You’ve probably cooked spaghetti squash, pumpkin, and butternut squash, but have you tried acorn squash? Learning how to cook acorn squash is easy—whether you make it in the oven, air fryer, microwave, or Instant Pot. It’s a must-have fall staple.
What is Acorn Squash?
Acorn squash is a winter squash, just like butternut, kabocha, delicata squash, and spaghetti squash. It has a small acorn shape (hence the name) with thick, light to dark green skin and vibrant orange flesh.
While you can find it in grocery stores throughout the year, enjoy fresh acorn squash in the fall and winter when it’s in season.
With its sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture, acorn squash is the easiest way to elevate dinner recipes and holiday meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cut, scoop, season, and cook acorn squash using one of these easy cooking methods. Here is everything you need to get started.
- Acorn Squash: A smaller, 2-3 pound acorn squash will provide six hearty servings, depending on how you decide to serve it.
How to Choose an Acorn Squash
Select a squash with lighter green skin with some orange coloring, meaning it’s ready to cook. Choose one that weighs around 2-3 pounds, as lighter squashes may indicate a loss of moisture, and ensure it is firm with no soft spots.
- Olive Oil: Brush the whole acorn squash with extra-virgin olive oil, or substitute it with avocado oil or melted butter.
- Spices: Generously season with kosher salt and coarse black pepper for a simple side dish you can pair with any entree or add to soup and stew.
Additions and Substitutions
I gave you a basic seasoning for how to cook acorn squash you can pair with absolutely anything, but if there’s one thing to know about me, it’s this: I’m spicy, and I can’t resist a little seasoning.
How to Season Acorn Squash
If you enjoy warm, fall-flavored acorn squash, coat both sides with olive oil and kosher salt, and choose from baharat, pumpkin pie spice, Moroccan ras el hanout, Chinese five-spice, or Pakistani garam masala and Indian garam masala.
For those who are looking to spice things up a bit, consider combining spice blends like taco seasoning, yellow curry powder, Jamaican jerk seasoning, or a fiery Cajun spice blend like this Slap Ya Mama seasoning recipe with kosher salt (as needed) and oil to complement the natural sweetness of the acorn squash.
I recommend Italian seasoning, French Herbes de Provence, or Middle Eastern za’atar if you enjoy a mild and earthy flavor.
If you have a sweet tooth, you are in luck! Coat the squash with oil and savory seasonings such as dried herbs, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Then, add a little brown sugar, honey, pure maple syrup, agave nectar, balsamic glaze, or a sugar-free alternative like golden monk fruit. for a deeper caramelization and a sweeter-tasting side dish.
Tools You’ll Need
Prepare a whole squash using a cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife to cut it in half, thick slices, or smaller pieces. You may even need a mixing bowl to toss the squash with oil or melted butter and any spices you want to season it with.
- Oven: Prepare a rimmed baking sheet or sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat to bake acorn squash in the oven.
- Air Fryer: You will need an air fryer with a large basket to cook acorn squash. For those with a smaller model, you may need to cook the squash in batches.
- Microwave: Can you cook acorn squash in the microwave? You bet, and all you need is a microwave-safe dish. You can also place a trivet in the dish to elevate the squash above the water, keeping it from touching.
- Instant Pot: If you want to learn how to cook acorn squash in the Instant Pot, you will need your favorite Instant Pot model (of course) and a trivet to prevent the squash from touching the water.
How to Cut and Prepare Acorn Squash
1. Secure the squash with one hand and use a sharp knife to cut it in half from the stem to bottom.
Can you cook acorn squash with the skin on?
Up to you. There is no need to peel the squash because the skin becomes tender as it cooks, and it is safe to eat. However, if you don’t like the texture, the acorn squash skin peels off easily after it cooks. Just let it cool some before trying to pull it off.
2. Use a large spoon to scoop out the stringy bits and seeds. Or set the seeds aside to roast like pumpkin seeds.
3. Leave it whole, or cut the squash halves into slices or cubes, depending on the recipe you are making.
I leave the squash whole to teach you how to cook acorn squash in different ways but check out my air fryer acorn squash recipe to see how easy it is to make crispy, caramelized pieces of acorn squash in the air fryer for a quick and healthy side dish.
How to Cook Acorn Squash
Follow these step-by-step instructions for how to cook acorn squash in the oven, air fryer, microwave, and Instant Pot. Find printable instructions and measurements in the recipe card below.
1. Roasted Acorn Squash
Cooking Time: 40 Minutes
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Pierce the squash with a fork a few times and coat both sides with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Do you bake squash face up or down?
I prefer to start by baking the squash flesh-side down, and here’s why. It helps trap the moisture, making the squash tender. You can continue cooking it face down if you enjoy a softer texture. I like to flip the squash halfway through the cooking time to encourage a nice golden brown and roasted exterior.
Step 2: Place the squash flesh-side down on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cook for 20 minutes. Flip, and cook for 20 minutes.
2. Air Fried Acorn Squash
Cooking Time: 20 Minutes
Step 1: Preheat an air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Pierce the outside with a fork and coat both sides with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Arrange the squash into the air fryer basket with the flesh of the squash facing up and cook for 10 minutes. Flip, and cook for another 10 minutes.
3. Microwave Acorn Squash
Cooking Time: 7-10 Minutes
Step 1: Add ¼ cup of water to a microwave-safe dish. Pierce the outside with a fork and coat both sides with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Transfer the acorn squash halves to the dish.
Step 2: Microwave for 7 minutes. Check for doneness, and cook in 30-second increments until it’s fork-tender.
4. Instant Pot Acorn Squash
Cooking Time: 10 Minutes
Step 1: Place a trivet into the Instant Pot, and add one cup of water. Pierce the squash with a fork a few times and coat both sides with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Arrange the two halves onto the trivet flesh-side down. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 5 minutes with a quick release.
What does quick release mean?
Quick release refers to releasing the steam from the Instant Pot rapidly by turning the steam valve to the venting position. This method is used for foods you want to stop cooking right away, like vegetables or seafood.
How Long to Cook Acorn Squash?
The cooking time for acorn squash depends on the method and size of the squash. The squash is done when the flesh is fork-tender. Adjust times slightly for larger or smaller squash, but here is a general idea of cooking times to move you in the right direction.
| Cooking Method | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Oven | 40 Minutes |
| Air Fryer | 20 Minutes |
| Microwave | 7-10 Minutes |
| Instant Pot | 5-10 Minutes |
How to Use Cooked Acorn Squash
Enjoy cooked acorn squash as a side dish, or incorporate it into your favorite meals. Here are some creative ways to use acorn squash.
- Stuffed the squash. Scoop out the cooked squash and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Add cooked meat like ground beef, shredded chicken, or sausage. Mix in veggies, aromatics, nuts, or grains like quinoa, rice, or couscous to make it more filling. Return the mixture to the acorn skins and bake.
- Make a casserole. Turn cooked acorn squash into a casserole. Make a savory squash au gratin or mash the acorn squash and top it with brown sugar, mini marshmallows, and pecans before baking, like sweet potato casserole.
- Mash the squash. Speaking of mashed, remove the inside of the squash and mash it with butter and a splash of heavy cream for a tasty alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Puree it into soup. Puree the squash with vegetable broth, garlic, and spices to create a creamy, comforting acorn squash soup. Add a touch of coconut milk or heavy cream for richness.
- Make pasta sauce. Blend the acorn squash into a creamy sauce for pasta or ravioli. Mix with fresh herbs, tomatoes, aromatics, and Italian spices for the best flavor.
- Turn it into a sweet dish. Top cooked acorn squash with yogurt, granola, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a cozy breakfast or snack.
- Form patties or fritters. Mash cooked squash and combine with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings to make fritters or veggie patties. Pan-fry until crispy for a savory snack or side dish.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you know how to cook acorn squash that is fork-tender and delicious, you’re ready to top it or pair it with your favorite entrees.
Buttery acorn squash pairs well with easy weeknight meals like bison steak, pork chops, and air fryer chicken burgers. Or feature it on your holiday dinner table with classics like tandoori turkey, glazed ham, or boneless leg of lamb.
Elevate your cooked acorn squash with a variety of toppings. Try crispy bacon or prosciutto, and finish with goat cheese, feta, or shaved parmesan cheese. And don’t forget fresh basil or mint leaves.
Drizzle fig balsamic dressing, honey, or maple syrup over the squash and top with chopped apples, berries, or pomegranate seeds.
How to Store Acorn Squash
- Uncooked Squash: Keep the squash in a cool, dry place, like a pantry, for one month.
- Cooked Squash: Store the leftover acorn squash in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whats the best way to cook acorn squash?
When it comes to cooking whole acorn squash, nothing beats roasting it in the oven. It may take longer than other methods, but the results are worth it. For cut squash, though, the air fryer is my go-to—it’s quick, easy, and yields perfectly cooked pieces every time.
How to cook acorn squash quickly?
The quickest ways to cook acorn squash are in the microwave, ready in just 7–10 minutes, or in the Instant Pot, which cooks in 5 minutes but takes extra time to come to pressure.
How to cook acorn squash seeds?
Clean: Rinse seeds in water to remove pulp and pat them dry.
Season: Toss with oil and your favorite spices.
Roast: Spread onto a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20–30 minutes.
More Vegetable Recipes:
How to Cook Acorn Squash
- 2-3 pound acorn squash
- 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- Secure the acorn squash with one hand and use a sharp knife to cut it in half from the stem to bottom.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Pierce the squash with a fork a few times and coat both sides with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Place the squash flesh-side down on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cook for 20 minutes. Flip, and cook for 20 minutes.
- Preheat an air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Pierce the outside with a fork and coat both sides with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Arrange the squash into the air fryer basket with the flesh of the squash facing up and cook for 10 minutes. Flip, and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Add ¼ cup of water to a microwave-safe dish. Pierce the outside with a fork and coat both sides with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Transfer the acorn squash halves to the dish.
- Microwave for 7 minutes. Check for doneness, and cook in 30-second increments until it's fork-tender.
- Place a trivet into the Instant Pot, and add one cup of water. Pierce the squash with a fork a few times and coat both sides with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Arrange the two halves onto the trivet flesh-side down. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 5 minutes with a quick release.
Sarah
Monday 13th of February 2023
I made the acorn squash recipe for dinner last night and it was a hit! So easy to make and delicious. I will definitely be adding this to my regular side dish rotation. Thank you for the great recipe!
Abby
Thursday 18th of August 2022
Seeing them all together was super helpful; I made the acorn squash in the air fryer and it was perfect!
Tressa Jamil
Thursday 18th of August 2022
I love roasted and air fried acorn squash the most.