👩‍🍳 The Best Air Fryer Cookbook - 800+ Easy and Healthy Air Fryer Recipes Inside!

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Air Fryer Stuffed Acorn Squash

Air Fryer Stuffed Acorn Squash

Who wouldn’t want to try making air fryer stuffed acorn squash? It’s very easy to prepare; just fill the squash with your favorite stuffing, set your air fryer to 350°F, and cook for about 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

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.

Cutting acorn squash in half on wooden cutting board

2. Brush the inside of each squash half with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over each half.

Seasoned acorn squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper

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.

Quinoa cooking in pot with vegetable broth

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.

Sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers for squash stuffing

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.

Stuffed acorn squash with quinoa and vegetable mix

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.

  • Author: Suborna Tanchangya
  • 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