Air fryer delicata squash with honey parmesan crust
by Air fryer delicata squash with honey parmesan crust is the perfect side dish that takes only 8 minutes to cook. No need to peel the squash, and the result is a golden, caramelized treat that tastes like candy!
The squash is sweet and buttery inside, and caramelized and a little crisp outside. It’s a wonderful side that’s practical for everyday meals yet gorgeous enough for your holiday table!
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Ingredients
This air fryer delicata squash is a great side dish for both everyday meals and special holidays. My husband absolutely loves it. The mix of sweet and savory flavors makes it a hit at the table!
- Delicata squash: Choose squash that feels heavy for its size, with an even tube-like shape and firm skin. This ensures even cooking and a creamy, sweet texture.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor to the squash and helps the parmesan stick, creating a crispy, cheesy coating.
- Coarse sea salt
- Ground black pepper
- Garlic powder: Brings a savory, aromatic touch that pairs well with the other flavors.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Creates a crispy, cheesy coating for added texture and umami.
- Honey: Adds a hint of sweetness that balances the savory parmesan and garlic.
- Avocado oil spray (or neutral-flavored oil): Prevents the squash from sticking to the air fryer and promotes even crisping.
- Cilantro or parsley (optional): A fresh, herbaceous garnish that brightens up the dish.
How to cook delicata squash in air fryer
Cooking delicata squash in the air fryer is so easy! In just 8 minutes, you’ll have perfectly golden, crispy squash on the outside, with a buttery soft and sweet inside.
- Prep the squash: Scrub the delicata squash clean, pat it dry, and cut off both ends. Halve the squash lengthwise, then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. This prepares the squash for easy slicing.
- Slice: Place the halved squash flat-side down on the cutting board. Cut the squash into ¾-inch (2 cm) half-moon shapes. Make sure the slices are even so they cook uniformly.
- Melt the butter: Pour the melted butter over the squash in a large bowl. This adds flavor and helps the parmesan stick.
- Season: Add salt, black pepper, and garlic granules. Toss to coat evenly. Ensure all the pieces are well-coated.
- Add parmesan: Sprinkle in 2.5 oz (70 g) of the parmesan. Toss to coat, then gently press the cheese onto the squash. Pressing the cheese helps it stick.
- Drizzle honey: Lightly drizzle honey over the squash. The sweetness balances the savory flavors.
- Prepare the air fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the squash skin side down in a standing position and in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fryer time: Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 8 minutes. Wait 15 seconds before removing the squash from the air fryer to make it easier to lift.
- Finish and garnish: While still hot, sprinkle with a touch of salt, drizzle with more honey, and add the remaining parmesan. Garnish with cilantro or parsley if desired.
Prevent squash from sticking
To prevent the delicata squash from sticking to the air fryer basket, place the pieces skin-side down and stand them upright in a single layer with space between each piece. The squash skin has less starch than the flesh, making it less likely to stick!
What to serve it with
You can serve this dish as a side, appetizer, or pair it with other beautiful winter veggies you like. Here are some ideas:
- Protein main dish: Try it alongside Herb Roasted Spatchcock Chicken or Air Fryer Whole Chicken. The juicy chicken pairs well with sweet squash.
- Soup or pasta: The roasted squash goes great with Chicken Kale Soup, Shrimp Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce, or a bold Gochujang Pasta.
- Vegetable sides like Honey Sriracha Brussel Sprouts, Steakhouse Mushrooms, or a refreshing Tatsoi Salad. These options bring out the best in the squash’s flavor.
ChihYu’s helpful tips
- Select the best squash: Choose delicata squash that feels heavy in your hands and with no mushy spots.
- Scrub them clean first: Always scrub the squash thoroughly before slicing to remove any dirt from the skin.
- No need to peel the outer skin: The skin of delicata squash softens during cooking – it’s edible! It adds extra texture and holds the squash slices together.
- Slice to equal width (for even cooking): Cut the squash into equal ¾-inch (2 cm) thick half-moon slices to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
- Press the parmesan: After tossing the squash with parmesan, use your hands to press the cheese onto the pieces.
- Prevent sticking: Place the squash skin-side down and in a standing position in the air fryer basket with some space between each piece to avoid sticking.
Common questions
Can I use other types of squash in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute delicata squash with other varieties like butternut squash or acorn squash. However, for these types, the skin needs to be removed first, as it doesn’t soften during cooking. You may also need to adjust the cooking time since these squashes are denser.
Do you eat the skin on roasted delicata squash?
Yes! The skin of delicata squash becomes soft and tender when roasted, so there’s no need to peel it. It’s completely edible and adds extra texture to the dish.
More easy squash recipes you might like
If you love winter squash, these quick and flavorful recipes are perfect for everyday meals or when you want something comforting.
- Roasted Delicata Squash: A sweet and savory dish with cinnamon and cranberries.
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Delicata Squash: A colorful side of juicy tomatoes and tender squash.
- Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash: An easy side dish that’s an internet favorite and family friendly!
- Kabocha Squash Soup: A creamy Japanese pumpkin soup with turmeric and ginger.
Air fryer delicata squash recipe
Try this quick and easy air fryer delicata squash recipe with a caramelized honey parmesan crust. A perfect side dish for fall and holidays!
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Ingredients
- 26 oz. delicata squash, 2 medium, heavy in weight, not overly ripe and not too hard.
- 2.5 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp coarse sea salt
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic granules
- 3 oz grated parmesan cheese, divided
- Light drizzle Honey, plus more for garnish
- Avocado oil spray, or any neutral-flavored oil
- Small handful cilantro, or parsley, garnish, optional
Instructions
- Prep the squash: Scrub the delicata squash clean, pat dry, and cut off both ends. Halve lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Slice: Cut the squash into half-moon shapes, about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Melt the butter: Pour the melted butter over the squash.
- Season: Add salt, black pepper, and garlic granules to the squash. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add parmesan: Sprinkle in 2.5 oz (70 g) of the parmesan (reserve the rest for garnish). Toss to coat and gently press the cheese onto the squash.
- Drizzle honey: Lightly drizzle honey over the squash, distributing evenly. For reference, I used a little less than 1 tbsp.
- Prepare the air fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the squash skin side down so they are in a standing position and in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. This will make the squash less likely to stick to the basket. Cook in 2 batches if needed.
- Air fry: Cook at 380°F (193°C) for 8 minutes. When transferring out of the air fryer basket, wait for 15 seconds. The cold air will make the squash “unstick” a bit and thus make it easier to lift from the basket. Transfer to a large serving plate and repeat with the second batch.
- Finish and garnish: While still hot, sprinkle the squash with a touch of salt, drizzle with a little more honey, and sprinkle the remaining parmesan. Garnish with cilantro or parsley.
- Serve: Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Substitute maple syrup for honey and use vegan butter.
- Selecting Delicata Squash: Choose squash that feels heavy for its size and has a tube-like shape (even width throughout) to ensure even cooking. It should be firm, not too ripe.
- Parmesan Tip: Use your hands to gently press the parmesan onto the squash to help it stick.
- Prevent Sticking in the Air Fryer: Place the squash skin-side down in a standing position, making sure the pieces are in a single layer with space between them. This reduces the chance of sticking to the basket.
- Storage: Store cooked squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
- Freezing: Let the squash cool to room temperature, then flash freeze to maintain its shape before transferring to freezer-safe bags. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 294kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 37mg, Sodium: 671mg, Potassium: 692mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 2922IU, Vitamin C: 23mg, Calcium: 243mg, Iron: 1mg
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