Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries Healthy
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Paleo
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium butternut squash (peeled and seeded)
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Start by cutting the neck of the butternut squash away from the bulbous base. Use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer skin. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Slice the squash into uniform sticks, about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches long, to ensure even cooking.
- Pat the squash fries very dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. In a large mixing bowl, toss the squash fries with the oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cornstarch if using. Make sure every piece is lightly and evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Once ready, place the squash fries in the air fryer basket. For the best results, arrange them in a single layer without too much overlapping. You may need to cook in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the fries at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. At the halfway point (around 10 minutes), remove the basket and give it a good shake to flip the fries. This helps them brown evenly on all sides. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as they can go from golden to burnt quickly.
- The fries are done when they are tender on the inside and the edges are slightly browned and crisp. Remove them from the air fryer and let them sit for 1 or 2 minutes to firm up slightly before serving.