Air Fryer Delicata Squash

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.

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.

Why You’ll Love It

• Try this easy air fryer recipe a super quick way to enjoy sweet and tender squash that can be served as a side dish or used in so many other ways.
• Air frying delicata squash is quick and efficient, saving you time compared to traditional oven cooking.
• Enjoy perfectly cooked squash with a crispy outside and tender inside, without the risk of uneven cooking.

Noah R says: This squash is so pretty and I love serving it. It comes out perfectly caramelized and tender.

Brookie H says: I love that I don’t have to use much, if any, oil to cook these in the air fryer. So healthy!

What Is 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.

» Also see how to make Air Fryer Butternut Squash.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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.

Helpful Tips

• 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.
• 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.
• Depending on the size of your slices, they might need a little more or less time to get perfectly tender.

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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!