Oh my gosh, you have to try this air fryer sage & brown butter butternut squash recipe! It’s become my absolute go-to side dish when I need something quick but packed with flavor. I stumbled upon this combo last fall when I had a mountain of squash from the farmer’s market and zero patience for complicated recipes. The air fryer works magic here – it gives the squash these irresistible crispy edges while keeping the centers perfectly tender.
And that brown butter? Don’t even get me started! When you fry fresh sage in it until nutty and golden, the whole kitchen smells like autumn heaven. Seriously, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes flat, and it’s fancy enough to serve at dinner parties (though I usually just eat it straight from the air fryer basket, no shame)
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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sage & Brown Butter Butternut Squash
Let me tell you why this recipe is going to become your new obsession:
- Crispy golden edges with tender centers – the air fryer gives that perfect contrast in textures you just can’t get from roasting
- Brown butter magic – that nutty, caramelized flavor takes ordinary squash to restaurant-quality status
- Ready in 30 minutes – prep is a breeze and the air fryer does most of the work
- Fragrant sage aroma fills your kitchen with the coziest fall vibes imaginable
Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll be making it weekly like I do!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Sage & Brown Butter Butternut Squash
Here’s all you need to make this magical dish – simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups) – trust me, fresh is best here!
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – the real stuff, please, for that perfect brown butter
- 6 fresh sage leaves – they’ll crisp up beautifully in the butter
- 1/2 tsp salt – I use kosher salt for even seasoning
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly ground makes all the difference
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – our secret flavor booster
That’s it! Six simple ingredients that transform into something extraordinary in your air fryer.
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30-Minute Air Fryer Sage & Brown Butter Butternut Squash Magic
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful side dish made with butternut squash, sage, and brown butter, cooked in an air fryer for a crispy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 fresh sage leaves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and cook until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat and discard the sage leaves.
- Toss the cubed butternut squash with the brown butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the squash in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the squash is tender and crispy.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Cut the squash into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For extra crispiness, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: air fryer, butternut squash, sage, brown butter, side dish
How to Make Air Fryer Sage & Brown Butter Butternut Squash
Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together so easily, but I’ve got some pro tips to make sure your squash turns out perfectly every time. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a showstopping side dish in no time.
Step 1: Brown the Butter with Sage
First things first – that heavenly brown butter! Melt your butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s bubbling, add those fresh sage leaves. Now here’s the key: watch it like a hawk! The butter will foam up, then start turning golden brown with the most incredible nutty aroma. As soon as you see little brown bits at the bottom (and smell that toasty goodness), take it off the heat – about 3 minutes total. Remove the sage leaves (they’ve done their job!) and let the butter cool slightly. Warning: brown butter can go from perfect to burnt in seconds, so don’t walk away!
Step 2: Season the Squash
While your air fryer’s heating to 375°F (trust me, preheating makes all the difference), toss your squash cubes with that glorious brown butter. Make sure every piece gets coated – I like using my hands to really massage it in. Then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. The garlic powder might seem odd, but it creates this savory depth that balances the sweetness of the squash so well.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Here’s where the magic happens! Spread your seasoned squash in a single layer in the air fryer basket – overcrowding leads to steaming, and we want crispiness! Cook for 15-20 minutes, but here’s my secret: at the 10-minute mark, give that basket a good shake. This ensures even browning on all sides. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are caramelized and crispy, and a fork slides easily into the centers. The smell in your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible at this point – try not to eat it straight from the basket (no judgment if you do!).
This sage & brown butter butternut squash is comfort food at its finest—caramelized, nutty, and ready in just 30 minutes with the air fryer. If you enjoy cozy squash recipes, you’ll also love my air fryer miso butter acorn squash for a savory, umami-packed twist on a fall favorite.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Sage & Brown Butter Butternut Squash
After making this recipe more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tips for absolute perfection:
- Cube squash evenly – about 1-inch pieces cook uniformly (no tiny burnt bits or giant raw chunks!)
- Don’t skip the shake – that mid-cook basket shake ensures all sides get golden and crispy
- Taste before serving – I always add an extra pinch of salt at the end to make flavors pop
- Watch the butter closely – it browns fast once it starts, and burnt butter ruins everything
Follow these simple tricks, and you’ll get restaurant-quality results every single time!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Don’t have everything on hand? No worries! Here are my favorite swaps that still deliver amazing flavor:
- No fresh sage? Use 1 tsp dried sage (add it directly to the squash) or try rosemary or thyme for a different herbal note
- Dairy-free? Olive oil works instead of butter – you won’t get brown butter flavor, but it’s still delicious
- Spice lovers – add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a kick
- Sweet tooth? A drizzle of maple syrup at the end balances the savory flavors beautifully
The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is – make it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Sage & Brown Butter Butternut Squash
This squash is so versatile! I love it piled next to roasted chicken or turkey, tossed into fall salads, or spooned over creamy polenta. It’s fantastic in grain bowls with quinoa and kale too. My absolute favorite? Topping it with crumbled goat cheese and toasted pecans – pure heaven! The crispy, savory squash works with almost anything, so get creative with your pairings.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? (Though I doubt you’ll have any!) Store cooled squash in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back that perfect crispiness. Microwaving works in a pinch, but it won’t give you those glorious crispy edges we love so much!
For more seasonal veggie inspiration and trending air fryer creations, follow us on Pinterest where we post new flavor-packed ideas daily.
FAQ About Air Fryer Sage & Brown Butter Butternut Squash
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about this recipe:
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Honestly? I wouldn’t. Frozen squash releases too much water, and you’ll end up with soggy results instead of those perfect crispy edges we love. Fresh squash makes all the difference here!
How do I prevent sogginess?
Two words: don’t overcrowd! Give those squash cubes space to breathe in the air fryer basket. If you pile them up, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Work in batches if needed – it’s worth the extra few minutes!
Is dried sage okay to use?
Yes! Use about 1 teaspoon dried sage instead of fresh, but mix it right into the squash with the other seasonings. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. Just don’t try to brown dried sage in the butter – it’ll burn instantly!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1 cup), but remember – estimates vary based on your exact ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g (3.5g saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Not too shabby for something that tastes this indulgent, right? The squash packs in vitamins A and C, while that brown butter adds just enough richness to make it feel special.
Alright, you’ve got all my best tips and tricks – now it’s your turn to make this amazing air fryer sage & brown butter butternut squash! I’m telling you, once you taste that crispy, caramelized goodness with that nutty brown butter flavor, you’ll be hooked just like I am. Don’t be shy – leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out! Did you add any fun twists? Did your family go crazy for it? I want to hear all about your squash adventures. Happy air frying, friends!