Air fryer delicata squash

Air fryer delicata squash is quick, simple, and ready in just 8 minutes. There’s no peeling, only a handful of ingredients, and the squash turns out tender inside with golden, caramelized edges — an easy win for busy weeknights.

My version adds a honey parmesan crust that makes it taste almost like candy. It’s sweet and buttery with crisp, cheesy bites — the side I make most often for both everyday dinners and our holiday table.

Key Ingredients (and why they work)

All you really need to air fry delicata squash is olive oil, salt, and pepper. That’s the simple version. In my kitchen, I like to dress it up with butter, parmesan, and a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory crust.

• Delicata squash: Look for squash that feels heavy for its size with bright yellow skin and green stripes. If it’s too young, the flesh can taste bland and overly firm. If it’s too ripe, it’ll feel soft or wrinkled and turn mushy after cooking. A good one should be dense, slightly firm, and slice cleanly.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan creates that golden, crisp crust. Press the cheese onto the squash instead of just sprinkling — this way it sticks and caramelizes beautifully instead of sliding off in the air fryer.
• Honey: Just a light drizzle adds sweetness that balances the salty parmesan. Once the squash comes out of the air fryer, I like to add a little more for a glossy finish.
• Butter + oil spray: Butter gives richness and helps the cheese stick. A quick mist of avocado oil spray keeps the squash from sticking to the air fryer basket and encourages even crisping.

How to make air fryer delicata squash

This recipe is quick and easy, but a few small tricks make all the difference. Here’s how to prep, season, and air fry delicata squash so it turns out golden, crisp, and never soggy.

1. Start with clean, evenly sized squash
   Scrub the squash well, pat it dry, and cut off both ends. Halve it lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Slice into even ¾-inch (2 cm) half-moons. Keeping the slices uniform is key — too thin and they can burn, too thick and they’ll stay undercooked.
2. Coat with butter and simple seasonings
   Melt the butter and pour it over the squash. Add salt, pepper, and garlic granules, then toss to coat. The butter helps the parmesan stick and gives extra flavor. Seasoning every piece evenly avoids bland bites later.

3. Press in the parmesan for a crisp coating
   Sprinkle in most of the parmesan and toss to coat. Use your hands to gently press the cheese onto the squash so it sticks. If you just sprinkle it, much of the cheese will slide off into the basket instead of crisping onto the squash.
4. Add honey for a sweet-savory balance
   Drizzle lightly with honey and toss again. The hint of sweetness balances the salty parmesan and helps caramelize the edges. A little goes a long way.
5. Arrange in the air fryer without overcrowding
   Spray the basket with oil, then stand the squash slices skin-side down in a single layer with space between each piece. Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding is the #1 reason air fryer squash turns out soggy instead of crisp.
   • TIP: Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes helps the squash crisp faster instead of steaming in its own moisture.
6. Cook until golden and easy to lift
   Air fry at 380°F (193°C) for 8 minutes. When the timer’s up, wait 15 seconds before lifting them out — the cooler air helps release the pieces without tearing. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the next batch.
7. Finish with more cheese and honey
   While still hot, sprinkle with a touch more salt, a drizzle of honey, and the remaining parmesan. The heat will melt everything together into a glossy, crispy finish. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if you like.

Side dish pairing ideas

This air fried delicata squash makes a cozy fall side dish. It makes a quick weeknight side, but also festive enough for the holiday table.

• Protein mains: Try it with Herb Roasted Spatchcock Chicken, Taiwanese Soy Marinated Chicken, or Broiled Cod With Miso. They are juicy and flavorful, and the sweet squash balances them beautifully.
• Soups or noodles: Pair with Chicken Kale Soup, Winter Melon Chicken Soup, or a bold Gochujang Pasta for a hearty, warming meal.
• Vegetable sides: Serve alongside Honey Sriracha Brussel Sprouts, Steakhouse Mushrooms, or a refreshing Enoki Mushroom Salad. These dishes bring out the best in the squash’s sweet-savory flavor.

FAQs

Try these fall squash recipes next!

Looking for more cozy, seasonal sides? These squash recipes are just as easy and full of flavor — perfect for fall weeknights or the holiday table.

• Roasted Delicata Squash — a classic oven-baked version that’s simple, sweet, and caramelized.
• Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Delicata Squash — juicy tomatoes add brightness to tender squash.
• Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash — another quick air fryer favorite for busy weeknights.
• Kabocha Squash Soup — creamy, comforting, and packed with cozy turmeric ginger fall flavors.