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This air fryer honeynut squash is a game-changer! It cooks quickly and turns tender and caramelized in the air fryer, with a hint of cinnamon and optional maple syrup for the perfect sweet flavor. It’s an easy fall side dish that pairs well with so many meals!
Honeynut squash is probably my favorite fall squash, and this air fryer recipe makes it so easy and delicious! I love how tender and caramelized it gets, especially with a little cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup. If you don’t have an air fryer, try our roasted honeynut squash recipe! Plus, be sure to try our air fryer butternut squash, air fryer spaghetti squash, and air fryer baked sweet potatoes next!
🔎 Quick Look: Air Fryer Honeynut Squash
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 25 minutes
- 🕒 Total Time: 30 minutes
- 🍽 Calories: ~55 kcal per serving
- 👥 Servings: 4
- 💙 WW: 0 points
- 🥣 Key Ingredients: Honeynut squash, olive oil spray, cinnamon
- 📖 Dietary Information: Dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free
- 👩🍳 Cook Method: Air Fryer
- ⭐ Difficulty: Easy
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Honeynut squash cooks quickly in the air fryer, making this an easy side dish.
- Tender & Caramelized: The edges get beautifully caramelized while the inside becomes tender and delicious.
- Flavorful: Cinnamon and an optional drizzle of maple syrup add the perfect touch of sweetness.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this recipe.
- WW-Friendly: This recipe is 0 WW points per serving. It’s a great option for a lighter fall side.
Key Ingredients
- Honeynut Squash: The star of the recipe! It has a naturally sweet flavor and a creamy and tender texture when cooked.
- Olive Oil Spray: A light spray of olive oil helps the squash caramelize and allows the seasonings to stick.
- Cinnamon: Adds a warm and cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the squash.
Find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Maple Syrup Options: Use regular maple syrup or sugar-free maple syrup. Or, you can leave it out if you prefer. It will still be delicious!
- Spices: For a warmer fall flavor, try adding a pinch of pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, or nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
- Savory Flavor: Skip the maple syrup and add a little garlic powder, smoked paprika, or your favorite savory seasoning instead.
- Add Crunch: Top the cooked honeynut squash with chopped pecans or walnuts before serving.
How to Cook Honeynut Squash in the Air Fryer
- Wash and dry the honeynut squash. Cut the stem off, then carefully slice each squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Lightly spray the cut sides with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Add a parchment paper liner to your air fryer basket. Then, place the squash cut-side down in the air fryer. Air fry at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the thickest part of the squash is fork-tender.
- Carefully flip the squash cut-side up and drizzle with optional maple syrup. Air fry for 2-3 more minutes, until the edges are lightly caramelized. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Choose Similarly Sized Squash: Try to choose honeynut squash that are similar in size so they cook at the same rate.
- Use an Air Fryer Liner: One of my favorite tips is to use a parchment air fryer liner. It makes cleanup so much easier!
- Don’t Over-Crowd the Air Fryer: Arrange the squash in a single layer with some space between each piece so the hot air can circulate.
- Cook Cut-Side Down First: Start cooking the squash cut-side down, then flip it and add the optional maple syrup during the last few minutes. This helps keep the squash tender while allowing the edges to caramelize.
- Check if Done: Since honeynut squash can vary in size, check the thickest part with a fork to make sure it’s tender before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer honeynut squash is so good on its own as a side dish, especially with the drizzle of maple syrup! You can also serve it alongside air fryer chicken breast, air fryer turkey breast, air fryer salmon, air fryer pork chops, or your favorite fall-inspired meals. It’s also delicious added to grain bowls, salads, pasta, or mashed into soups.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover air-fried honeynut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
More Recipes to Try Next!
If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★, letting us know how it turns out for you.
Air Fryer Honeynut Squash
Ingredients
- 2 honeynut squash
- olive oil spray
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 pinch of pepper
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup or sugar-free maple syrup, optional
Instructions
- Wash and dry the honeynut squash. Cut the stem off, then carefully slice each squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Lightly spray the cut sides with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Add a parchment paper liner to your air fryer basket. Then, place the squash cut-side down in the air fryer. Air fry at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the thickest part of the squash is fork-tender.
- Carefully flip the squash cut-side up and drizzle with optional maple syrup. Air fry for 2-3 more minutes, until the edges are lightly caramelized. Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Choose Similarly Sized Squash: Try to choose honeynut squash that are similar in size so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Over-Crowd the Air Fryer: Arrange the squash in a single layer with some space between each piece so the hot air can circulate.
- Check if Done: Since honeynut squash can vary in size, check the thickest part with a fork to make sure it’s tender before serving.
- Maple Syrup Options: Use regular maple syrup or sugar-free maple syrup. Or, you can leave it out if you prefer. It will still be delicious!
- Spices: For a warmer fall flavor, try adding a pinch of pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, or nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
- Savory Flavor: Skip the maple syrup and add a little garlic powder, smoked paprika, or your favorite savory seasoning instead.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
