Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

These crispy air fryer butternut squash fries are a delicious healthy snack or appetizer. They’re crispy, golden brown and seasoned to perfection with garlic and italian herbs. Not to mention they are a healthy low carb option that takes no time in the air fryer! Pair with a creamy garlic aioli.

Why you’ll love this:

EASY: Air frying is one the easiest ways to make delicious fries! It’s a great way to use up leftover butternut squash.
FLAVORFUL: With just a few simple ingredients and spices you will have crispy, cheesy, delicious fries in no time.
HEALTHY: This is a healthy side dish or appetizer with no oil! It’s low carb and packed with Vitamin A and C.
VEGAN, DAIRY-FREE, AND GLUTEN-FREE

Honestly, air fryer butternut squash fries are the best way to enjoy this vegetable (in my opinion). It may even be on the level of competition with regular french fries (yes I said it!). This recipe is really easy to make and requires only a few simple steps and spices to take a basic butternut squash to the next level!

Love butternut squash or have some extra? Try out this cozy Fall Farro Salad with Butternut Squash! You will also love this Acorn Squash Curry or Mexican Stuffed Spaghetti Squash that’s a cozy dish for fall!

Ingredients

1/2 large Butternut Squash: You will use only the “neck” of the butternut squash. My large squash created about ~ 1lb (16 oz) of fries. You can also use one small butternut squash.
Olive oil: Just one tbsp to help the spices stick
Spices: Garlic powder, Onion powder, Italian herbs
Little bit of salt

See recipe card for full list of ingredients and quantitites.

Substitutions & Variations

Don’t have an ingredient? No problem!

Olive oil → Avocado oil (or use cooking spray)
Italian herbs → dried oregano, thyme, or parsley

*You can also make these squash fries with different squash such as zucchini or yellow squash.

Add some more flavor:

Parmesan cheese or Nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
Other spices like paprika, chili powder, etc.

Instructions

Step 1: Start by cutting your butternut squash in half (you will only be using one half of a large squash). Remove the skin with a peeler and scoop out the seeds. Cut off the base so you only have the “neck”. (The base is irregular shaped so it will create uneven fries- save it for later!) Cut your fries into 1/2 inch wide pieces, about 3-4 inches long.

Step 2: Pat the fries dry with a paper towel to remove any excess water. In a large bowl, toss the fries with the olive oil, garlic, herbs, and salt.

butternut squash fries in the air fryer basket, pre-cooked.

Step 3: Preheat air fryer at 400 degrees F for 3 minutes. Spread butternut squash fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may have to do two batches. Air fry for 6 minutes, shake the basket, then for another 6-7 minutes until you have crispy butternut squash fries.

*Air fry time may vary based on size of your air fryer and fries. Add a few extra minutes if needed to create the perfect crispy fry to your liking.

Step 4: (Optional) Mix up your aioli in a small bowl and enjoy with your fries!

Other dipping sauce ideas:

Ranch Dressing
Pesto Aioli
Marinara Sauce
Honey mustard
Your favorite dipping sauce

No Air Fryer? No Problem!

Make butternut squash fries in the oven. Preheat oven to 400F. Arrange the fries in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through the cooking time, until the fries are crispy and golden brown.

Storage

You can store your leftover fries in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat air fryer butternut squash fries in the air fryer for a few minutes to get them crispy again.

*FYI they don’t get as crispy as the original fries, but are still tasty!

▶︎For another amazing air fryer appetizer recipe, check out these flavorful Air Fryer Arancini which are crunchy rice balls that are a popular street food in Sicily! These Air Fryer Pasta Chips that are crispy, crunchy, and easy to make!

❓Recipe FAQ

Why are my butternut squash fries not crispy?

There could be a few reasons your fries didn’t turn out crispy. Your fries may have too much moisture which will make them soggy and soft. Be sure to pat dry before placing in the air fryer. If you cut your fries into large, uneven pieces they are less likely to get crispy. If you overcrowd your air fryer basket, they will not get as crispy. Make sure to spread them evenly on the base of the air fryer basket and consider using a shelf on top to layer more fries.

How do I cut the butternut squash into fries for the air fryer?

Cutting a butternut squash can be tricky! First, peel your butternut squash with a peeler then cut it in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds. Cut each half of the butternut squash into long, thin strips that are about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch wide, uniform in size, then cut the long strips into shorter pieces that are about 3 to 4 inches long, depending on the size of your air fryer basket.

Do I need to soak my butternut squash fries before air frying?

No, you don’t need to soak butternut squash fries before air frying. This could possibly make them soggy and mushy. Simply cut your butternut squash into fry shapes and then pat dry before adding seasoning.

What to eat with butternut squash fries

These are a great side dish, appetizer, or snack paired with…

▶︎If you love fries, you need to check out these crispy polenta fries that are another great side or app!

Pro Tips

Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket or else the fries will not get crispy. Spread the fries in a single layer with minimal overlap. I have a smaller basket and cooked in two rounds.
Preheat your air fryer (400 F for 3 minutes) to speed up cooking time for your fries and create more even cooking.
Feel free to be creative and add smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, or more salt for different flavors!

♡ Did you love this recipe? ♡

Leave a ⭐️rating and ✏️comment below (I love to read them!) Tag us on Instagram with a photo or video of your dish 📸 @naturallieplantbased.

Subscribe for more delicious recipes!