Easy Air Fryer Delicata Squash

If you’ve been wondering how to cook delicata squash quickly and easily, you’re in the right place. I’ve been making delicata squash for years (it’s one of the best things about fall!), and I was amazed when I discovered how fast it cooks in the air fryer. In just 15 minutes and with only three ingredients, you’ll have perfectly tender delicata squash that’s slightly sweet and so satisfying. Even better, there’s no peeling required because the skin is completely edible.

As a recipe developer and former meal prep business owner, I’ve helped countless people find simple ways to add more vegetables to their meals. I love how air fryer delicata squash can be used anywhere you’d normally serve fries. Try it as an easy side with burgers, scattered over hearty salads, or tucked into grain bowls for a pop of fall flavor and extra fiber.

If you love this recipe, keep your air fryer out and try some of my other easy veggie favorites. You’ll also enjoy my Air Fryer Butternut Squash, Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash, and Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts. All simple, delicious ways to get more vegetables on your plate with minimal effort.

Roasted delicata squash in the air fryer basket.
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How to cook delicata squash in the air fryer

Tips for success

  • Don’t be afraid to shake the basket! The fuller the basket, the more often it needs to be shaken to ensure all the pieces are exposed to the heat.
  • Look for squash with firm skin, no blemishes or bruises, and that feels heavy for its size. When you gently press the skin, it should be firm, not soft.
  • You can keep delicata squash in a cool, dark spot for about 10–14 days. They’re easy to find in many grocery stores during the fall, so stock up while they’re in season!
Hand holding a single delicata squash fry.
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Air fryer basket full of delicata squash fries.

Air Fryer Delicata Squash Recipe – Ready in 15 Minutes

This air fryer delicata squash is one of the easiest and tastiest fall side dishes you can make. Just slice, season, and air fry, no peeling required! In 15 minutes you’ll have sweet, caramelized squash slices that pair perfectly with burgers, grain bowls, or cozy weeknight meals.
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Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Start by washing the delicata squash (since you will be eating the skin).
  • Cut the top and bottom from the squash at the base and stem.
  • Stand the squash up on the flat bottom, cut it down from top to bottom creating 2 halves (this will make the half moon shaped fries). Scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
  • Cut the squash into 1/4 inch thick fries.
  • Add the delicata squash to the air fryer basket. Spray with olive oil spray and sprinkle with salt.
  • Turn the air fryer on 375F for 14 minutes.
  • After 7 minutes of cooking, pause the air fryer and shake the basket well. Start cooking again.
  • With about 3 minute left of cooking, pause the air fryer and shake the basket one more time.
  • After cooking for 14 minutes, check to see if the squash are cooked to your liking. You may need to cook them 2 more minutes depending on how full the air fryer basket was.

Equipment

Recipe Notes

Recipe tips: 

  • Cut the squash the same thickness. Try to be consistent with how thick you cut the fries so they cook evenly.
  • Only cook one squash at a time. The more you fill up in the basket, the longer they will have to cook.
  • Make squash rings instead of half moon shapes. Instead of cutting the squash in half, cut the squash in 1/4 inch thick rings, then scoop the seeds out of each ring with a spoon.

Storage:

Store in a air tight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. 

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Amount per Serving
Calories
77
Fat
 
1
g
Carbohydrates
 
19
g
Fiber
 
3
g
Sugar
 
5
g
Protein
 
2
g
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer delicata squash, air fryer delicata squash fries
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Tasty seasoning ideas

I love to season delicata squash with just a sprinkle of salt. However, sometimes I like to really pack on the flavor and add some seasoning!

How to season: Toss the sliced squash in a large bowl with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil and your choice of the following spice blends. Mix well before adding to the air fryer basket.

  • Sweet: ½ teaspoon cinnamon and pinch of nutmeg
  • Taco: ½ teaspoon chili powder + ½ teaspoon salt + ¼ teaspoon cumin. Optional pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Curry: ½ teaspoon curry powder + ½ teaspoon salt + pinch of cinnamon for sweetness
  • Garam Masala: ½ teaspoon garam masala + ½. teaspoon salt + ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Italian: ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning + ½ teaspoon garlic powder + ½ teaspoon salt
  • Smoky: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika + ½ teaspoon cumin + ½ teaspoon salt + pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
White bowl filled with delicata squash fries.

Can you cook delicata squash in the oven

Yes. Although I love the convenience and ease of cooking delicata squash in the air fryer, there are still times I make it in the oven. If I am planning to cook multiple squash at once, the oven can be more practical.

  • Step 1: Slice the squash.
  • Step 2: Preheat your oven to 450F. Place the squash on a baking sheet sprayed with non-stick spray (like avocado oil or olive oil).
  • Step 3: Bake at 450F for 20 minutes. Take out of the oven, flip each squash and return to the oven for 5 more minutes.

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