Crunchy Butternut Squash Fries

Transform your snack game with these irresistibly crispy and flavorful Crunchy Butternut Squash Fries! This healthy alternative to traditional fries combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with a perfectly seasoned coating of paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Lightly dusted in cornstarch and baked—not fried—these golden fries achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy recipe is ideal for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a nutritious side dish, or even a guilt-free snack. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like garlic aioli or spicy ketchup for a truly crave-worthy treat. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day spreads, these oven-baked butternut squash fries are sure to become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized Butternut squash
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground black pepper
• 0.25 cups Panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2

Peel the butternut squash, slice off the ends, and cut it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon.

Step 3

Cut the squash into thin, fry-sized sticks that are about 1/4 inch thick and approximately 3 inches long.

Step 4

Place the cut squash into a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and toss until evenly coated—a light dusting is all you need.

Step 5

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the squash. Next, sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss again to ensure every piece is seasoned.

Step 6

If using panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, add them now and gently toss to coat.

Step 7

Spread the fries evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching. Overcrowding will prevent crisping.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through cooking. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.

Step 9

Remove the fries from the oven once they're golden and crispy. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 10

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or ranch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(761.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	714.6

Total Fat 30.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1413.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 112.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.3g	0%
Total Sugars 14.7g
Protein 10.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 304.8mg	0%
Iron 5.8mg	0%
Potassium 2054.4mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 35.6%

Protein: 5.3%

Carbs: 59.1%