These air fryer butternut squash fries are the perfect snack or side dish, especially in the fall. The crispy exterior and creamy interior make for a delicious bite. They make a great alternative to potato-based fries as well!
It generally takes 15 to 20 minutes to cook butternut squash fries in the air fryer. This can vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fries, as well as the size and power of your air fryer.
You want to make sure they get browned and crispy on the inside, while cooking all the way through so the center is tender.
Alternatively, if the squash prep and cutting is too intimidating, you can often seasonally find pre-cut ones in the grocery store. Trader Joe’s butternut squash crinkle fries are one of my favorites, and allow you to get right to the cooking part.
Best Dipping Sauces for Butternut Squash Fries
Garlic aioli
Maple aioli
Sriracha aioli
Garlic parmesan sauce
Curry mayo
Curry ketchup
Ketchup
Ranch
Lemon & herb sauce
Chimichurri sauce
There are a variety of dipping sauces that are great for butternut squash fries. Choose one that coordinates with whatever seasonings you put on the fries during cooking, as well as one you’d enjoy!
Butternut squash pairs very well with thyme in terms of herb choices. You can even dry thyme in the air fryer to make sure you’ve always got some on hand!
Are Squash Fries Good in the Air Fryer?
Squash fries are good in the air fryer, and it’s a healthier alternative to deep frying them.
You’ll still achieve a crispy exterior and soft interior, with far less oil needed. That said, they still won’t be as crispy as the deep frying method, so you’ll need to set your expectations accordingly.
Crispy air fryer butternut squash fries are the perfect side dish for fall. Whether it’s alongside a burger or some air fryer turkey sliders they’re going to be delicious!
It’s a great way to use up half a butternut squash that’s leftover from making soup or a Thanksgiving dish! Not only that, squash has nearly 50% less calories than a russet potato! (Source)
Sometimes I’ll substitute them for regular fries so I can feel better about splurging on that burger!
Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
These crispy air fryer butternut squash fries are a delicious and lower calorie alternative to potato fries. They’re a great way to use up extra squash from Thanksgiving!
Add coated fries to preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some air space between each fry
Cook on air fry setting for 20 minutes at 400°F, stopping to flip the fries or shake the basket every 5 minutes
Fries are done when the outside is browned and edges are crispy, and the inside is soft in the middle
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces
Notes
Every 1 pound of squash equals about 4 servings
This full squash I had weighed about 3.5 pounds, but sizes will naturally differ
Try to keep your fry sizes as uniform as possible for even cooking
Make sure to leave air space between the fries in the air fryer basket to allow for ample air circulation for crispiness
Only using the top half of the squash is fine for this if you prefer – use the bottom to make soup, mashed squash, or any other favorite
Feel free to substitute other seasonings if desired (though you should always use some salt and pepper) – curry powder or BBQ seasoning are other great options!
I typically dip my butternut squash fries in garlic aioli or curry mayo, but ketchup and garlic parmesan sauce are other great choices
Exact nutritional values will vary depending on size of squash, seasonings, dipping sauces, and total amount consumed, so please consider this a rough guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
