Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
These crispy air fryer butternut squash fries takes less than 30 minutes to prep and cook, with a rich flavor that even picky eaters will reach for more of!
Servings: 6
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash ~1.5lbs. of fries
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil try using a sprayer
- 2 teaspoons tapioca starch optional
- 1 teaspoon za'atar optional
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- If using pre-cut squash fries, dry them off very well then skip to step 4. Wash your butternut squash and cut off the very top (where it was growing off the vine) and separate the long neck of the squash, which is what we'll use for the fries, setting aside the bottom for a different recipe (see notes for how to prep the bottom for butternut squash fries, as well).
- Microwave the squash for 2 minutes to make it easier to peel, then skin the squash and slice it lengthwise into 5 to 7 thick pieces, depending on how thick your squash is.
- Next slice each slab into butternut squash steak fries, about ⅓" thick, making sure each squash fry is about the same size for even cooking. Dry these cut fries very well for optimal crisping up, and this goes the same for those zig-zag squash fries from Trader Joe's.
- Set your air fryer to preheat to 400°F (205°C) for 3-5 minutes, and while it's heating up, gather your oil, salt, starch, and seasonings of choice (I like 1 teapsoon za'atar & 1 teaspoon garlic powder).
- Once your butternut french fries are dried, put them in a bowl and drizzle over or spray on your oil, and sprinkle on the salt, garlic powder, starch, and za'atar (if using), and toss until well-coated.
- Pour the seasoned butternut squash fries in the air fryer and arrange them in as thin a layer as possible (don't let them overlap; cook in 2 batches if needed), and cook them at 400°F (205°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket of squash fries halfway through your cook time. Less time will yield softer fries, while more time gets you something more like shoestring fries.
- When the timer goes off, take out your crispy butternut squash fries and taste one, then add extra salt (if needed) & enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce! I recommend chimmichurri, tahini maple, or a pesto aioli.
Notes
Squash Storage: You can store thick winter squash on the counter, but mine ended up on our counter for about a month before we used them and they tasted great, so use your best judgement when storing squash before making this recipe.
Fry Size: when cooking butternut squash in the air fryer, it's most common to simply dice them, but I most like the steak fries shape you get when you slice them lengthwise. But what's most important is to make sure the pieces are all the same size, to ensure even cooking.
What Sauce?: like with the delicatas, my mom enjoyed her butternut squash fries plain, while my fiance liked them with ketchup, and I liked mine with some homemade aioli (contains lemon juice). Other great sauces to try include pesto aioli or chimichurri.
Use Bottom of Squash to Make Fries: like with the top, cut the bottom portion of the squash in half, then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and innards. Next cut each half in half, and then slice the squash lengthwise into butternut squash steak fries, about ⅓" thick. If making such thick fries, you may need to air fry them for 2-3 extra minutes.