Air Fryer Brown Sugar Butternut Squash

Name: Air Fryer Brown Sugar Butternut Squash
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15 oz (425 g) butternut squash, cut into 3/4-inch cubes; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper; 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Sweet, smoky and a little spicy—this is the fall side that disappears first. Toss cubed squash with olive oil, then coat in brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne and salt before air frying at 400°F until fork-tender and caramelized at the edges.

20 min total
400°F / 204°C
4 servings
5 min prep

Jump to recipe See steps

Even cubes

Three-quarter-inch pieces cook evenly. Pre-cut bags vary in size—adjust time up or down if yours run larger or smaller.

Toss halfway

Brown sugar wants heat on every face. A shake at the midpoint keeps the cubes from steaming in a pile.

Dial the heat

Cayenne is optional. Use a pinch, skip it, or swap chili powder for a milder warm note.

Air Fryer Brown Sugar Butternut Squash

Prep 5 min · Cook 15 min · Total 20 min · 4 servings

Air Fryer400°F / 204°C

Basket time14 min

Flip / shakeat 7 min

Tested onCosori 5.8 qt, 1700W

Crowding. About 15 oz fits one layer in most baskets. Cook in two batches for a double recipe.

Basket liner (optional). Air fryer paper basket liners are optional. They catch drips and make cleanup easier. Use the molded type that fits your basket; air flows around the sides. Never cover the whole basket floor with solid foil.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow each step in order. Photos show what to look for so the basket finish matches the plate.

Prep

If needed, peel and cut butternut squash into 3/4-inch cubes. Toss cubes with olive oil in a large bowl.
Butternut squash cubes tossed with brown sugar and spices
In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne and salt. Add to the squash and toss until evenly coated.

Roast

Spread in a single layer in the basket. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 13-15 minutes, tossing halfway, until fork-tender and caramelized at the edges.
Roasted butternut squash cubes in the air fryer basket
Serve warm as a side.