Weight Watchers Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Sharp- Knife
• Small dish
• Spoon
• Nonstick pan

Ingredients

• Onion Powder 1 1/2tsps
• Garlic Powder 1 1/2tsps
• Sweet Paprika 1/2tsp
• Cayenne Pepper 1/8tsp
• Kosher Salt 1/2tsp
• Brown sugar 1tsp
• Diced Butternut Squash 4 heaping cups ( around about 24 ounces)
• Olive Oil 1tsp

Ingredient Notes

Onion and garlic powder:

• I used store-bought packet powder. Minced garlic and freshly sliced onions intensify the taste.

Paprika:

• We used sweet paprika in the Butternut Squash dish to lessen the spiciness.

Cayenne Pepper:

• Use a small amount of this pepper to balance the flavors.

Brown Sugar:

• It is an optional ingredient.

Olive Oil:

• Used for air-frying purposes.

Instructions

1. First, heat the air fryer by adjusting its temperature to 400 degrees.
2. Next, take butternut squash and chop it into one-inch bite size using a knife.
3. Then, shift it into an air fryer basket. Sprinkle over olive oil to prevent stickiness.
4. Simmer in an air fryer for 17/22 minutes.
5. Shake the basket of the air fryer after every 2/4 minutes until it’s golden and soft.
6. Meanwhile, we will prepare butternut squash coating.
7. Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne paprika, brown sugar, salt, and sweet paprika in a small dish.
8. Mix all spices by using a spoon. Set aside.
9. Next, when the butternut squash is tender, toss it with olive oil and mix.
10. Then, pour the spicy mixture over the air-fried squash.
11. Combine it well until the spices mix with the squash.
12. Place this marinated butternut squash in a nonstick pan.
13. Simmer it for 3/5 minutes to a medium flame until the flavor of spices develops.
14. Shift it into a serving plate.

Alternative ways of this dish

• Season the butternut squash with ground cinnamon, a little quantity of salt, or pumpkin pie spice.
• Substitute the granulated brown sugar with maple syrup or honey.
• Do not use cayenne if you don’t like its taste.
• Different cooking oils can be used like canola and vegetable oil.
• Try this recipe with rosemary, thyme, or allspice.
• Coat the cube-sized squash with arrowroot powder or cornstarch for a crunchy taste.

Serving Ideas

• You can enjoy the tasty bites of butternut squash in different ways.
• Mix the squash with scrambled eggs for a nutritious side dish for breakfast.
• Enjoy it with crunchy baked pork chops, or roasted whole chicken.
• Accompany well with roasted or grilled vegetables like Brussels, sprouts, or broccoli.
• This dish can be paired with air-fried chicken legs, garlic bread, steak (beef or chicken), or simple rice.
• Serve it with a simple salad.

Tips

• Chop the butternut squash into an equal diced size.
• You can use fresh spices instead of ready-made ones.
• Place the cubed-sized squash in one line to ensure enough air circulates.
• Simmer each side of the squash until it softens.
• Pour the additional brown sugar over the butternut squash. This adds a little more sweetness to it.
• You can purchase already-cut butternut squash from the vegetable market to save time.

Storage Information

Refrigerator:

• We pack the leftover dish in an airtight dish. Store in the fridge for 4/6 days.

Freezer:

• You can freeze the remaining quantity of butternut squash in a closed freezer bag for 2/3 months.

Reheating:

• You can reheat the refrigerated dish for 2-4 minutes in a microwave oven. Rewarm the frozen squash in an air fryer for 7/8 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use other varieties of squash instead of butternut?

• Spaghetti, honey nut, or acorn squash works best in place of butternut.

How can I use the leftover dish?

• You can repurpose the remaining dish in many ways. The easiest method is to mash the butternut squash and add more spices such as cumin, pepper, salt, etc. Combine all ingredients and form into flat patties. The patties work well with both frying and baking options.

Is it necessary to remove the butternut squash layer before air-frying?

• The layer of butternut squash is tough and takes time to cook. It’s better to peel off its skin before cooking.

Nutritional Facts Per Serving amount

Per Serving 1cup
Total Amount 4 servings
Total Calories 113kcals
Carbohydrates 22g
Total fat 3.5g
Sugar 4g
Dietary Fiber 3.5g
Protein 2g
Sodium 148mg

The total Weight Watchers Points Per Serving Size is equal to 1