Air Fryer Delicata Squash (Gluten Free, Paleo)

This easy air fryer delicata squash recipe is gluten free, Paleo and Vegan. This is a great side dish or appetizer - easy to make and full of flavor!

Delicata squash has been one of my favorite squash varieties since I tried it years ago. It is sweet, has a delicate, tender skin and the seeds are great for roasting.

Since I'm on an air fryer recipe kick, I figured I'd add to the growing list with this easy, Paleo delicata squash recipe.

The squash is sliced into rings, brushed with olive oil and dipped into a flavorful "breading" made of almond flour and spices. This recipe is:

• Paleo
• Vegan
• has no added sugar
• ready in less than 30 minutes
• a great way to enjoy squash

I have to admit, no one in my family (besides me of course) likes squash. And this recipe did not convert anyone. So, although I absolutely love it (or else I wouldn't share), this is not a recipe for squash-haters.

Ingredients in Air Fryer Delicata Squash

A few simple Paleo and Vegan friendly ingredients are required to make this recipe. Here's what you need:

• delicata squash
• olive oil
• almond flour
• dried thyme
• garlic powder
• salt

Although I love the flavor combination of thyme and garlic with delicata squash, any variety of dried spices will work.

To make this recipe nut free, the almond flour may be substituted with ground sunflower seeds or ground flax seeds.

And lastly, replacing the olive oil with avocado oil is another easy ingredient substitution.

How to Cook Delicata Squash in the Air Fryer

Obviously, an air fryer is used for this healthy delicata squash recipe. So the instructions will be given with the assumption that you are using an air fryer.

The air fryer I own is the Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Airfryer. Instructions are specific to this one.

Here's what you need to do:

Prep the Squash

First, wash off the skin of the delicata squash, removing any dirt. Dry the squash and place it on a cutting board. Cut off the ends, then slice the squash into rings about ¼ inch thick.

Coat the Squash

Pour a little olive oil in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine the almond flour, thyme, garlic powder and salt.

One at a time, use a brush or your hands to coat each side of the squash rings with olive oil. Then dip the rings into the almond flour mixture. Set the coated squash on the wire air fryer basket and place the basket on top of the air fryer baking pan.

Bake the Squash

On the air fryer, set the cooking function to "air fry" and the temperature to 400 degrees. Place the squash on the upper level of the air fryer. Plug in the air fryer and cook the squash for 8-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you store leftover delicata squash?

This recipe is best eaten right after baking, but you can store leftovers in the fridge. Place the squash rings in an air-tight glass container and store in the fridge for a couple days.

Can I use any brand of air fryer?

Any brand of air fryer should would for this recipe. However, I have only tested these Paleo squash rings in the Cuisinart Air Fryer.

Why doesn't the breading stick well?

The breading IS messy. Meaning, some of it falls off during baking (and eating). If you want the breading to hold together a little better, then coat the delicata squash in a whisked egg rather than oil. I used oil (rather than egg) to make this recipe egg free.

Can this recipe be made nut free?

Yes! Rather than almond flour, coat the squash in ground sunflower seeds or ground flax.

More Paleo Air Fryer Recipes

Looking for more easy Paleo air fryer recipes? Check out these recent posts:

• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Curry Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Garlic Plantain Fries

Enjoy!

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