Imagine transforming ordinary vegetables into a mouthwatering, restaurant-quality side dish in just 35 minutes with minimal effort! This Air Fryer Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts recipe is about to revolutionize your dinner game, delivering perfectly crispy, golden-brown vegetables that are bursting with flavor and nutrition. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast looking for a quick and delicious side, this recipe promises to elevate your meal with minimal prep and maximum taste.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by washing the Brussels sprouts thoroughly and trimming off the stem ends. Cut them in half lengthwise.
- Peel the butternut squash using a sharp vegetable peeler. Cut the squash into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts.
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the vegetables and toss to distribute the seasonings completely.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the vegetables will start cooking immediately and develop a crispy exterior.
- Arrange the seasoned vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- Cook the vegetables for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the vegetables halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
- Check for doneness by piercing the butternut squash with a fork. The vegetables should be tender on the inside and crispy and caramelized on the outside.
- Once cooked, transfer the vegetables to a serving dish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot as a delicious and nutritious side dish, garnished with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme if desired.
Tips
- Size Matters: Cut vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness.
- Don't Overcrowd: Always arrange vegetables in a single layer to allow proper air circulation.
- Shake and Rotate: Midway through cooking, shake the basket or stir vegetables to promote even browning.
- Season Generously: Use smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables.
- Check for Doneness: Test squash tenderness with a fork and look for a golden, caramelized exterior.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can add an extra layer of freshness to your dish.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always start with a preheated air fryer for optimal cooking results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
