Air Fryer Butternut Squash and Sausage Dinner
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Diet: Healthy, High-Fiber
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 12 oz smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small red onion, sliced into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by peeling the butternut squash and removing the seeds. Cut the squash into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Slice the smoked sausage into rounds and chop the red bell pepper and onion into similar bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed squash, sliced sausage, bell peppers, and onions. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and sprinkle with garlic powder, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables and meat are evenly coated in the oil and spices.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Place the seasoned mixture into the air fryer basket in an even layer. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook this in two batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 18 to 20 minutes.
- Halfway through the cooking time (around the 10-minute mark), remove the basket and give it a good shake to redistribute the ingredients. This helps everything brown evenly. Continue cooking until the squash is fork-tender and the sausage is slightly charred and crispy.
- Once the timer goes off, check the squash for tenderness. If needed, add another 2 minutes. Transfer the dinner to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.