Elevate your side dish game with "Heart-Healthy Air Fried Squash," a delightful and nutritious way to enjoy butternut squash. This recipe combines simplicity with bold flavors, featuring a medley of garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and a refreshing hint of lemon zest. The magic happens in the air fryer, where the squash cubes turn golden brown and irresistibly tender with just a teaspoon of olive oil—perfect for a low-fat, heart-conscious lifestyle. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick, no-fuss dish is ideal as a savory snack or a vibrant accompaniment to your favorite meals. Plus, it's vegan, gluten-free, and packed with antioxidants, making it a must-try addition to your healthy eating routine!
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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 400°F (200°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 400°F (200°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.
Serving size | (1420.1g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 698.6 |
Total Fat 15.3g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 2.5g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 648.7mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 149.9g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 45.6g | 0% |
Total Sugars 27.6g | |
Protein 13.1g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 589.7mg | 0% |
Iron 8.9mg | 0% |
Potassium 4015.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories