Elevate your side dish game with this Heart-Healthy Air Fried Squash, a nutritious and flavorful recipe perfect for any meal. Featuring tender butternut squash cubes coated in a delightful blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and zesty lemon, this recipe brings a perfect balance of earthy and bright flavors. With just a hint of olive oil and an air fryerβs magic, the squash achieves a golden-brown, crispy texture without added calories, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious eaters. Ready in just 30 minutes from prep to plate, this easy air fryer recipe is not only quick but also versatile, doubling as a side dish or a wholesome snack. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra lemon zest for a stunning presentation, and enjoy a guilt-free treat packed with heart-healthy ingredients! Keywords: heart-healthy, air fried squash, butternut squash recipe, easy side dish, healthy air fryer recipes.
Start by peeling the butternut squash. Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Dice the squash into evenly-sized cubes, roughly 1-inch each, for an even cook.
Place the squash cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, ensuring the squash is evenly coated but not soaked.
In the same bowl, add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and lemon zest. Toss everything together until the squash cubes are well-coated with the spice mixture.
Preheat your air fryer to 400Β°F (200Β°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start.
Arrange the seasoned squash cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's important not to overcrowd them to allow hot air to circulate effectively for even cooking.
Cook the squash in the air fryer at 400Β°F (200Β°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until the pieces are golden brown and fork-tender. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to facilitate even browning.
Once cooked, transfer the air-fried squash to a serving dish. Serve immediately while hot and crispy, as a side dish or a healthy snack.
Enjoy your heart-healthy treat, optionally garnished with freshly grated lemon zest or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra aroma.
Calories |
699 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.3 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 649 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 149.9 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 45.6 g | 163% | |
| Total Sugars | 27.6 g | ||
| Protein | 13.1 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 590 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 8.9 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 4015 mg | 85% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.