If you love easy air fryer meals but struggle with unevenly cooked vegetables, this recipe is for you. I’ve tested different ways to cook butternut squash and potatoes together in the air fryer, and this method gives you tender, caramelized squash halves with perfectly crispy potatoes—without extra oil or effort.

This is one of those simple recipes you’ll want to save and make again, especially on busy days when you still want something healthy and satisfying.

Why This Air Fryer Recipe Works So Well

Cooking butternut squash halves and potatoes together can be tricky. One cooks faster, the other needs more time. The secret is how they’re cut and seasoned, not complicated steps.

Here’s why this recipe works:

• Squash stays soft inside without drying out
• Potatoes turn golden and crispy
• Minimal oil, maximum flavor
• Everything cooks evenly in one air fryer basket

No flipping every 2 minutes. No soggy vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, everyday ingredients—nothing fancy.

• 1 medium butternut squash (cut lengthwise, seeds removed)
• 2 medium potatoes (cut into small cubes)
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: dried rosemary or thyme

How to Prepare Butternut Squash for the Air Fryer

Before cooking, proper prep makes all the difference.

1. Cut the squash in half lengthwise
2. Scoop out the seeds
3. Lightly score the flesh (this helps it cook evenly)
4. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle salt

This step alone improves texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step: Air Fryer Butternut Squash Halves with Crispy Potatoes

Step 1: Season the Potatoes

In a bowl, toss the potato cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat to 380°F (193°C) for 3–4 minutes. This helps crisp the potatoes faster.

Step 3: Cook the Squash First

Place the squash halves cut-side up in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes

Carefully add the seasoned potatoes around the squash.
Cook everything together for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket once halfway.

Step 5: Final Crisp

For extra crispy potatoes, remove the squash and cook potatoes alone for 2–3 more minutes.

How to Know When It’s Done

• Squash: fork slides in easily and edges look lightly caramelized
• Potatoes: golden brown, crispy outside, soft inside

If needed, cook in short 2-minute intervals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I made these mistakes early on—learn from me 😄

• Overcrowding the basket (kills crispiness)
• Cutting potatoes too large
• Skipping preheating
• Using too much oil

Air fryers work best when food has space to breathe.

Flavor Variations You Can Try

Want to switch it up?

• Spicy: Add chili flakes or cayenne
• Herby: Rosemary + thyme combo
• Sweet-savory: Sprinkle a little cinnamon on the squash
• Cheesy: Finish potatoes with grated parmesan

All variations stay AdSense-safe and family-friendly.

Is This Recipe Healthy?

Yes, this is a balanced, plant-based friendly meal:

• High in fiber
• Naturally low in fat
• No deep frying
• Supports overall gut and heart health

Perfect for anyone trying to eat clean without sacrificing taste.

What to Serve With It

This dish pairs well with:

• Grilled tofu or paneer
• Simple lentil salad
• Yogurt-based dip
• Fresh green salad

It also works great as a standalone dinner.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

This air fryer butternut squash halves with crispy potatoes recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create incredibly satisfying results. With the right timing and a few basic seasonings, you get soft, flavorful squash paired with perfectly crisp potatoes—all without turning on the oven.

It’s an easy recipe you can rely on for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or whenever you want something wholesome without extra effort. Once you make it this way, you’ll realize how versatile and reliable your air fryer really is.

Save this recipe—you’ll be glad you did.