Air Fryer Acorn Squash is a perfect fall side dish or vegetarian main meal. Stuffed with quinoa, cranberries, apples and walnuts, it's delicious, hearty and filling. And it's perfectly seasoned with sage, thyme and lemon.
What is Acorn Squash?
Acorn is a type of winter squash. It gets its name because it looks just like a large acorn. Acorn squash has a mild, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor. Which makes it a ideal for stuffing.
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Air fryer acorn squash takes about half the time as oven roasted acorn squash.
- This delicious stuffed acorn squash recipe is a perfect simple side dish or the main dish.
- All of the ingredients are nutritional super stars, and together, they are a super healthy combination. Acorn squash is high in Vitamin A, beta carotene, folate, and magnesium, as well as low in calories.
- This vegan recipe is naturally gluten free.
- Delicious air fryer acorn squash is protein packed! Quinoa is a complete protein, and walnuts add another hit of protein.
Ingredient Notes
It may seem like this recipe has a lot of ingredients, but it's really simple to make.
- Onion, Celery and Apples Any type of apple works for this squash stuffing.
- Olive Oil Olive oil is for sautéing the vegetables and also added to the quinoa stuffing.
- Acorn Squash These winter squash are available from early fall throughout the winter months at farmer's markets and you can usually find them year round at the grocery store. Look for a squash that feels heavy for its size, and a dull dark green, or dark green and orange skin.
- Quinoa Quinoa comes in white, red and black and they are all similar as far as nutritional values, cook time required and flavor. I like red quinoa for its vibrant color. And if you don't want to choose, try tricolor quinoa.
- Cranberries You can use dried cranberries, fresh cranberries, or frozen (and defrosted) cranberries.
- Walnuts Toasted walnuts bring a delicious crunch and nutty flavor to this stuffing. Substitute pecans or any other nut that you prefer.
- Lemon We'll be using the juice of one large lemon to add brightness.
- Garlic Use fresh garlic, or pre minced garlic.
- Sage and Thyme Fresh herbs are perfect, but you can also use dried if that's what you have.
- Salt & Pepper
How To Make Stuffed Acorn Squash
Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Cut a thin slice from the bottom of each end of the acorn squash half to allow them to stand upright. Cut the acorn squashes in half horizontally. Air fry them cut side down for 15 minutes
- Sauté onion, celery, sage, thyme, and garlic until softened.
- Add apples to the pan and cook for another minute.
- Add walnuts and cook until they are toasted.
- Stir in quinoa, cranberries, lemon juice and olive oil.
- Fill squash halves with the stuffing mixture and air fry 5 more minutes.
Helpful Tips
- Acorn squash has a hard, thick skin which can make it difficult to cut .To make it easier, put the squash in the microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes until the skin has softened slightly. You'll be able to easily cut through the acorn squash. (Use a sharp knife).
- Remove a thin slice from the bottom of each squash half to make it level enough for the squash half to stand upright. (You'll need to remove the stem).
- You can roast the squash seeds and use them just like pumpkin seeds. Just rinse them using a colander, dry on paper towels, and toss with a little bit of olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Put the seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry 10-15 minutes at 350°, shaking the basket frequently.
- If you want to add some sweetness to this recipe, brush a little maple syrup on the cut sides and hollow of the squash halves before air frying them.
- The quinoa stuffing can be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge until it's time to make air fryer acorn squash. Allow the stuffing to come to room temperature while the squash is air frying.
- The stuffing will fill 4 acorn squash halves. I used fairly small squash, so I had leftover stuffing. If you have bigger squash, you may not have any stuffing leftover.
- If you do have leftover stuffing, store it in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The stuffing makes a great side dish on it's own, or you can use it to make stuffed peppers or zucchini.
- Reheat the stuffing covered, in the microwave.
- Acorn squash is perfect for this recipe, but you can easily substitute any type of edible squash. Delicata squash, butternut squash, kabocha squash, or even cute little sweet dumpling squash (which resembles a small pumpkin). All of them work with this flavorful stuffing and require similar cook times as acorn squash.
Common Questions
Can you eat the skin of acorn squash?
Although the skin of the squash is thick and hard when raw, it becomes tender and soft when it's roasted or air fried. The skin is perfectly edible when it's cooked.
Can I make stuffed acorn squash in the oven?
Yes! To make this recipe in the oven, preheat it to 400°. Line a baking sheet with parchment and place the prepared squash halves cut side up on it. Roast for 55-60 minutes (this will depend on the size of your squash) or until the halves are easily pierced with a fork.
Is this air fryer stuffed squash recipe gluten free?
Yes! All of the ingredients in this air fryer acorn squash recipe are naturally gluten-free. Quinoa is actually a seed, not a grain, and does not contain any gluten.
Is this recipe Keto friendly?
No, even though it's very high in fibre, quinoa especially is a high carb food, containing 39 net carbs per one cup cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Serve air fryer stuffed acorn squash as a main course with vegetable side dishes like Sautéed Green Beans With Garlic & Lemon, Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots, Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables or Air Fryer Zucchini. You can also pair it with a salad. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Apples is a perfect choice.
Or serve this healthy dish as an impressive, but simple side dish for Roast Chicken, or Pork Tenderloin.
More Delicious Squash
Winter squash is delicious, versatile and nutritious. Besides this Air fryer stuffed acorn squash, you might want to try some of these squash recipes.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a rating in the comments below and let us know how it turned out. Did you make any changes? We would love for you to share and your feedback is important! Thank you for visiting The Food Blog!
Recipe
Air Fryer Acorn Squash (Stuffed)
Acorn Squash with a delicious stuffing of quinoa, apples, cranberries and walnuts. It's a hearty, healthy fall meal or side dish, and using the air fryer makes it quick and easy.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 356kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 acorn squash small
- 1 cup quinoa cooked
- 4 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 2 small apples peeled, cored, & diced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup walnuts toasted, chopped
- 1 lemon juice of
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon fresh sage chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cut acorn squash in half horizontally (See notes on the easiest way to do this)
- Scoop out the seeds and stringy flesh from each squash half
- Lightly brush cut sides with a little olive oil and place cut sides down in the basket of an air fryer. Cook at 400° 15 minutes or until fork tender.
- While the squash is cooking, heat 2 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the onion, celery, sage, thyme and garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the apples and cook until just softening, about 1 minute
- Stir in the walnuts, cooking and stirring until the nuts are lightly toasted, about 2 minutes
- Add the quinoa, cranberries, lemon juice, and the remainder of the olive oil. Stir to combine.
- With a spoon fill the squash cavities with the quinoa mixture, packing it into the hollow and mounding over the tops. Place the stuffed squash halves into the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400° for 5 minutes
- Serve hot
Notes
- Acorn squash has a hard, thick skin which can make it difficult to cut .To make it easier, put the squash in the microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes until the skin has softened slightly. You'll be able to easily cut through the acorn squash. (Use a sharp knife).
- Remove a thin slice from the bottom of each squash half to make it level enough for the squash half to stand upright. (You'll need to remove the stem).
- You can roast the squash seeds and use them just like pumpkin seeds. Just rinse them using a colander, dry on paper towels, and toss with a little bit of olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Put the seeds in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry 10-15 minutes at 350°, shaking the basket frequently.
- If you want to add some sweetness to this recipe, brush a little maple syrup on the cut sides and hollow of the squash halves before air frying them.
- The quinoa stuffing can be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge until it's time to make air fryer acorn squash. Allow the stuffing to come to room temperature while the squash is air frying.
- The stuffing will fill 4 acorn squash halves. I used fairly small squash, so I had leftover stuffing. If you have bigger squash, you may not have any stuffing leftover.
- If you do have leftover stuffing, store it in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The stuffing makes a great side dish on it's own, or you can use it to make stuffed peppers or zucchini.
- Reheat the stuffing covered, in the microwave.
- Acorn squash is perfect for this recipe, but you can easily substitute any type of edible squash. Delicata squash, butternut squash, kabocha squash, or even cute little sweet dumpling squash (which resembles a small pumpkin). All of them work with this flavorful stuffing and require similar cook times as acorn squash.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 611mg | Potassium: 1121mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 1084IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 142mg | Iron: 4mg
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Tammy
I love stuffed acorn squash but never thought of air frying it! What a fabulous idea...looks and sounds delish ^_^
Colleen
Hi Tammy. I hope you give it a try!
Marie
I love stuffed acorn squash and I've got a recipe I've been making for a while, but I'd never even thought of making it in the air fryer! This is so genius, it was so quick and the squash came out with the perfect texture. Loved your stuffing, too, great combination of ingredients with a touch of sweetness! Loved it.
Colleen
Hi Marie! I love hearing this! So glad you loved the recipe. Thanks for letting me know!
Linda
This is one of my favorite ways to fix acorn squash. And I love that you showed me how to make it in my favorite appliance - the air fryer! Delicious and perfect for the upcoming holidays.
Colleen
Hi Linda! It's great to hear that it's a favorite!
Veronika
I made this recipe yesterday and it was SO DELICIOUS! Great flavors, easy to make, and healthy 😉
Colleen
Hi Veronika. It's wonderful to hear that you loved the air fryer acorn squash! Thanks for your feedback.
Jamie
Awesome! This dish is so unique and looks absolutely delicious! Every ingredient is perfectly blended with this dish! Loved it!
Colleen
So glad you loved the stuffed acorn squash, Jamie! Thanks for commenting.
Kathryn
This is such a perfect fall meal! I love how healthy and tasty these little acorns are too. We all loved them so I'll be adding them to our dinner roation!
Colleen
This is great to hear, Kathryn! I'm so happy that you & your family loved the stuffed acorn squash!
Bernice
What a great idea! I usually like make a vegan main dish for our daughter but it's hard because the oven is usually busy with turkey. Now I can make this stuffed squash in my air fryer and have it ready at the same time as our Thanksgiving dinner.
Colleen
I love hearing this, Bernice! Its so important to me that meals are all inclusive, especially holiday ones. I hope your daughter loves this delicious stuffed acorn squash. Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to you & your family!
Ann
I made this for a quick lunch, and it turned out delicious! I will definitely be making this squash again! Thanks for the recipe share!
Colleen
You're very welcome, Ann. I'm happy to hear that you loved the recipe. Thanks for your feedback!
Gloria
What a delicious fall recipe. I love all kinds of squash. This is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Colleen
I'm happy that you love the stuffed acorn squash, Gloria. Yes, it is a perfect menu addition for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
Marta
We loved the contrasts of sweet and crunchy in this air fryer stuffed acorn squash. The walnuts and the cranberries really added so much to an already delicious recipe.
Colleen
I'm so happy to hear that you loved the stuffed squash, Marta. Thanks for commenting!
nancy
tasty and flavourful squash ! i can't believe it's made in the air fryer. So tender too!
Colleen
So happy that you loved it, Nancy!
Glenda
That was absolutely scrumptious! This acorn squash recipe is going on my Thanksgiving menu. Thanks so much for sharing your recipe.
Colleen
This is great to hear, Glenda. You're very welcome and Happy Thanksgiving.
Gina Abernathy
Perfect recipe for the fall months. I love anything stuffed. Dried cranberries are awesome in so many recipes.
Colleen
The stuffed acorn squash is delicious, Gina. I hope you give it a try!
Janie | Naughty Kitchen
I Loved this acorn squash. The quinoa mixed with cranberries and walnuts were so delicious. I made it for my lunch to bring to work!
Colleen
I'm so glad you love this recipe, Janie. Enjoy!
Farah
I love the idea of stuffing acorn squash with goodies like cranberries and air fryer! Healthy, hearty and seasonal. Can't wait to try this out!
Colleen
I would love to hear how it turns out for you, Farah! Enjoy!