Learn how to cook a Honeynut squash in the air fryer. It's the perfect little squash that will fit in your air fryer as halves or as "fries".
Any veggie I can throw into the air fryer I am totally going to do it.
Broccoli. You got it!
Cauliflower. Always!
Snap peas. Delicious.
Squash? Well technically a fruit, it gets the air fryer treatment as well. Let me share with you what type of squash that does great in the air fryer - the Honeynut. This small squash may look like a butternut, but it has more flavor and sweetness that comes out even more when you air fry it.
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π Ingredients
You can keep it very simple and just do the squash with some kosher salt.
If you want to add some different seasonings, here are some top suggestions:
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Ground cinnamon
- Freshly ground nutmeg
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Maple syrup
- Cayenne pepper
- Rosemary
For air frying the squash, I like to drizzle a little olive oil on top. It will help promote browning as well as keep the squash from drying out while cooking.
π Instructions
There are two ways in which you can air fry this squash - either in halves or in slices.
For either method I cook at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes or until the browned on the outside and a fork can easily be poked through the squash.
Start by slicing the squash in half with the sharpest knife you got. Since these squash have a thin, edible skin they are a lot easier to cut open than a butternut.
Remove the seeds. I like doing this with a wide ice cream scoop. Don't throw them out, more on that in a moment.
Place your squash with the cut side up into the basket of your air fryer. If you can fit both halves go ahead and do both at the same time.
Cook as instructed at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. I like to check around 10 minutes to see how it's progressing. It may take longer in your air fryer. I find that models that are bigger are also often slower. Be prepared for up to 20 minutes your first time cooking one.
You are just waiting for that squash to be cooked through so a fork can go through it and have it be browned, which equals flavor.
If you want to go more crispy, you can cut the squash into thin pieces. Don't worry about peeling it, you can just eat the skin. I cook them just as long as the halves so they get super crispy. A great alternative to a French fry.
It can be hard to get the squash pieces even. And I admit I don't have the best knife skills. I will often work in batches, so if I have larger or smaller pieces I cook them together. Since the squash is bigger at the bottom you often end up with different sized or shaped slices.
π₯ Cook the Seeds
Those seeds I told you not to throw out earlier, are ready to get their moment in the air fryer. These squashes don't have a ton of seeds, only enough for a snack for one, but they are so good it's worth the effort. My daughter adores them.
To air fry the seeds:
- Cook them for 5 minutes at 350 degrees. They will start to darkened but are not crispy all the way through.
- Reduce the temperature to 320 degrees and cook for 10-15 minutes until crispy all the way through.
If you are use to cooking pumpkin seeds, the squash seeds are a lot smaller, so they cook quicker.
β More Recipes
Want some more ideas for what to make in your air fryer. Try these out.
Air Fryer Honeynut Squash
Ingredients
- 1 Honeynut squash
- kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Either cut the squash into 2 halves or cut into thin slices. If you are doing slices try to get them as evenly as you can, knowing that you can work in batches if you have smaller and bigger slices.
- Set the squash into the basket of your air fryer with the cut side up. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and any other seasonings you like.
- Cook at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until browned and the flesh is easily pierced by a fork.
- Enjoy right away.
- If making halves you can save them to use in recipes like soup.
Notes
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Ground cinnamon
- Freshly ground nutmeg
- Garlic powder
- Olive oil
- Maple syrup
- Cayenne pepper
- Rosemary
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