I have a number of squash residing in my pantry, and quite honestly we’re tired of sauteed squash, pureed squash, squash soup, and so on. One of y sister told me about baking squash fries, and I thought, why not spice them up and air fry?
One of the most important things about air frying, or for that matter baking something like fries, is to make sure the pieces are cut up into pieces the same size. And really, though I used an air fryer, you could roast these in a 400 degree oven as well. I happen to have a Ninja Foodi, which functions as a pressure cooker as well as an air fryer – what a handy gadget!
Start with a medium size butternut squash. Cut and peel. Place into a large bowl, coat with a little olive oil and spices. I used Chinese 5 spice powder, a little garlic powder and salt. I love the smell of all the warm spices in Chinese 5 Spice. And make your own if you don’t have a purchased jar.
I soaked my fires in water and a little vinegar for about 20 minutes. Water helps remove excess starch, though of course a lot less starch in butternut squash compared to potatoes, and the vinegar helps the outside of the fries brown but the inside remains soft and fluffy.
Warm up the air fryer (or the oven) to 400F, dump them in and make sure to stir every so often, about 5 minutes. Mine took about 15 minutes to cook. It will depend on your fryer and how big the fries are. Or heat up the oven, and stir them while they cook on a baking sheet.
Delicious! Along with fresh bread and a roasted chicken, it was a delightful dinner!
5 Spice Butternut Squash Air Fries
using butternut squash instead of potatoes makes a healthy delicious fries
Ingredients
- 1 Medium butternut squash
- water
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Chinese 5 Spice powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder (if desired)
- 2 tsp salt
- pepper (if desired)
Instructions
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Peel the squash and cut into french fries. Keep all pieces the same size for even cooking.
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Put enough water in a large bowl to cover the fires and add the vinegar. Soak for 20 minutes.
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Remove fries to toweling to dry off. They need to be as dry as possible to bake or air fry.
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Heat air fryer or oven to 400F. For the oven, spread the fries evenly on a baking sheet. For an air fryer, place them all in a basket, with water in the bottom per you manufacturer.
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Cook, stirring every 5 minutees or so until soft and lightly browned, about 15 minutes.
Variations: instead of 5 Spice use just cinnamon, or a salt free spice mix. Savory herbs like Italian Herbs can take them in a different direction. Use whatever your family likes!
Homemade 5 Spice powder
makeyour own Chinese 5 Spice powder
Ingredients
- 5-6 star anise pods
- 1 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon or a 3" piece of rolled cinnamon stick
- 2 tbsp fennel seed
- 2-3 tsp peppercorns
Instructions
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place whole spices in a spice grinder and whir up into a fine grind.
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mix all spices together to instant Chinese 5 Spice powder.