Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Paper towels
- Small bowl for dip
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Peeler
Ingredients
For the Fries
- 1 medium butternut squash about 2 lbs, peeled, seeds removed, cut into ¼-inch sticks
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, helps with crispiness
For the Greek-Yogurt Chipotle Dip
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt full-fat or 2%
- 1–2 teaspoons chipotle in adobo sauce minced or sauce only, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro optional, finely chopped
Instructions
Make the Dip
- In a small bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, minced chipotle in adobo (start with 1 teaspoon and add more to taste), fresh lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and cilantro if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prepare the Squash
- Peel the butternut squash, cut off the bulbous end (save for another use), and focus on the neck. Cut the neck into planks about ¼ to ½ inch thick, then cut those planks into fry-shaped sticks.
- Pat the squash sticks very dry with paper towels — this step is critical for crispiness. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the squash, then sprinkle with smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cornstarch if using. Toss well to coat every piece evenly.
Air Fry
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange the seasoned squash sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure pieces are not touching. Work in batches if necessary — do not overcrowd the basket.
- Air fry for 16 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket well at the 8 to 9 minute mark, until the fries are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender in the center.
- Remove from the air fryer, taste and season with additional salt if desired. Serve immediately with the chilled Greek-yogurt chipotle dip.
Notes
Storage: Leftover fries keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4 to 5 minutes to restore crispiness — avoid the microwave. The dip keeps refrigerated for up to 3 days and the flavor improves overnight. For best results, always cook fries in a single layer and pat the squash completely dry before seasoning.
Nutrition
Calories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 5gFat: 4gSodium: 340mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6g