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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This quick, no-fuss recipe takes simple ingredients (bacon, squash, garlic, and herbs) and turns them into a crispy, caramelized side dish that’s hard to stop eating. The air fryer does all the work, coating each cube in rendered bacon fat for that golden, savory crunch.
It’s naturally paleo, gluten-free, and Whole30-friendly, and it brings a cozy flavor to any fall or holiday meal. Add a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a touch of sweetness. It’s simple, customizable, and might just become your new favorite side!
If you’re on an air-frying streak, try my Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes or Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes next. Or, for a cozier option, this Creamy Butternut Squash and Red Pepper Soup is a reader favorite during cooler months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Thick-cut bacon: Use sugar-free, nitrate-free bacon to keep this recipe Whole30-friendly. As it cooks, it releases enough fat that you won’t need olive oil or avocado oil.
- Butternut squash: Peel and cube into ½- to 1-inch pieces, or save time with pre-cut squash. The smaller cubes get extra crispy in the air fryer.
- Fresh thyme: Adds warmth and aroma to complement the sweetness of the squash.
- Garlic: Tossed in toward the end so it caramelizes without burning.
- Maple syrup: A small drizzle enhances the natural sweetness and helps the edges turn beautifully golden. Omit for Whole30.
- Sea salt + black pepper: Essential for seasoning – taste and adjust at the end.
- Optional additions: A pinch of smoked paprika or cinnamon for extra fall flavor.
Watch a Short Video of This Recipe
How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Use a sturdy vegetable peeler or sharp knife to peel. Cut your butternut squash and into even cubes.
Step 2: Line the basket or tray with parchment paper. Add butternut squash cubes and chopped bacon in a single layer and stir together.
Step 3: Cook for 5 minutes to let the bacon render fat. Add thyme, salt, and pepper, then shake halfway to coat everything evenly.
Step 4: Cook for another 5 minutes, then stir in garlic and maple syrup. Air fry 5-10 minutes more, until the squash is fork-tender and crisp on the edges. Serve warm and enjoy!
Expert Tips + Variations
- No oil needed: The bacon provides enough fat for perfect crisping.
- Make it Whole30: Skip the maple syrup and use compliant bacon.
- Batch size: Don’t overcrowd the basket – if doubling, cook in two batches so everything roasts evenly.
- Flavor twists: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for sweetness or smoked paprika for a savory touch.
- Prep tip: If you’re cutting a whole squash, use a sturdy peeler and sharp knife.
- Cleanup tip: If your air fryer has a tray instead of a basket, line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup and even browning.
- Protein pairing: This recipe goes so well with any savory protein! Try it with salmon, chicken breasts, or turkey.
To balance heavier sides at your holiday table, try my Fall Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing or Whole30 Roasted Squash Salad – both are delicious and light.
Storage + Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to revive the crispy texture. You can also warm it in the microwave for a softer finish.
Recipe FAQs
Cut the squash into even cubes, don’t overcrowd the basket, and shake halfway through cooking. Bacon fat helps everything crisp perfectly.
Yes! Toss the cubes in a little olive oil instead, and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
You can, just add 3-4 minutes to the cooking time and shake more frequently for even browning.
Yes, peel and cube it up to two days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and dry the cubes well before cooking to help them roast evenly.
Double the recipe and air fry in batches. Keep cooked batches warm in the oven while finishing the rest. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing holiday side dish.
More Fall Recipes
30 Minutes or Less
Creamy Paleo Carrot Soup with Bacon (Whole30, AIP Option)
If you make this air fryer butternut squash recipe, please leave me a star rating and comment below! I love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Follow me on social media – Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for even more delicious recipes!
The BEST Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Video
Ingredients
- 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 4 oz thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F
- Line the air fryer tray or basket with parchment paper, then add the butternut squash and bacon. Stir together.
- Cook for 5 minutes so the bacon releases some fat, then and add thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss the mixture together to coat in the fat.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, then remove from the air fryer.
- Stir in maple syrup and garlic, then cook for another 5-10 minutes until tender and crispy on the edges. Serve warm.
Notes
Expert Tips
- Use a vegetable peeler and sharp knife to cut the butternut squash, if not using a pre-cut version.
- Feel free to add additional salt and pepper to taste– even a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Tips
Serve warm with your favorite main dish. This recipe goes so well with any savory protein! Try it with salmon, chicken breasts, turkey, and more!Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave.Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Thanks for creating this delicious recipe, Jean! I’ve had a butternut squash sitting on my countertop for about a month waiting for me to do something with it. This recipe is so good, even the people in my house who normally pass on squash dishes ate this up! If you’re not sure what to do with your butternut squash, make this recipe ASAP. Follow the steps as directed and you too will be happy you tried this recipe!
That’s amazing, thank you so much!! Bacon and squash are just a magical combo. I appreciate you leaving a review!