Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer (Maple Glazed)

Cooking acorn squash in the air fryer is the fastest way I know to get tender, caramelized squash. The halves get a simple maple glaze with cinnamon and vegan butter, and they're ready in about 20 minutes with a handful of ingredients. It's an easy fall side for a weeknight dinner, and it looks beautiful on the Thanksgiving table, too.

Why You'll Love This Acorn Squash Air Fryer Recipe

• Just 6 ingredients, including salt and the optional cloves.
• Ready in about 20 minutes, much faster than roasting in the oven.
• Tender, caramelized halves with a sweet maple cinnamon glaze.
• A naturally vegan side that works for weeknights and holiday meals.
• It frees up your oven on Thanksgiving.

Fall is pumpkin season, but acorn squash deserves a spot on your table too. When I want a simple side, this air fryer version and my Air Fryer Butternut Squash are my go-tos. If you want a heartier main dish, try this Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash (With Quinoa).

Maple Glazed Acorn Squash Ingredients

• Acorn squash: Pick one that fits your air fryer basket when it's cut in half.
• Vegan butter: I use Earth Balance vegan butter for a rich flavor.
• Maple syrup: It pairs perfectly with the mild, nutty squash and helps the edges caramelize.
• Salt: Just a little to balance the sweetness.
• Cinnamon and cloves: Cinnamon adds warmth, and a pinch of ground cloves is optional.

See the recipe card below for exact amounts.

How to Pick a Good Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is in season in the US from early October through December. Look for one that feels heavy for its size, with smooth, dull skin and no soft spots. It should be mostly dark green; a little orange is fine.

How to Cook Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Make the maple glaze. Add the vegan butter, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon and cloves (if using) to a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then whisk with a fork until smooth.

Step 2: Cut and scoop the squash. Rinse the acorn squash and cut it in half from the stem down. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon.

Step 3: Glaze and add to the air fryer. Generously brush the cut sides with the maple glaze. Place the halves cut side up in the air fryer basket with space between them.

Step 4: Air fry until tender. Air fry at 480 degrees Fahrenheit (250 degrees Celsius) for 15 minutes. If a fork doesn't slide in easily, cook for another 5 to 7 minutes and check again.

Does your air fryer stop at 400 degrees? Cook it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 20 to 25 minutes instead.

If you like, drizzle the squash with a little more maple syrup and a pinch of flaky salt right before serving.

How to Cut Acorn Squash

Acorn squash has a hard skin and deep ridges, so use a large, sharp knife on a cutting board. Slice off the stem first, then cut down through the middle, pressing on the top of the knife with your other hand. To cut it into quarters, cut each half in half again. For slices, lay a half cut side down and slice it about ½ inch thick.

Save the seeds! Rinse and dry them, then roast them with your favorite seasonings for an easy snack.

How Long to Cook Acorn Squash in the Air Fryer

The exact time depends on the size of your squash and your air fryer. It's done when a fork slides easily into the thickest part and the edges are golden and caramelized. If the tops brown too quickly, lower the heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

Cut Side Up or Cut Side Down?

Cook the halves cut side up. The glaze pools in the center and caramelizes around the edges instead of dripping into the basket.

Air Fryer vs. Oven Acorn Squash

Roasted acorn squash usually takes close to an hour in the oven. The air fryer gives you the same golden, caramelized edges in a fraction of the time, and it keeps your oven free for the stuffing and pies on Thanksgiving. If you'd rather use the oven, try this Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash (With Quinoa) or my Garlic Herb Oven Roasted Vegetables.

What Does Acorn Squash Taste Like?

Acorn squash is mild, a little sweet and slightly nutty, with tender, creamy flesh once it's cooked. It's less sweet than butternut squash, which is why a maple glaze works so well with it. If you love butternut squash, try my Air Fryer Butternut Squash (Cubes + Halves) too.

Ideas I Haven't Tried Yet

I always make this with the maple cinnamon glaze, but here are some easy ways you could change it up:

• Herbs: Sage, thyme or rosemary, fresh or dried.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Add a sprinkle with the cinnamon.
• A little heat: Red pepper flakes or cayenne.
• Smoky: A pinch of smoked paprika.
• Curry: Skip the maple glaze and use curry powder or garam masala.
• Savory: Just vegan butter with salt and black pepper, or salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika and thyme or rosemary.
• Crunch: Top with chopped walnuts or pecans before serving.
• Other squash: The same method should work with delicata or kabocha squash, but the time will change with the thickness.

What to Serve With Acorn Squash

• On your holiday table: Serve it with Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Easy Vegan Stuffing, Dairy-Free Green Bean Casserole and Easy Vegan Gravy.
• With other veggies: It goes well with Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Brown Sugar Green Beans (No Bacon).
• With grains: Serve it next to Instant Pot Quinoa or Perfect Instant Pot Basmati Rice.
• In other dishes: Scoop out the cooked squash and add it to pasta like this Tuscan White Bean Pasta, toss it into salads like this Roasted Beetroot Sweet Potato Salad, or stir it into soups like Butternut Squash Carrot Soup.

Storage and Reheating

Make ahead: Make the maple glaze ahead of time.

Store: Let the squash cool, then keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

Reheat: Warm it in the air fryer for 4 to 6 minutes, or in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes.

Acorn Squash Air Fryer FAQs

Did you make this acorn squash in the air fryer? I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a 🌟 star rating and a 📝 comment below, and tag me on Instagram so I can see your photos.