Air Fryer Acorn Squash Fries

Air Fryer Acorn Squash Fries are a game-changer for healthy eating! With their crisp exterior and naturally sweet flavor, these fries make a perfect side dish or snack. Not only are they quick and easy to make in the air fryer, but they’re also packed with fiber and nutrients ideal for a low-carb, gluten-free lifestyle!

Are you looking for a low carb side dish? I have to insist you try making these air fryer acorn squash fries at home! This veggie fry has a delicious crispy exterior with a slightly sweeter center. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

Air Fryer Acorn Squash Fries

After having used the air fryer to cook a whole acorn squash, I really wanted to use the acorn squash in another form. Here comes a quick air fryer recipe for acorn squash fries!

This vegetable is full of fiber and potassium which makes it a delicious healthy side dish to serve to a family of 4.

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also easily make these acorn squash fries in the oven using similar ingredients in just under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Acorn Squash Fries

• Healthier than traditional fries: These acorn squash fries are low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with essential nutrients like fiber and potassium, making them a guilt-free indulgence. They satisfy your fry cravings while being lighter on calories.
• Naturally sweet and flavorful: The subtle sweetness of acorn squash pairs beautifully with a crispy texture, offering a unique twist on regular fries that will keep you coming back for more.
• Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner sides. The air fryer ensures a hassle-free cooking experience without the need for preheating.
• Customizable seasonings: Whether you prefer classic salt and pepper, a spicy cayenne kick, or savory garlic powder, you can tailor the seasoning to suit your taste buds.
• Family-friendly: These fries are a fun way to introduce kids to a new vegetable. They’re easy to eat, and the crispy texture makes them a hit with picky eaters!

Ingredients To Make Air Fried Acorn Squash Fries

This recipe is super simple. All you need are the 2 main ingredients:

• Acorn squash – The star ingredient, naturally sweet and nutrient-rich, perfect for crispy fries.
• Olive oil – Adds a touch of healthy fat and helps the fries crisp up in the air fryer.
• Salt and Pepper (or Seasonings of Your Choice) – Essential for flavor use classic salt and pepper or get creative with your favorite spice blends.

As for the seasoning, well…that’s really up to you!

You can go with the classic salt and pepper combo or give it a nice kick with a dash of cayenne pepper. The list of potential seasoning combos is endless!

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need to Make Air Fryer Acorn Squash Fries

• Air Fryer: The key to achieving crispy fries without deep-frying.
• Cutting Board: Provides a safe and sturdy surface for slicing the squash.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for cutting through the tough exterior of the acorn squash.
• Spoon (or Seed Scooper): Makes scooping out the seeds quick and easy.
• Mixing Bowl: For tossing the squash wedges with olive oil and seasonings.
• Measuring Spoon (1 tbsp): Ensures precise measurement of the olive oil.

If you’re not the biggest fan of acorn squash, that’s totally fine. There are many different veggie fry recipes out there you can try in your air fryer or oven.

These are some of my other favorites to make:

• Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
• Roasted Acorn Squash Fries
• Keto Zucchini Fries With NO Breading
• Baked Delicata Squash Fries

How To Make Acorn Squash Fries In The Air Fryer

Before you start cooking anything, make sure to really scrub and clean the outside of the acorn squash as we are leaving the skin on for some extra nutritional value.

After you have made sure the acorn squash is clean, cut the vegetable in half and scoop out the seeds using a spoon.  Did you know that there is such thing as a pumpkin seed scooper?

Of course you can use a regular spoon to scoop out the seeds, but if you eat a lot of squash, you’ll appreciate the convenience of a seed scraping gadget – check out seed remover for squash on Amazon.

Cut the squash into 1-inch wedges.

Pour olive oil over squash pieces and toss them to coat.

Place the acorn squash wedges in the air fryer basket.

Cook the squash fries in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

Cooking Tip

• If you like to use the whole vegetable, don’t throw out those seeds! Instead, after you finish scooping out the seeds from the middle of the acorn squash, add them to a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Cook them in the oven until they’re nice and roasted. You can eat these as a snack or add them as a topping to a salad!

What To Serve With Acorn Squash Fries

I love to serve acorn squash fries with some baked greek lemon chicken thighs or some baked salmon with everything bagel seasoning for a low carb dinner!

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the seasoning: Try swapping traditional salt and pepper for a spice mix like Cajun seasoning, chili powder, or Italian herbs. For a sweeter touch, sprinkle the wedges with cinnamon and a pinch of brown sugar before air frying.
• Use a different oil: Olive oil works well, but you can substitute it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil for different flavor profiles.
• Try another squash: If you don’t have acorn squash, delicata squash or butternut squash can also be cut into wedges and prepared the same way. Adjust the cooking time slightly based on the size of the pieces.
• Make it cheesy: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the fries immediately after they come out of the air fryer for a cheesy, savory twist.
• Add breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, toss the squash wedges in panko breadcrumbs after coating them with oil. This works well with a quick egg wash to help the crumbs stick.
• Spice it up: For heat lovers, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
• Create a dipping sauce: Pair these fries with a homemade dip like honey mustard, tzatziki, or even a tangy balsamic glaze for added flavor.
• Bake them: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the wedges in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
• Make it sweeter: Drizzle a little maple syrup or honey over the fries after cooking for a dessert-style take on veggie fries.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Place any leftover acorn squash fries in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from making them soggy.
• Reheating in the Air Fryer: To restore their crispiness, reheat the fries in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes. This method keeps them crunchy and fresh-tasting.
• Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and spread the fries out on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until warmed through.
• Microwave Option: While not recommended for maintaining crispiness, you can microwave the fries in 20-second increments until heated. Keep in mind they will lose their crunch.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze cooked acorn squash fries, as they tend to become mushy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or within a few days of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of squash for this recipe?

Yes! While acorn squash works beautifully, you can substitute it with delicata or butternut squash. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the wedges and the variety of squash used.

Do I need to peel the squash?

No, the skin of acorn squash is edible and becomes tender when cooked. Leaving it on saves prep time and adds extra nutrients. If you prefer, you can peel it, but it’s not necessary.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No problem! You can bake these fries in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be just as delicious, though not as crispy as in the air fryer.

How do I make these fries crispier?

To achieve maximum crispiness, ensure the wedges are spread out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of frying. Also, flip the fries halfway through cooking for even browning.

What seasonings work best with acorn squash fries?

Classic salt and pepper are always a hit, but you can get creative with spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese after cooking. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors!

Can I make these fries ahead of time?

These fries are best enjoyed fresh, as they’re crispier right out of the air fryer. If you need to make them ahead, store them in an airtight container and reheat them in the air fryer to restore some crispiness.

How do I cut the squash safely?

Start by placing the squash on a sturdy cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice it in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds. Cut each half into 1-inch wedges. A steady hand and sharp knife make all the difference for safety and ease.

What can I do with the leftover seeds?

Roast the seeds for a delicious snack! Toss them with olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices, then bake at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crunchy.

Are these fries kid-friendly?

Yes! The natural sweetness of acorn squash and their crispy texture make these fries a great way to introduce kids to new vegetables. Serve them with a fun dipping sauce to make them even more appealing.

What should I serve with these fries?

Acorn squash fries pair well with grilled chicken, baked salmon, or even a simple green salad. They’re also fantastic as a snack with a dip like garlic aioli or honey mustard.

More Air Fryer Recipes

If you loved this acorn squash fries recipe, check out some of my other air fryer recipes!

These are some of my current veggie go-to’s:

• Roasted Mushrooms In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
• Crispy Roasted Asparagus
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Corn In The Cob In The Air Fryer

See also:

• Instant Pot Acorn Squash
• Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Easy Pumpkin Pie