Imagine transforming an ordinary butternut squash into restaurant-worthy steaks that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with smoky, garlicky flavor - all in just 30 minutes using your air fryer! This game-changing recipe will make you fall in love with vegetables all over again, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and exciting. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, cut into 1-inch steaks
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the butternut squash by carefully cutting off the top and bottom ends. Peel the skin using a sharp vegetable peeler or knife, ensuring all the tough outer skin is removed.
- Cut the squash into 1-inch thick steaks, making sure the slices are uniform for even cooking. Discard the seeded center or save for another recipe.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Brush each butternut squash steak generously with the prepared marinade, ensuring all surfaces are evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-4 minutes to ensure proper heating.
- Arrange the marinated squash steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Cook the squash steaks for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning and crispy edges.
- Check for doneness by piercing with a fork - the squash should be tender but not mushy, with golden-brown caramelized edges.
- Remove from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Serve hot as a side dish or main course, accompanied by a light salad or grain of your choice.
Tips
- Choose a butternut squash that is firm and symmetrical for the most even steaks.
- Use a sharp chef's knife and a sturdy cutting board when slicing to ensure uniform 1-inch thick steaks.
- Don't skip peeling the squash completely - the skin can be tough and affect the texture.
- Make sure to pat the squash dry before marinating to help the seasoning stick better.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure crispy, evenly cooked steaks.
- For extra caramelization, brush with a little extra olive oil halfway through cooking.
- Let the steaks rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Experiment with different spice blends like cumin, chili powder, or za'atar for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 173kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
