Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash Hasselback with Bacon

Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash Hasselback with Bacon —Butternut squash is the perfect seasonal vegetable for this time of year. It’s hearty with a sweet flavor that pairs well with almost any meat.

For those who don’t know what Hasselback is, it’s slicing your butternut squash vertically and then cutting slits in each slice to allow the hot air from your oven or air fryer to circulate through more easily, cooking all sides evenly without burning them. If you want a touch of salty bacon on top, mix some crumbled bacon into the brown sugar before coating it on both sides of your sliced butternut squash. Just imagine how good these will taste!

This butternut squash is a perfect side dish for any fall meal. The salty sweetness of this dish will have you coming back again and again to try out all of its flavors!

A Thanksgiving without roasted butternut squash is like a Christmas dinner with no turkey. This delicious Hasselback version will be the talk of your table this year!

Doesn’t nobody have time for all those bland vegetables when something as delicious and flavorful as Butternut Squash awaits them on their plate at home or in front of guests? You can serve it either hot (as sides) or cold – either way, you’re guaranteed to please everyone, including yourself, since eating healthy finally feels good again! Thanks to your air fryer!

Try my Air Fryer Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe if you love butternut squash.

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Why you will love Hasselback Butternut Squash

• Easy: 15 minutes is all you’ll need to make this delicious dish before it goes into the air fryer, and there are only a few ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Nothing looks as beautiful as this Roasted Butternut Squash Hasselback with Bacon on your holiday table!
• Easy To Make Vegetarian: Leave out the bacon for a great and easy Air Fryer Vegetarian Recipe! You can even add some roasted nuts on top!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Butternut Squash Hasselback

Here are the simple ingredients that you will need:

• Butternut Squash: Peel and slice the butternut squash to create a fan-like shape for the Hasselback style.
• Bay Leaves: Insert bay leaves between the slices of squash to infuse a subtle, aromatic flavor.
• Garlic: Mince garlic and sprinkle it over the squash to enhance its savory taste.
• Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the squash to help it crisp up and develop a rich, golden-brown color.
• Salt: Season the squash with salt to bring out its natural sweetness and balance the flavors.
• Black Pepper: Add freshly ground black pepper for a touch of heat and added depth of flavor.
• Bacon or Pancetta: Cook and crumble bacon or pancetta to sprinkle over the squash, adding a crispy, savory crunch.
• Honey: Drizzle honey over the squash to caramelize and add a touch of sweetness to the dish.

How To Make Hasselback Butternut Squash In Air Fryer

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Step One: Prepare The Air Fryer Basket: Preheat the air fryer to 350 F | 180 C and place either a silicone air fryer liner or a piece of parchment paper (if you use parchment paper, wait until the air fryer is preheated to avoid a fire hazard) in the basket.

Step One Two: Prepare the Butternut Squash Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a metal spoon. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the skin. Place on a wooden cutting board and cut slices without cutting through with a sharp knife. Use the help of 2 wooden chopsticks placed on both sides of the squash to slice through.

Step Three: Add Toppings: Place bay leaves in between the slices. Place butternut squash in the air fryer basket with the whole garlic. Brush both with oil, then season with salt and pepper. Top with bacon or pancetta cubes.

Step Four: Air Fry Place in the air fryer and set cook time for 15-20 minutes. Remove and drizzle honey on top. Roast for another 2 minutes.  Test with a skewer if it is entirely softened. If not, leave it a bit longer.

Air Fryer Hasselback Butternut Squash Recipe Tips

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Ensure the air fryer is preheated to the right temperature for even cooking. This helps the squash cook uniformly and develop a crispy exterior.
• Slice Evenly: Make sure to slice the butternut squash evenly, about 1/4-inch apart, to ensure that each slice cooks at the same rate. A wooden spoon handle placed under the squash can help you avoid cutting all the way through.
• Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and crispiness. It also helps the seasonings stick to the squash.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning. The garlic, salt, and pepper should be well distributed between the slices for maximum flavor.
• Add Aromatics: Insert bay leaves and garlic slices between the squash slices to infuse the squash with aromatic flavors as it cooks.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Air fryers can vary in cooking times, so check the squash frequently towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning and ensure it’s cooked through.
• Crisp Up the Bacon: If using bacon or pancetta, consider pre-cooking it slightly before adding it to the squash to ensure it gets crispy in the air fryer.
• Drizzle Honey at the End: Add the honey during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent it from burning. This will give the squash a sweet, caramelized finish.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the Hasselback butternut squash immediately after cooking. It’s best enjoyed hot and fresh.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings and herbs, such as fresh parsley or rosemary, for additional flavor.

Air Fryer Hasselback Butternut Squash Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of squash? Yes, you can use other types of squash like acorn or kabocha. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the size and type of squash.

How do I know when the butternut squash is done? The squash is done when it is tender throughout and has a crispy, caramelized exterior. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the squash; it should go in easily.

Can I prepare the squash in advance? You can slice and season the squash in advance, but it’s best to cook it fresh for the best texture. If you need to prepare ahead, store the sliced squash in the refrigerator and cook within 24 hours.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? You can bake the Hasselback butternut squash in a conventional oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.

How do I prevent the squash from sticking to the air fryer basket? To prevent sticking, lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray or use a parchment liner. Ensure the squash is well-coated with oil.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the bacon or pancetta. You can enhance the flavor with additional herbs or spices.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Hasselback butternut squash? This squash pairs well with roasted meats, quinoa, or a fresh salad. It also makes a great side dish for holiday meals.

Can I freeze the cooked squash? While you can freeze cooked squash, it may become mushy upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

How can I make the squash spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.

Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can substitute olive oil with other oils like avocado oil or coconut oil. Choose an oil with a high smoke point for best results.

More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes

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• AIR FRYER EGGPLANT ROLL-UPS
• EASY AIR FRYER CARROT BACON
• AIR FRYER ZUCCHINI ONION PIE
• AIR FRYER BEETS

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