Introduction
Sage Butter Roasted Butternut Squash is a delicious and nutritious dish that captures the essence of fall flavors. This recipe is perfect as a side dish for family dinners, holiday feasts, or even as a standalone vegetarian entrée. The combination of sweet butternut squash, rich butter, fragrant sage, and a hint of salt and pepper creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Using an air fryer makes the process quick and easy, ensuring the squash cubes come out perfectly roasted with a crispy exterior and tender interior.
Preparation Time and Servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
-Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
– 1 butternut squash, peeled and sliced into cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Prepare the Butternut Squash:
– Begin by selecting a fresh, firm butternut squash. The squash should have a smooth, even skin with no soft spots or blemishes.
– Use a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom of the squash, creating a stable base for peeling.
The squash should be peeled with a vegetable peeler. Ensure that all of the skin is removed so that the vibrant orange meat is visible below.
– Cut the squash in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds and stringy flesh with a spoon.
– Slice the squash into even, bite-sized cubes. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer.
2. Season the Squash:
– Transfer the cubed butternut squash to a large mixing dish. Drizzle with the olive oil and melted butter, ensuring the cubes are evenly coated.
– Sprinkle the chopped sage over the squash. Fresh sage adds a wonderful aroma and flavor, but you can also use dried sage if fresh is not available.
– S- Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Toss the squash cubes thoroughly to coat them evenly with the seasoning and herbs.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer’s temperature to 370 degrees Fahrenheit, or 190 degrees Celsius. Preheating the air fryer helps to achieve a crispy texture and even cooking.
4. Cook the Squash:
– Place the seasoned butternut squash cubes in the air crisper tray or basket of your air fryer.To ensure consistent cooking, place them in a single layer.
– After heating up, place the tray or basket into the air fryer. Cook at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
– Halfway through the cooking time (at about 5 minutes), open the air fryer and stir the squash cubes to ensure even cooking and browning.
– After 10 minutes, check the squash for doneness. The cubes should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, but be careful not to overcook.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
– Carefully remove the roasted butternut squash from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Transfer the cubes to a serving platter.
– Garnish with a sprinkle of extra chopped sage or a drizzle of additional melted butter for an extra burst of flavor.
– Serve the Sage Butter Roasted Butternut Squash as a side dish with roasted meats, poultry, or as part of a vegetarian meal. It pairs beautifully with other fall-inspired dishes.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 155
Fat: 17g
Protein: 21g
Tips for Perfect Roasted Butternut Squash
Uniform Cubes: Cut the butternut squash into uniform cubes for even cooking. Using a sharp knife and a steady hand can make this process easier.
Fresh Sage: Fresh sage provides the best flavor, but if using dried sage, reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon.
Flavor Variations:Experiment with additional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or a touch of cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
Why Use an Air Fryer?
Air fryers are an excellent tool for making roasted vegetables. Here are some benefits:
Efficiency: Air fryers cook food quickly and evenly, saving time in the kitchen.
Healthier Cooking: Using an air fryer requires less oil than traditional roasting methods, resulting in a lower calorie content.
Crispy Texture: The hot air circulation ensures that the butternut squash cubes come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Variations to Try
1. Maple Glazed Butternut Squash:
– Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the olive oil and butter mixture for a sweet and savory glaze.
2. Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash:
If you want it really spicy, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
3. Garlic Herb Butternut Squash:
– Include minced garlic and a blend of Italian herbs like thyme and rosemary for a savory twist.
4. Parmesan Crusted Butternut Squash:
– Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the squash cubes halfway through cooking for a cheesy, crispy topping.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Butternut Squash:
– For a sweet variation, mix cinnamon and a little brown sugar into the olive oil and butter mixture before coating the squash.
Serving Suggestions
Sage Butter Roasted Butternut Squash can be enjoyed in various ways:
As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted chicken, pork, or beef for a complete meal.
In Salads: Add the roasted squash cubes to a mixed green salad with dried cranberries, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
In Grain Bowls: Include the squash in a hearty grain bowl with quinoa, kale, avocado, and a tahini dressing.
As a Snack: Enjoy the roasted squash cubes as a healthy snack, either warm or at room temperature.
With Pasta: Toss the roasted squash with cooked pasta, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and a handful of toasted pine nuts for a simple yet delicious pasta dish.
Roasted butternut squash is a delicious and nutritious side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of this vibrant vegetable. By simply tossing cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roasting it in the oven, you achieve a caramelized exterior and tender interior. This method enhances the squash’s flavor, making it a perfect complement to a variety of main dishes.
Adding fresh herbs like sage or rosemary, or a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg, can elevate the dish with aromatic and savory notes. Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, roasted butternut squash is not only tasty but also a healthy addition to your meal. Enjoy it alongside roasted meats, in salads, or even as a standalone vegetarian entrée for a comforting and flavorful dining experience.