Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries | The Rustic Foodie® (2024)

This Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries recipe can be air fried or baked! It's served with a creamy lemon garlic rosemary dipping sauce.

My latest venture into the world of butternut squash comes in the form of fries, these Butternut Squash Fries to be exact.

Butternut squash is one of my favorite things about fall. It's a super versatile ingredient that can be used to make everything from soups to salads to risotto.

It turns out that this autumnal fruit makes for excellent fries, especially when served with a creamy homemade rosemary dipping sauce.

Butternut squash is naturally sweet and lends itself perfectly to savory spices like garlic and herbs such as rosemary. It creates dishes that are balanced and downright addictive.

If you're looking to switch up your butternut squash routine and discover just how versatile this stuff can get, I highly recommend whipping up a batch of these fries. They work great prepared in an Air Fryer OR roasted in the oven.

Does Butternut Squash Need To Be Peeled Before Cooking?

The skin of butternut squash is quite tough and it's necessary to peel the skin before breaking down the squash into fries.

The process of peeling and cutting a butternut squash is simple once you get the hang of it.

Be sure to have a sharp knife and a solid cutting board before peeling a butternut squash and cutting into chunks.

How To Peel Butternut Squash

1. To peel the butternut squash simply remove the top and bottom of the squash with a sharp knife and discard in the trash or compost bin.This will give you a flat surface on both the top and bottom portion of the fruit and make it easier to peel and cut.
2. Once the top and bottom have been removed, cut the butternut squash in half. Place one of the flat surfaces of each half of squash on the cutting board.
3. Carefully remove the skin with a knife or a good quality vegetable peeler and discard in the trash or compost bin.
4. Cut each half of the squash in half again. Scoop out the seeds and membranes from the bottom portion of the squash with a large spoon. Discard the seeds and membranes.

How To Cut Butternut Squash Into Fries

Once the squash has been peeled, cut in halves, and the seeds and membranes removed, it's time to cut the halves into fries.

1. Cut the top portions of the squash (the portion without the seeds and membranes) into halves. This should give you 6 'half moon' shaped portions of butternut squash.
2. Place the flat surface of a 'half moon' of squash on a cutting board and cut it lengthwise into slices.
3. Cut each of those slices into thick 'fries'. Make sure the fries are relatively the same thickness to ensure even cooking. (Some may be shorter than others).
4. Repeat with the remainder of the butternut squash.

You should end up with 6-8 heaping cups of fries after cutting 1 medium-large butternut squash.

Ingredients For Butternut Squash Fries

Here's what you'll need to make them.

• 1 Medium-Large Butternut Squash (yields 6-8 cups fries)
• 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• 2 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 2 tsp. Onion Powder
• 2 tsp. Smoked Paprika
• ½ tsp. each Kosher Salt and Pepper
• High-Heat Non-Aerosol Air Fryer Spray (such as Avocado Oil)
• 2 cloves Garlic
• ½ cup Mayo
• 2 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
• 1 Tbsp. Fresh Rosemary
• Pinch Kosher Salt and Pepper

How To Season Butternut Squash Fries

Once the fries are cut it's time to season them and get the ready for the Air Fryer. I love the addition of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to these fries.

Other spices that pair well with butternut squash include chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, Italian seasoning, thyme, oregano, and cinnamon. Warming spices like these tend to pair well with the sweetness of the squash.

1. Place the fries into a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with 2 Tbsp. olive oil.
2. Sprinkle 2 tsp. each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika over the fries. Add ½ tsp. each of kosher salt and pepper to the fries.
3. Toss the fries in the olive oil, spices, salt, and pepper until completely coated.

How To Make Butternut Squash Fries (Air Fryer Method)

These fries may be cooked in the air fryer or roasted in the oven. Both methods produce a tasty result, but the ones prepared in the air fryer may result in a slightly superior texture.

Air fryers are great for creating a crispy coating and soft interior to anything that is prepared using them. An oven is a great alternative, though, if you don't have an air fryer.

1. To make these fries using an Air Fryer, first spray the basket with a non-aerosol high-heat Air Fryer spray, such as avocado oil. This will help prevent the fries from sticking as they cook.
2. Place as many fries as will fit comfortably in the basket of the air fryer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Overcrowding the basket will result in mushy, unevenly cooked fries.
3. Heat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Cook the fries for 5 minutes, remove the basket, flip each of the fries, and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
5. Remove the cooked fries and place on a clean baking sheet.
6. Repeat with the remainder of the fries.

Looking for more air fryer recipes? Don't miss these!

• Air Fryer Eggplant Fries
• Breaded Fish Tacos
• Air Fried Shrimp Tacos
• Crispy Breaded Mushrooms
• Air Fried Parsnips
• Air Fried Turkey Burgers

How To Roast Fries (Oven Baked Method)

Roasting these fries in the oven may prove to be the quicker method, depending on the size of your air fryer.

If you have a small air fryer, baking in the oven may save time, or you can use a combination of both methods.

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking sheet (or multiple baking sheets, depending on the amount of fries you have) with the freshly cut fries.
3. Place the baking sheet(s) in the oven and roast for 10 minutes.
4. After 10 minutes, remove the baking sheet(s) and flip each of the fries over.
5. Return the baking sheet(s) to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
6. Remove the baking sheet(s) from the oven.

How To Tell When The Fries Are Done

Cooking times may vary slightly depending on how the size of your fries and the make or model of your air fryer or oven.

The outside of the fries should be golden brown and slightly crispy and the inside soft.

The texture of these fries is not totally crispy like French fries, as they are not breaded or coated in breadcrumbs. They're so tasty, though, you won't miss the crunch!

How To Make Rosemary Dipping Sauce

These Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries are super flavorful on their own, but this rosemary dipping sauce takes them to the next level.

I highly recommend serving these fries with the sauce. It's easy to make and can be prepared while the fries are cooking.

1. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and 1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary.
2. Add ⅓ cup mayo, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, and 1 Tbsp. freshly minced rosemary to a small bowl along with the minced garlic and a pinch of kosher salt and pepper.
3. Stir all of these ingredients together until completely combined using a fork or small whisk.

Can I Sub Dried Rosemary?

Yes!

If you don't have fresh rosemary on hand, you can substitute 1 tsp. dried rosemary for the fresh stuff.

Feel free to add more if you like a more robust rosemary flavor.

Can I Use Another Herb Instead Of Rosemary?

Absolutely!

Feel free to sub any fresh herb you like for rosemary. Basil, parsley, chives, tarragon, or thyme are all great options.

You can use the dried version of any of these herbs if that's what you've got on hand.

What To Serve With Squash Fries

I find that this rosemary dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment to these sweet and savory fries. This sauce would be great served with just about anything, but I find that it works particularly well with butternut squash.

Feel free to garnish them with some extra minced rosemary.

You can serve these fries with a homemade ranch dressing, chunky blue cheese dressing, or creamy tarragon sauce if you prefer.

What Do Butternut Squash Fries Taste Like?

I find that these fries taste a little like sweet potato fries. To be honest, I think I prefer them to the taste of sweet potato fries.

The butternut squash tends to pick up the flavors of whatever herbs and spices are added or paired with it, making it a great canvas for flavor.

Looking for more appetizers? Check out these recipes!

• Smoked Salmon Dill Crostini
• Mushroom Gruyere Tartlets
• BBQ Turkey Meatballs
• Smoky Baba Ghanoush
• Fresh Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Gruyere Prosciutto Tartlets
• Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

How Long Do These Fries Last In The Fridge?

Any leftover fries may be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Be sure to allow the fries to cool completely before transferring to the fridge for storage.

Any leftover dipping sauce may be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Can They Be Frozen?

I would not recommend freezing these fries as they are best enjoyed fresh. For the best taste and texture they should be served soon after cooking.

Love butternut squash? Check out these recipes!

• Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
• Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
• Fall Harvest Wild Rice Salad
• Roasted Squash Feta Salad
• Crockpot Butternut Squash Sausage Soup

Looking For More Butternut Squash Recipes? Don't Miss These!

Ravioli with Butternut Squash

Roasted Butternut Squash Sauce