure they aren’t getting overly crisp.

air fryer delicata squash

How to Use Delicata Squash

There are so many uses for delicata squash. I like to make this delicious roasted delicata and burrata side dish that I think its a stunning dish for a holiday party (see the image below).

Since the flesh is so mild and sweet, it doesn’t need a lot of seasoning to make a great side dish all on its own. I like to drizzle some olive oil on and sprinkle on some salt and pepper.

I’ve also used this squash to make soup. It’s sweeter and more creamy than butternut squash. Delicious!

roasted squash and burrata

Frequently Asked Questions About Acorn Squash

Is a Delicata Squash Healthy?

All types of squash have healthy properties that make it a good choice for your diet. It’s a good source of potassium and dietary fiber, and contains magnesium, manganese, and vitamins C and B.

Can I Use Delicata Squash for Soup?

Yes, you can use any type of squash to make soup. All you would need to do is add broth and puree it all together. Check out this recipe for butternut squash soup that starts with cooked butternut squash, just like this. You can make this soup with any type of squash you want (except zucchini or yellow squash).

Should I Peel the Squash First?

You do not need to peel a delicata squash before cooking it or eating it. The skin is perfectly edible and it’s not tough once cooked, so it’s easy to eat. You won’t even know it’s there.

Super Useful Air Fryer Accessories

Once you’ve started using your air fryer more regularly, you’ll find there are so many other ways you *could* be using it, if you had a few extra useful accessories. Here are a few favorites that we use almost every day.

What to Serve with This Dish

There are so many options for main dishes to serve with this dish. You can make these all in the air fryer or in the oven, if you wish.

20 Delicious Air Fryer Main Dishes to Try

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delicata squash

Air Fryer Delicata Squash

This delicata squash is great when made in the air fryer – a quick and easy method.
5 from 29 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 108 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 2 small delicata squash
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Wash and slice the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and pulp. Cut the squash into 1” slices.
  • Toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Place the squash in the air fryer basket. Cook on 400° F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Notes

  • Save the seeds to make roasted squash seeds in the air fryer.
  • You can use any type of seasoning you like on the squash. It’s good with all different kinds of flavors, like Cajun seasoning, maple syrup, etc.

All air fryers have different wattage and may cook at different rates. You may need to adjust the time or temp for the best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 108kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 793mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3096IUVitamin C: 28mgCalcium: 63mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Squash
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What Oil & Oil Sprayer is Best for the Air Fryer?

The biggest issue most air fryer lovers face is finding the right oil and oil sprayer to use on food cooked in the air fryer. A fine mist of oil will help the entire piece of food crisp evenly, so it’s very important.

My personal preference is to use canola oil, extra virgin olive oil, or avocado oil. I use both a refillable spray bottle like the Evo one pictured below and non-propellant extra virgin olive oil, which has not harmful aerosols or chemicals.

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delicata squash

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