Looking for an easy and delicious way to cook butternut squash? Look no further than the air fryer! Air fryer frozen butternut squash is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Simply toss the frozen butternut squash in the air fryer and cook it until it’s nice and crispy. This is a quick and easy way to get your daily dose of vegetables, and it tastes great too.
This post was written by Lindsay Delk, RDN. It is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace medical advice or instructions given by your healthcare provider.
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Air Fryer Frozen Butternut Squash Ingredients & Mental Health Benefits
Frozen butternut squash
Using frozen vegetables are a great way to add more nutrients into your diet without having to spend a lot of time preparing them. They are also a great way to add variety into your meals, and they can be stored for long periods of time without going bad.
Butternut squash is a winter squash that is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B6, and magnesium. Even though it’s a winter squash, you can enjoy it all year when it’s frozen.
The mental health benefits of butternut squash are vast. Just because it’s a colorful vegetable, it’s important for mental health as well as overall health.
The vitamin B6 in butternut squash helps to regulate moods, and the magnesium can help to combat depression and anxiety.
Additionally, the vitamin A, phytonutrients, and other antioxidants present in butternut squash can help to protect the brain from damage caused by stress and decrease overall inflammation.
So, not only is this recipe for frozen butternut squash in the air fryer quick and easy, it’s also good for your mental health!
Extra-virgin olive oil
Olive oil is a healthy fat (monounsaturated) that is the preferred fat in the Mediterranean diet. And research shows that the Mediterranean diet is the best dietary pattern for optimal mental health.
Olive oil is also a good source of antioxidants, which are important for protecting the brain from damage and decreasing inflammation in the body.
How to Cook Frozen Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and place the frozen butternut squash in a medium bowl. Do not thaw the butternut squash.
Add the olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the butternut squash and mix.
When the air fryer is preheated, spray the basket with cooking spray and add the squash mixture in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes or until the squash is browned, flipping the squash about 6 minutes into the cooking time. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Butternut Squash FAQ
Butternut squash has a mild, nutty sweetness to it that is similar to the taste of pumpkin. It is creamy and buttery in texture. The taste can range from savory to sweet depending on how you cook the squash. Air frying or roasting brings out even more of its natural sweetness, while boiling or steaming will make it softer and creamier.
Trader Joe’s butternut squash is a seasonal item. They usually sell 2-pound bags of cut butternut squash during the holiday season. Trader Joe’s butternut squash is convenient because it is washed, peeled, cubed, and ready to cook.
This butternut squash recipe goes perfectly with my recipes for Air Fryer Sea Bass and Tricolor Quinoa.
Now that you know how to make frozen butternut squash in the air fryer, it’s time to get cooking! This is a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for a healthy snack or side dish.
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Frozen Butternut Squash in the Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen cubed butternut squash
- 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Mix all ingredients (frozen butternut squash, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper) in a medium bowl.
- When the air fryer is preheated, spray the basket with cooking spray and add the squash in a single layer.
- Cook for 10 minutes or until the squash is browned. Flip the squash about 6 minutes into the cooking time. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t forget to spray the basket heavily with cooking spray or the butternut squash will stick to the basket.
- This butternut squash pairs perfectly with my recipes for Easy Air Fryer Sea Bass and Garlic Tricolor Quinoa.