Do I Peel Acorn Squash Before Cooking?

This is one of the most common questions when it comes to learning how to cook acorn squash. You’ll be happy to know that no, you don’t have to peel it! If you don’t want to eat it, once you’ve roasted the vegetable, the skin peels off really easily. 

How To Cut Acorn Squash:

Another big part of learning how to cook acorn squash is determining how to prepare and cut it. Start by washing the vegetable well with water. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, especially if you got yours from a local producer. No one wants to find dirt in their teeth after enjoying this yummy side! Then, carefully cut off the top of the squash (where the stem is). Lay the squash down on the surface you just created and cut it down in the center to reveal the seeds on the inside. Scoop them out as you do a pumpkin — you can even cook the seeds by following this recipe.

Butter Substitutes:

You may be trying to stay away from butter, or perhaps you’re vegan. If so, you can also use a different fat like olive oil or avocado oil instead.

Flavor Options:

As you’ll see on the recipe card below, we’ve got flavor options for both sweet and savory squash! We also think that these add-ons would be delicious:

Savory: Red pepper flakes, rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, or smoked paprikaSweet: Honey, nutmeg, allspice, maple syrup, or pecans

Pick and choose your favorites, or create a combination of a few!

Serving Suggestions:

Roasted acorn squash is light enough to be served as a side. Here are some ideas to make a meal out of them:

Protein: Crispy breaded pork chops, roasted leg of lamb, or juicy air fryer chicken breastCarbohydrates: Spaghetti with homemade marinara, easy cheesy rice pilaf, or honey roasted smashed potatoesMore Veggies: Garlic butter roasted brussels sprouts, honey roasted carrots, or classic creamed spinach

Air Fryer Instructions:

Prepare your acorn squash according to the instructions below and cook in an air fryer set to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes. If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these other delicious squash recipes:

Roasted Butternut SquashThe Best Squash CasseroleMasala-Spiced Roasted Butternut Squash SoupBest Butternut Squash Soup

Watch the video below where Caytlin will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes. Δ Δ

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