Air Fryer Hasselback Butternut Squash with Bacon and Honey
This stunning hasselback butternut squash transforms the humble winter vegetable into an elegant side dish with deep, accordion-like cuts that create crispy edges and tender flesh. Roasted in the air fryer with aromatic bay leaves tucked between each slice, the squash develops a beautiful caramelized exterior while staying creamy inside. Topped with crispy bacon pieces and finished with a drizzle of honey, it offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. The whole garlic head roasts alongside, becoming soft and spreadable. This impressive dish works wonderfully for holiday dinners or special occasions when you want something that looks sophisticated but comes together easily.
Ingredients
- 1 small butternut squash, about 700g
- 10 large bay leavesfresh thyme sprigs1:1Different herb profile but works well
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- 1 whole garlic head, cut and excess skin removed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup bacon, diced
- 3 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- 1
Preheat air fryer to 350F and place silicone liner or parchment paper in basket
- 2
Cut butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds with metal spoon
- 3
Remove skin with vegetable peeler
- 4
Place squash on cutting board and make hasselback cuts using wooden spoons as guides to prevent cutting all the way through
- 5
Tuck bay leaves between the slices
- 6
Place squash and whole garlic in air fryer basket
- 7
Brush both with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
- 8
Top with diced bacon
- 9
Roast for 20 minutes
- 10
Remove and drizzle with honey
- 11
Roast for additional 2 minutes
- 12
Test doneness with skewer and continue cooking if needed
Tips
Use wooden spoons on either side of the squash as guides when making hasselback cuts to prevent slicing all the way through
Wait until the air fryer is preheated before adding parchment paper to avoid fire hazard
Test doneness with a skewer - the squash should be completely tender throughout
Good to Know
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in airtight container
Can prep hasselback cuts and bay leaf placement up to 4 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate
Serve immediately while hot for best texture and appearance
Common Mistakes
Don't cut all the way through when making hasselback slices or squash will fall apart
Wait for air fryer to preheat before adding parchment to avoid fire risk
Don't skip testing doneness with skewer as cooking time varies with squash size
Substitutions
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FAQ
Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?
No, frozen squash will be too soft to hold the hasselback shape and won't develop the proper texture when air fried.
What if I don't have bay leaves?
You can substitute fresh thyme sprigs or rosemary, or simply omit the herbs entirely for a simpler flavor profile.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered for up to 3 days, though the texture is best when served fresh and hot from the air fryer.