- 1 pound delicata squash (about 1 large or 2 small; may substitute a similar amount of other winter squash or sweet potatoes*)
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon olive, avocado, or melted coconut oil
- Optional: a pinch (1/16 teaspoon) cayenne pepper; 2-3 teaspoons pure maple syrup or honey (hot or regular)
Pumpkin Spice Roasted Delicata Squash (air fryer or oven method)
Yield: 3-4 servings (recipe easy to double and leftovers taste great)
An easy, flavorful side dish that will add colorful appeal to your dinner plate. Feel free to mix things up with a different variety of winter squash (or sweet potatoes) and a short list of optional toppings if inclined.
Ingredients
Instructions
If using an oven instead of an air fryer, oil or spray a rimmed baking sheet and preheat the oven to 425℉. (Note that the air fryer will be set to a lower temperature of 400℉, but you do not need to preheat it.)
Slice the stem off the squash, and discard, and then continue to slice the squash into ½-inch thick rounds. With a teaspoon, scrape away the seeds. (You may discard these or reserve them and roast later.) Toss the slices with the pumpkin pie spice, salt, oil, and optional cayenne in a bowl to evenly coat. Place in a single even layer in the air fryer basket or on the prepared baking sheet.
To air fry: Air fry on 400℉ for 12-15 minutes, depending on air fryer, or until golden and fork tender.
To roast in oven: Roast at 425℉ for 15 minutes, give or take a few minutes depending on oven and color of baking sheet (dark sheets allow for slightly faster cooking with more browning) or until the squash is golden on the bottom and just tender.
Once cooked through, drizzle with the optional maple syrup or honey and serve.
Notes
*If your delicata squash is smaller than a pound, simply adjust the seasonings. If you don’t have a kitchen scale, try to weigh it at the store when you buy. While you can estimate, knowing the weight will facilitate proper seasoning.
*This recipe is delicious with any variety of winter squash as well as sweet potatoes. If you chop into larger chunks instead of slicing, simply adjust the baking time up to accommodate.
*Finally, if you’re using an air fryer and would like to double the recipe, you will likely need to cook the squash in two batches to maintain a single layer.