Air Fryer Delicata Squash

Sweet, crispy, and just a little extra—this air fryer delicata squash is all about fall vibes. With just three ingredients, it’s proof that simple can be stunning.
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A plate of air-fried delicata squash with a tahini drizzle.
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When it comes to sides that are easy, irresistible, and just a little bit fancy, air fryer delicata squash is the gold standard. Sweet, buttery, and crisped to golden brown perfection in just 12 minutes, this squash delivers all the cozy fall vibes with almost no effort. Your air fryer does the heavy lifting, so you can sit back and enjoy caramelized, tender slices that taste as good as they look.

Whether you’re elevating a weeknight dinner or sharing with guests, this recipe hits all the right notes. The delicate sweetness of the squash, a sprinkle of seasoning, and a quick spin in the air fryer are all it takes to make a side dish that’s deceptively simple yet endlessly satisfying. Your air fryer + delicata squash = no-brainer. Let’s get ready to turn this gourd into gold!

Why You’ll Love This Air-Fried Delicata Squash Recipe

This isn’t just any side dish—it’s the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes: quick, easy, delicious, and just the right amount of fancy. With its golden, caramelized edges and buttery texture, delicata squash transforms into something special in your air fryer. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation:

  • No peeling required. Delicata squash has a tender, edible skin, so all you need to do is slice and cook. It’s less mess, less hassle, and all the flavor.
  • Ready in 12 minutes. Why wait for the oven to preheat when your air fryer can have this side dish golden and crisp in no time? Prefer the oven? No problem—it works beautifully there too; it just requires a little more time.
  • Naturally sweet and buttery. Delicata squash brings its own cozy flavor, needing just a pinch of seasoning to shine.
  • Versatile and crowd-pleasing. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday tables, this recipe is as at home with a quick salad as it is with a full feast.
  • Minimal effort, maximum flavor. A little oil, a sprinkle of seasoning, and a quick spin in the air fryer create perfectly caramelized slices that taste like way more effort than they actually are.
  • Meal prep hero. Cook a batch ahead of time and enjoy it all week—toss it into grain bowls or salads for a fast, flavorful upgrade.
A plate of delicata squash that has been air-fried.

Key Ingredients

You only need three simple ingredients to make this air fryer delicata squash shine. Each element plays its part in creating this buttery, caramelized centerpiece that’s cozy, flavorful, and almost too easy to make. Here’s what you’ll use:

Key ingredients for roasted delicata squash with labels.
  • Delicata squash: The star of the show! This smaller winter squash has thin, edible skin and naturally sweet, creamy flesh. It’s perfect for the air fryer, where it caramelizes beautifully while staying tender.
  • Olive oil (or your favorite cooking oil): Just a drizzle helps the squash crisp up in the air fryer. It adds a touch of richness and ensures those perfectly golden edges that make this dish irresistible.
  • Salt and pepper: A sprinkle of salt highlights the squash’s natural sweetness, while pepper adds just enough contrast to keep the flavors balanced. Simple, effective, and essential.

How To Air Fry This Delicata Squash

Your air fryer and delicata squash are about to become best friends. This recipe transforms delicata squash into buttery, caramelized slices with crispy edges in just a few easy steps. For full recipe details, scroll to the end of this post!

A delicata squash, halved with the seeds cooped out.

Step 1: Prep your squash for greatness.
Wash your delicata squash and pat it dry.

Slices of squash, ready to be air-fried.

Trim off the ends, slice it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Then cut it into ½-inch slices to create perfect little semi-circles.

Step 2: Season like you mean it. Lay your slices out on a cutting board or plate. Brush them lightly with olive oil (or spritz with an oil spray) and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Want to mix it up? Add a pinch of smoked paprika, cinnamon, or thyme for extra flavor.

An air fryer on a counter top.

Step 3: Cook to golden perfection. Place the seasoned squash slices in a single layer in the basket with no overlapping, so they crisp up beautifully. Air fry the squash for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for that gorgeous golden brown color and crisp edges. If it’s not quite there, give it another minute or two.

Alternate method: Oven roasting. No air fryer? No problem. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lay the seasoned squash slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get the same delicious results with a little more time required—but it’s worth the wait!

Roasted delicata squash garnished on a plate.

Tips for Serving This Crispy Delicata Squash

This air-fried delicata squash recipe is a simple side dish that shines on its own, but it’s also incredibly versatile. From cozy weeknight dinners to creative pairings, there are so many ways to make it a star on your plate. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:

  • Keep it classic. Serve it as a simple side with your favorite vegan protein or grain bowls. Pair it with lentil loaf, seasoned tofu, creamy risotto, or a side of sautéed kale for a cozy, well-rounded plate.
  • Get creative with salads and bowls. Add squash slices to a fall-inspired salad with arugula, dried cranberries, pecans, and a maple vinaigrette. It would go well with our arugula quinoa salad! Or layer them over quinoa, farro, or brown rice with roasted chickpeas and a drizzle of tahini or green goddess dressing for a nourishing grain bowl.
  • Double down for meal prep. Slice and air fry multiple squash at once for quick meals throughout the week. Toss them into salads, serve alongside soups, or pair with roasted veggies for an easy dinner.
  • Play with flavors. Elevate your squash with a sprinkle of spices like smoked paprika, cinnamon, thyme, or cumin. These tiny tweaks can take the dish from simple to show-stopping.
  • Dress it up. Use squash as a crostini topping—toast baguette slices, spread with vegan ricotta or creamy white bean hummus, and top with caramelized shallots. Or blend it into a silky soup with veggie broth, coconut milk, and a hint of cinnamon for the ultimate cozy bowl.
  • Upgrade sandwiches and pasta. Tuck delicata squash slices into a ciabatta or baguette with caramelized onions, arugula, and a slather of vegan aioli for a sandwich that’s anything but ordinary. For pasta, toss the squash with browned vegan butter, garlic, and sage for a rich dish that screams cozy.
  • Don’t forget the seeds! Save the seeds from your squash and roast them for a crispy, zero-waste snack. Toss them with oil, salt, and spices, then bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes. They’re perfect for snacking or sprinkling over soups and salads.

FAQs

Is squash good in the air fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer caramelizes delicata squash beautifully, giving it crispy edges and tender centers in a fraction of the time it takes to roast. It’s the perfect method for quick, flavorful results.

Do you eat the skin of a delicata squash?

Yes, the skin of delicata squash is thin, tender, and completely edible when cooked. It softens as it roasts or air fries, adding texture and making prep a breeze—no peeling required!

How do you make delicata squash easier to cut?

A sharp knife is key! If the squash feels too firm, try microwaving it whole for 1–2 minutes to soften it slightly. This makes slicing safer and more manageable.

A plate of air-fried squash, with tahini drizzle.

If you make this air fryer delicata squash recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments below! I love reading your comments!

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Air-Fried Delicata Squash

5 from 8 votes
Sweet, buttery, and perfectly crisp, this air fryer delicata squash is the ultimate side dish upgrade. With just three simple ingredients and a quick spin in the air fryer, you’ll have caramelized slices that taste like fall on a plate. Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is easy, versatile, and downright irresistible.
A plate of air-fried delicata squash with a tahini drizzle.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 1 -2

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Delicata squash, around 6-8 inches in length
  • ½ tablespoon vegetable oil or oil spray, or oil of your choice
  • ½ teaspoon salt and pepper, or to taste

Instructions

  • Wash and prep the squash. Wash the delicata squash thoroughly and pat it dry. Trim off the ends, cut it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Slice into ½-inch thick semi-circles.
  • Season the squash. Lay the squash slices on a plate or cutting board. Brush them lightly with olive oil (or spritz with oil spray), and season with salt. For extra flavor, sprinkle with pepper, smoked paprika, or a touch of cinnamon.
  • Air fry to perfection. Place the seasoned squash slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving space between each slice for even cooking. Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until the edges are golden and crisp.
  • Serve and enjoy. Remove the squash from the air fryer and serve immediately. Pair with tahini sauce, your favorite dipping sauce, or add it to salads, grain bowls, or holiday spreads.

Notes

  • Oven Directions: If you don’t have an air fryer, no problem! Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lay seasoned, oiled squash slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll come out tender, golden, and just as delicious. For easy cutting, feel free to microwave it first for 1-2 minutes.
  • Squash Substitutions: No delicata? Try kabocha, acorn, or butternut squash. Keep in mind that denser squashes might need extra steaming or roasting time to soften.
  • Oil-Free Version: You can skip the oil entirely or use just a light spritz. Your squash might not be as crisp, but it will still taste amazing and let its natural sweetness shine.
  • Tahini Sauce: For a creamy drizzle, whisk together 2 tablespoons of tahini with ½–1 tablespoon of warm water. Perfect for dipping or drizzling over your roasted squash!
  • Storing Leftovers: Store cooked squash in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days. Want to freeze it? Pop it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 4–6 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 213kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 1185mg | Potassium: 1586mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 6193IU | Vitamin C: 56mg | Calcium: 128mg | Iron: 3mg
Course — Side
Cuisine — American
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5 from 8 votes

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Recipe Rating




8 comments
  1. 5 stars
    Looks delicious and super easy to make, I haven’t had squash in a while definitely want to try this out

  2. 5 stars
    Truly one of the easiest squash recipes you can make this fall. I loved creating this recipe and I hope you’ll love it as much as I do!

  3. Beatriz Buono-Core says:

    5 stars
    I love this recipe, so simple but perfect!

  4. Andrea White says:

    5 stars
    yum! looks like such a fun and nutritious recipe!

  5. 5 stars
    This is such a perfectly simple, yummy fall side dish!! My first time cooking with delicate squash 🙂 Delicious on salads too!

  6. 5 stars
    Love this squash drizzled with tahini sauce. Simple to make and is a great addition to a fall/winter meal. And..it’s healthy as well!

  7. 5 stars
    Yay for Squash Season! Love this easy recipe 🙂

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