Maple Glaze Air Fryer Squash:
Recipe:
Fall is one of the best seasons when seasonal vegetables are available, but if anything stands out then it will be squashed. Even butternut or an acorn variety is up for use and perfect at that. Flexibility is one thing and fullness of nutrients aside, its flavors all come perfect with maple syrup added on. In this article, I will try to view the great recipe on the air fryer squash on a maple glaze: extremely delicious in that scenario, thus perfectly fitting a dinner or special occasion scenario.
Why Air Frying?
Recipe:
Air frying has found an acceptance from many cooks, which is that it will make you cook crispy textures minus the added oil which it applies in traditional frying. Therefore, this food will also be healthy and prepared quickly. The hot air over the food cooks an item evenly and browns nicely in an air fryer. This would greatly elevate the sweetness of the squash but give a slight crunch on the outside, as well.
Ingredients:
The following are the ingredients that you will need for the recipe of Air Fryer Squash with Maple Glaze.
- 2 medium squash of butternut, acorn, or any squash that you desire
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh herbs to garnish: thyme or parsley and so on
How to Choose Your Squash:
Recipe:
This recipe goes well with butternut squash because it has a good creamy texture and a sweet flavor. Acorn squash is also pretty good with a nutty flavor. You can use any type of squash; you will only need to cook it longer or shorter than the recipe because they all cook a little differently- some faster and some take longer.
Step 1: Prepare the Squash
- Clean, Peel: First of all wash the squash with running water but remove the skin or peel the butternut you be using. Where an acorn is needed, however, its peels are fine with men; it is harmless in the first place; a bit of coloration enhances the food once its texture has been softened as through cooking.
- Slice: Cut the squash in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if there are any. For the last cut, you can use wedges or slices of 1/2-inch thickness, whichever is your preference.
Step 2: Season the Squash
- Place the squash pieces in a large mixing bowl with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss everything so the squash is well coated.
Step 3: Air Fryer Preheat
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This will help your squash cook evenly and also give it that crispy outside.
Step 4: Air Fry the Squash
- Put the seasoned squash into the air fryer basket in a single layer; don’t overcrowd it. You may have to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Bring a boil to it for almost 15 minutes, while turning the basket half of the time. The squash will be soft and caramelized at the end of the process.
Step 5: Maple Glaze
- While doing that, prepare maple glaze as well. In a little saucepan over medium heat, put maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon powder, and nutmeg. Keep stirring constantly in medium heat for 3-5 minutes until well mixed and warmed.
- Transfer the cooked squash to a large mixing bowl, and then drizzle the warm maple glaze over it and toss lightly so that all pieces are coated evenly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the glazed squash to a platter for presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs, color, and flavor. It can be served warm as a side dish or by itself as a light meal.
Nutritional Benefits of Squash:
Recipe:
Squash is a nutrient-dense food, and many vitamins and minerals are contained in it. Some of the benefits associated with consuming squash in your diet include the following:
- Rich in Vitamins: Squash is a rich source of vitamins A and C. Both these vitamins are known to be beneficial for good immune function and healthy skin.
- High in Fiber: The fiber from squash promotes digestion, and it is used by a person for a longer time while remaining full. This, in turn, facilitates weight loss.
- Antioxidant Presence: Antioxidants present in squash help to fight oxidative stress thereby reducing chronic diseases further.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Recipe:
1. May I use frozen squash?
But you can use frozen, no doubt. It’ll cook longer, and get less crispy, but by all means thaw, pat them dry, then season with herbs and air fry.
2. Other than carrots, what vegetables are ok in this recipe?
You can add all the other vegetables you want, be it Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes. The only thing to keep in mind is that they have all to be chopped about similar in size so they are all cooked evenly.
3. What do I do with leftovers?
Leftover parts can be kept in a closed container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. The leftovers can be reheated by air-frying them for a few minutes. Then, that crunch comes back.
4. Is maple syrup vegan?
If you are looking for a vegan version of maple syrup, you can use agave nectar or brown rice syrup. The taste will differ a little, though.
5. Can this be made ahead?
The preparation of the squash and the maple glaze can be done ahead. Refrigerate the squash, store the glaze separately, and just air fry the squash, toss in the glaze and serve when you want.
Conclusion:
Recipe:
Air Fryer Squash with Maple Glaze-a delicious dish that defines all the flavors of autumn into sweet and savory. This simple, easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, perfectly suitable for busy weeknight meals or holiday gatherings, and the crispy squash with this rich sweet maple glaze will win over everyone who sits at your table to try it out, in which you might discover that it is a new favorite side dish for your festive fall celebrations!