These hand cut air fryer butternut squash fries are crispy and delicious! They are a healthier option to French fries and pair well with so many recipes. Best of all? You can have the first batch done in 20 minutes.
Butternut squash fries are a low calorie, low carb alternative to regular or even sweet potato fries! Butternut squash is considered a winter squash and is popular during the fall and winter months.
These tasty fries pair well with lentil potato soup, black bean lentil burgers, chickpea curry sandwiches, jackfruit tuna sandwiches and more! Add butternut squash fries to your Thanksgiving table this year as an easy air fryer side dish that won't take up oven space.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Butternut squash cooked in the air fryer is an alternative to regular, deep fried fries. The air frier uses less oil and won't heat up your house like the stove or oven will!
- This is a tasty, low carb alternative to regular or sweet potato fries.
- They taste delicious dipped in spicy sriracha sauce, ketchup or greek yogurt dill dip!
Equipment Notes
I LOVE my 8 quart Gourmia air fryer! If you have a smaller air fryer that will work too, you will just have to cook the fries in smaller batches so they stay nice and crispy!
Ingredient Notes
- Butternut squash - look for a butternut squash with a longer "neck." I find it easier to hand cut this part of the squash into fries.
- Cornstarch - this will help make the fries extra crispy on the outside! Cornstarch also keeps this recipe gluten free!
- Olive oil - you will only need a small amount per batch since this is an air fryer recipe.
- Spices - salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika and thyme.
Substitutions & Variations
- Sweet - season the fries with salt, cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweeter version that embodies fall flavors. Sprinkle some brown sugar on top when it comes out of the air fryer!
- Spicy - add ¼ to a ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper!
- Sweet and spicy - combine the above options for a sweet and spicy variation.
- Cheesy - grate fresh parmesan on top of the butternut squash fries when they come out of the air fryer. Garnish with parsley or thyme
- Butternut squash cubes - cut the squash into cubes instead of fries.
Step by Step Instructions
Cut the butternut squash in half, separating the longer top from the rounded bottom. Peel skin from the long narrow top with a vegetable peeler.
Slice the top of the squash into planks, then slice the planks into ¼" to ½" thick fries. Slice the rounded parts to the same thickness.
Add the fries into a large mixing bowl. Add the corn starch, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme and olive oil.
Toss well until the fries are coated. Add more cornstarch if needed.
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 minutes. When preheated add a layer of butternut squash fries into the basket. You will mostly likely have to work in batches to not overcrowd the fries.
Air fry for 18 minutes tossing once halfway though. Remove from the air fryer and add in your next batch of fries. Continue until all fries are cooked. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Hint: Do not overcrowd the air fryer. If the air fryer has too many butternut squash fries in the basket they will not become crispy. Ensuring the fries have space for air flow in the basket makes them nice and crispy. You will have to work in 2-3 batches to reach maximum crispiness!
Tips and Tricks
If you don't want to cut the round part of the squash, set it aside for another recipe! Or you can cut it into cubes instead of fries. You can air fry the cubes and add them to salads such as this butternut squash beet salad!
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat simply add them back to the air fryer for 3 minutes! They will be just as crispy and delicious. I do not recommend freezing the butternut squash fries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes you can use this recipe to make butternut squash fries in the oven instead of the air fryer. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and follow the prepping instructions. Bake them for 30-45 minutes, stirring once halfway though.
Using the air fryer helps make the fries extra crispy! Coating them in corn starch will also add to their crispiness. It is important to remember NOT to overcrowd the basket. The air fryer need air flow around the fries in order to crisp them up.
The fries will be done after 15-18 minutes.
Hand Cut Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
Ingredients
- 1 whole butternut squash medium sized
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch more as needed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Peel the butternut squash and cut it in half (width wise) to separate the neck from the rounded bottom. Scoop out the seeds from the bottom and discard.
- Slice the squash into ¼" to ½" planks and then into fries.
- Add the fries to a large mixing bowl with the garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, cornstarch and olive oil. Mix until the fries are evenly coated. Add more cornstarch if needed and toss again.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. When the air fryer is preheated, add a layer of butternut squash fries. Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Air fry to 18 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket halfway though cooking.
- Remove the fries from the basket when the timer goes off. Repeat until all the fries are cooked. Garnish with parsley, serve with ketchup and enjoy!
Notes
- For crispy fries make sure NOT to overcrowd the basket. To avoid overcrowding, add the fries to the basket one layer at a time. Try to minimize overlapping.
- These fries are best served fresh! If you work in batches I recommend serving them immediately and throwing in the next batch of fries as needed.
- If you don't want to fry everything up at once, save the uncooked butternut squash in the fridge until ready to use. Simply add another tablespoon of cornstarch before frying them.
Cathy says
These look delicious! I can't wait to try them!!!
Emily Toshiko says
Thank you! I hope you enjoy them. 🙂
Em says
I’ve already made these twice! They are so good!