Air fryer acorn squash with a sweet honey butter coating that’s air fried until it caramelizes in this simple, full-flavored squash recipe.

Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and savory with this air fryer acorn squash recipe. This mouthwatering recipe combines the natural sweetness of acorn squash with the rich, creamy flavors honey and butter caramelized on top.
Using an air fryer not only ensures a perfectly cooked squash, but it also cuts down on the cooking time, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights. Simply slice the acorn squash, slather it with a generous amount of toppings, and let the air fryer work its magic.
The sweetness of the brown sugar and honey pairs beautifully with the earthy flavors of the squash, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. Each bite is a burst of autumnal flavors that will transport you to cozy evenings by the fireplace.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious side dish or a vegetarian main course, our air fryer acorn squash is sure to hit the spot.
How To Make Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Ingredients needed
- Acorn squash
- Butter
- Light brown sugar
- Honey
- Salt
Making the acorn squash in the air fryer
- First, you need to prep the squash. Choose a small enough squash for your air fryer then slice it down the middle. Expose the seeds then use a spoon to scoop them out. Lay the acorn squash on a cutting board. Do not hold it in your hands! Cut a few lines or a checker pattern like you see in the photos. Note, you can skip this step, it helps the flavors and it cooks faster.
- Melt butter then brush it across the acorn squash. Then, rub the brown sugar across the squash. Sprinkle salt across the squash and lastly, drizzle a little honey across the squash as well.
- Preheat the air fryer for 350F.
- Place the squash in and cook for 25 minutes. Do not flip the squash but you can spin it around to rotate the hot spots in the air fryer. When the squash is done you can pierce it with a toothpick without much resistance.
- A larger squash will require more time and vice versa. For my air fryer 25 minutes was perfect. It didn’t burn and caramelized nicely while cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is squash good in the air fryer?
Yes, Ive cooked spaghetti and butternut squash in the air fryer as well. Personally, the oven is my first choice but for someone who is short on time the air fryer is perfect.
How do you cut acorn squash?
There’s no trick to acorn squash. Slice it down the middle and remove the seeds. You do not have to remove the skin because once roasted the flesh just separates with ease. If you try to do it while the squash its raw that’s a ton of extra work.
What goes good with acorn squash?
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Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Ingredients
- 1 acorn squash, halved & deseeded
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 tablespoon light brown sugar
- salt to taste
- drizzle of honey, about 1 TB each half
Instructions
- First, you need to prep the squash. Choose a small enough squash for your air fryer then slice it down the middle. Expose the seeds then use a spoon to scoop them out. Lay the acorn squash on a cutting board. Do not hold it in your hands! Cut a few lines or a checker pattern like you see in the photos. Note, you can skip this step, it helps the flavors and it cooks faster.
- Melt butter then brush it across the acorn squash. Then, rub the brown sugar across the squash. Sprinkle salt across the squash and lastly, drizzle a little honey across the squash as well.
- Preheat the air fryer for 350F.
- Place the squash in and cook for 25 minutes. Do not flip the squash but you can spin it around to rotate the hot spots in the air fryer. When the squash is done you can pierce it with a toothpick without much resistance.
- A larger squash will require more time and vice versa. For my air fryer 25 minutes was perfect. It didn't burn and caramelized nicely while cooking.