Ingredients
For the Squash:
- 2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
And for the Stuffing:
- 1 cup quinoa (use rice or gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-free option)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (instead of water for more flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (omit for nut-free diets)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Start by cutting the acorn squash in half from stem to end. Scoop out the seeds and stringy bits with a spoon.
2. Brush the inside of each squash half with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over each half.
3. Cook 1 cup of quinoa in 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
4. While the quinoa cooks, heat a teaspoon of oil in a skillet. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until translucent.
5. Add diced bell peppers, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, thyme, and sage to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Combine the sautéed vegetables with the cooked quinoa. Mix well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Spoon the stuffing mixture generously into the hollowed centers of the acorn squash halves.
8. Place the stuffed squash in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the top is slightly crispy.
9. Check halfway through cooking and if the tops are browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Notes
For the best texture, ensure the squash is not overcrowded in the air fryer. This allows the hot air to circulate freely, ensuring even cooking. If your air fryer is small, cook the squash in batches to maintain optimal air flow.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 half squash
- Calories: 180 per serving
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: air fryer stuffed acorn squash