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    Frizzled Leek » Recipes » Air Fryer

    Published: Dec 15, 2021 •Modified: Mar 28, 2023 by Mike Cleavenger • This post may contain affiliate links, which can earn us a commission • 1 Comment

    Air Fryer Kabocha Squash (Vegan, Gluten-Free)

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    ↓ Jump to Recipe

    This Air Fryer Kabocha Squash is a delicious fall side dish that is Vegan friendly and gluten-free. Kabocha squash wedges are tossed in maple syrup, cinnamon, and roasted to perfection.

    Cooked roasted Kabocha squash on a wooden platter. this recipe

    Acorn squash, butternut squash, pumpkin, spaghetti squash, and kabocha squash are great winter squash varieties.

    Speaking of acorn squash, you should check out my Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash.

    We use spaghetti squash as a gluten-free option in my Venison Ragu Recipe.

    But if you are a butternut squash fan, try my 3-Ingredient Butternut Squash Soup for a quick weeknight dinner!

    Roasting is the best way to prepare this Japanese squash. Another popular cooking technique is steaming. You can bake Kabocha squash in the air fryer or the oven.

    Kabocha squash is in recipes like Thai Curry, Stuffed Kabocha, and Kabocha Soups.

    Maple-roasted kabocha squash pairs well with my salmon stew or salmon baked in foil.

    Jump to:
    • 🍁 What is Kabocha Squash
    • ⭐️ Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • 📝 Ingredient Notes
    • 🥘 Substitutions & Variations
    • 🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions
    • 🍳 Equipment
    • 👨🏻‍🍳 Chef Tips
    • ❓Recipe FAQ's
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🍁 What is Kabocha Squash

    Kabocha squash is a round squash with dark green skin. It is a winter squash in season from late summer to early fall. It has very hard skin that is commonly green and sometimes orange/red.
    Kabocha squash is low in calories and carbs, making it a healthy vegetable to consume. Keto and Vegan diets love this tasty squash in salads, soups, or side dishes.

    ⭐️ Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • This is a  low FODMAP vegetable. According to the Monash University FODMAP diet app, there is no limit on how much kabocha you can consume.
    • No need to peel this squash. To make cooking a breeze, cut in half, remove the seeds, slice, and roast. I don't recommend eating the skin since it's thick and tough.
    • Kabocha squash has many applications.  This winter squash is great for soups, salads, and vegetable curries.

    📝 Ingredient Notes

    Here is a visual overview of the air fryer kabocha squash ingredients in this recipe. Scroll to the recipe at the bottom for quantities.

    maple roasted kabocha squash ingredients
    • Kabocha Squash - Taste like a cross between a pumpkin and a sweet potato. The dark-green skin is very tough so be careful when cutting. If you microwave the whole squash for 3 minutes it will soften the skin so you can cut through it easier.
    • Maple Syrup - A little maple syrup will help caramelize the flesh for a crispy exterior.
    • Cinnamon - A small amount of cinnamon complements the nutty flavor of this squash.
    • Olive Oil - Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

    🥘 Substitutions & Variations

    • Squash - If you don't like Kabocha squash, swap it out for acorn squash, butternut squash, or try my Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes.
    • Seasoning - Toss with curry powder or season with sesame seeds and a ginger sauce.
    • Cooking Technique - The best way to roast Kabocha squash is in the air fryer or oven. You can also steam or grill this Japanese Pumpkin.

    🔪 Step-By-Step Instructions

    Learn how to make roasted kabocha squash with these easy-to-follow instructions.

    Scooping the seeds out of a Kabocha squash with a spoon.

    Step 1. Cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. The outer skin is tough, so you can place the squash in the oven for 5 minutes to soften the skin before cutting. 

    Sliced Kabocha squash on a cutting board.

    Step 2. Slice the kabocha squash into 1-inch wedges leaving the skin on.

    Seasoned Kabocha squash inside of a stainless-steel mixing bowl.

    Step 3. Toss with maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and olive oil.

    Roasted Kabocha squash inside of an air fryer basket.

    Step 4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lay kabocha squash wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fryer for 15 minutes and enjoy.

    Oven Roasted Method

    If you don't have an air fryer you can still achieve the same texture and flavor in a oven.

    Holding a roasted Kabocha squash slice with a pair of kitchen tongs.

    Place seasoned Kabocha squash on a parchment-lined baking tray and cook for 20-25 minutes at 400°F/ 204°C.

    🍳 Equipment

    This recipe is made in our Gourmia 7 Quart Air Fryer for a quick and easy side dish.

    Explore our Air Fryer Recipes, where you will find options like my Crispy Air Fryer Whole Chicken and Air Fryer Dinner Rolls.

    Picking up a slice of Kabocha squash with my fingers.

    👨🏻‍🍳 Chef Tips

    • Bake whole squash for 10 minutes. Cutting through this squash can be extremely tough and dangerous. Placing squash in the oven or microwave softens the skin, making it easier to cut through.
    • Wash the skin. Since we will be leaving the skin intact, run the squash under cold water to clean it.
    • Don't cut the wedges too thin.  Roasting the squash will reduce its size. Vegetables are filled with water. Roasting removes the water and concentrates the flavor. 
    • Roast at a high temperature.  I like to roast my squash between 400 - 425 degrees to get a nice golden brown color. Flip the squash halfway through cooking to caramelize both sides.
    • Spread squash out. We don't want the squash to be piled on top of each other and touching. Give the squash room to breathe or golden brown color.
    • Kabocha squash should feel heavy and rock solid with no soft spots when picking one out.
    • Save Kabocha seeds and roast them in the oven with your favorite spices.

    ❓Recipe FAQ's

    Is kabocha squash the same as a pumpkin?

    Kabocha is classified as a squash. However, pumpkins and squashes are quite similar. A pumpkin is a squash, and kabocha is known as a Japanese pumpkin. In other words, you could call kabocha squash or a pumpkin.

    Is Kabocha squash the same as Butternut squash?

    No! They are quite different. Kabocha is a Japanese winter squash becoming more common in American supermarkets. Kabocha has a green outer skin that is edible and has a sweeter flavor. Butternut squash is more watery and less starchy than kabocha squash.

    Can you eat roasted Kabocha skin?

    Yes! The skin of this squash is edible. I don't recommend it because it can be a challenge to chew through. I like to eat the flesh and discard the skin.

    What does Kabocha Squash taste like?

    Kabocha squash tastes like a cross between a pumpkin and sweet potatoes. There is a nutty or chestnut flavor to this winter squash when roasted.

    Can I make Kabocha squash in the Instant Pot?

    Yes, but the texture will be completely different. The air fryer caramelizes the squash, giving it that crispy and tender texture.

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    Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ review below and tag @thefrizzledleek on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

    📖 Recipe

    Roasted Kabocha squash with garnished with fresh thyme.

    Air Fryer Kabocha Squash

    Mike Cleavenger
    This Air Fryer Kabocha Squash is vegan-friendly and gluten-free. Enjoy perfectly caramelized squash for an easy-to-make side dish.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Air Fryer, Vegetable Sides
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 81 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 large kabocha squash cut into 1-inch wedges
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt

    Instructions
     

    • Cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. The outer skin is tough, so you can place the squash in the oven for 5 minutes to soften the skin before cutting. 
    • Slice the kabocha squash into 1-inch wedges leaving the skin on.
    • In a bowl toss Kabocha squash with maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and olive oil.
    • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lay kabocha squash wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fryer for 15 minutes and enjoy.

    Notes

    • Kabocha squash has very tough skin so you will need to be careful when cutting.  You can place the squash into the microwave for 3-4 minutes to soften the skin.
    • Choose a Kabocha squash that is heavy and free of soft spots. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 81kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 394mg | Potassium: 533mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2051IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 1mg
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Leave a comment below and share a photo on instagram. Tag @thefrizzledleek and hashtag it #thefrizzledleek.

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    Comments

    1. mikecleavenger says

      December 26, 2021 at 5:33 am

      5 stars
      The perfect fall or winter side dish! I love how Kabocha squash tastes just like potatoes and roasted chestnuts.

      Reply
    5 from 1 vote

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    Wearing a chef jacket standing with my arms crossed in front of floating shelves.

    I'm a chef, husband, and father of two beautiful girls. The Frizzled Leek is a blog about getting families back in the kitchen. Here you won't just follow recipes, you will be developing your cooking skills too!

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    Sliced Kabocha squash on a cutting board.
    Air fried Kabocha squash on a wooden platter.
    Air Fryer Kabocha Squash on a wooden platter.

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