What to Serve with Butternut Squash – 10 best recipes to enjoy with this easy, healthy savory side dish for a hearty weeknight meal.

Air fryer or roasted butternut squash is one of the best side dishes around.

But if you’re stumped on what main dish goes with, I have you covered with my 10 of my favorite dishes to serve with butternut squash plus my favorite way to cook it.

What does butternut squash taste like?

Butternut squash is a tasty side dish and healthier option to many classics (like potatoes).

It can take on many different flavors depending upon how it’s cooked.

I prefer a simple olive oil, salt and pepper recipe that lets the nutty flavor – and slightly earthy flavor shine.

My favorite way to cook butternut squash:

You may have already guessed – air frying butternut squash is my favorite way to make it!
Air frying mimics the taste and texture of oven roasting but cooks in way less time.
It’s a great option to oven roasting because it saves precious space in the oven especially on holidays.
Air frying uses less oil than oven-roasting.
It’s drizzled with olive oil and seasoned simply with salt and pepper for delicious results.

Ingredients in Air Fryer Butternut Squash:

You’ll only need a few a simple ingredients and an air fryer:

whole butternut squash peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper
optional garnish: fresh parsley

Best Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe:

This is an easy recipe for roasting butternut squash in the air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 400° then cut the squash in half length-wise.

Scoop out the seeds and pulp using a teaspoon.

Peel the butternut squash skin using a vegetable peeler or paring knife.

Cut the squash into about 1″ cubes then add them to a large bowl.

Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and toss until the cubes are evenly coated.

Transfer the squash pieces to the air fryer basket in a mostly single layer (it’s okay if some overlap).

Roast butternut squash 12-14 minutes or until golden, lightly crisp outside and fork tender (give the basket a good shake halfway through the cook times).

Note: total cook time may vary with the size of your air fryer and the cubed squash.

Remove from the air fryer basket, transfer to a serving dish then add a light sprinkle of salt and eat right away.

Variations to this recipe:

For a sweeter flavor, toss in melted butter and brown sugar or maple syrup.
Squeeze a little lemon juice over the top of the finished squash for a light citrusy taste.
Add some heat with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Sprinkle on a little garlic powder.
Grate parmesan cheese over the top after air frying (other cheese options: cheddar cheese, feta cheese or goat cheese)
For a Thanksgiving dish with full-on fall flavors add a pinch of ground cinnamon.
Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs (thyme or sage in keeping with the fall theme)

Best main dishes with Butternut Squash:

Butternut squash is a great addition to any meal. Below are 10 of my favorite recipes to serve with it.

20 Minute Honey Balsamic Pork Tenderloin:

This easy, one pan recipe is on the table in just 20 minutes making it ideal for weeknights — but with enough star power to entertain with.

Tender, juicy pork medallions with a sweet-savory honey-balsamic glaze.

Honey Teriyaki Salmon:

Honey Teriyaki Salmon is another simple, one pan recipe with a delicious honey-teriyaki glaze that’s ready in under 20 minutes.

Perfectly cooked juicy salmon is also a good choice for a healthy weeknight meal.

Cheesy Baked Chicken with Mushrooms:

This Cheesy Baked Chicken with Mushrooms is one of my all-time favorite comfort meals.

Breaded bites of chicken breast blanketed in sautéed mushrooms, gooey melted cheese and a simple white wine sauce.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken:

Crispy, golden breaded chicken with tender, juicy meat inside. It’s an adult version of chicken nuggets the whole family will love.

This simple air fryer recipe cooks in under 15 minutes!

Pan Fried Walleye:

Lightly breaded fresh walleye shallow pan fried.

Flaky mild white fish with a golden crispy outside (feel free to substitute cod or any white fish).

Cream of Mushroom Soup:

Butternut squash also makes a perfect side dish to any hearty soup, including this rustic, Creamy of Mushroom.

The soup comes together with a few simple ingredients, is packed with fresh mushrooms in a creamy broth and is loaded with earthy mushroom flavor.

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms:

Another one pan meal (you can never have too many!) – seasoned ground beef patties in a rich brown gravy loaded with mushrooms.

Simple, hearty classic Midwestern comfort food. Add a side of mashed potatoes or egg noodles along with some crusty bread so you don’t miss a drop of this gravy!

Air Fryer Turkey Breast:

Herb-garlic butter roasted turkey breast — cooks in just one hour in the air fryer.

Crispy skin, juicy turkey inside with the delicious flavors of fall we crave. Perfect for Sunday Supper, smaller Thanksgiving gatherings or if you just want extra white meat!

Polish City Chicken:

City Chicken is actually cubes of juicy pork that’s skewered, breaded and browned (can also use this recipe for pork chops).

This is an authentic Polish recipe that makes a great outside-the-box holiday meal.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Medley:

The ultimate mix of fall vegetables in this delicious side dish along with dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze.

Add butternut squash to the medley or substitute it for the sweet potatoes in the original recipe.

What to do with leftover butternut squash:

Store leftover butternut squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

Reheat slowly in the air fryer or microwave or add to the salad you see below with salmon, goat cheese and arugula for a main dish.

Enjoy!

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