Air Fryer Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage, Quinoa & Apple: Your Ultimate Fall & Winter Comfort Meal
Welcome to your new favorite fall and winter dish! This incredible Air Fryer Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage, Quinoa, and Apple delivers all the cozy, comforting flavors of Thanksgiving in a single, satisfying meal. It’s not only a treat for your taste buds but also incredibly practical for meal prep. The magic of the air fryer cuts down the cooking time significantly, but don’t worry, you can still achieve delicious results in your conventional oven! This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with, helping me bring you more fantastic recipes.
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Stuffed Acorn Squash: Savoury-Sweet Perfection
I can’t emphasize enough how much I adore this stuffed acorn squash recipe. It truly combines the best of fall and winter flavors into one incredibly satisfying dish. Imagine the earthy sweetness of roasted acorn squash, perfectly complemented by a savory, spiced sausage and quinoa stuffing, enhanced with crisp, tart apples, chewy dried cranberries, and a delightful crunch from pecans. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that evokes the warmth of holiday gatherings.
Acorn squash has traditionally been a bit of a time commitment, making it a special occasion meal rather than an everyday option. However, with the advent of the air fryer, that has all changed! You can now achieve perfectly tender, slightly caramelized acorn squash halves in less than half an hour. The air fryer works wonders, consistently delivering crispy edges and a beautifully cooked interior, making this gourmet-level dish surprisingly quick and easy for any weeknight.
Beyond its incredible flavor, this recipe is incredibly versatile and meal-prep friendly. The stuffing can be prepared in advance, and the squash pre-cut, allowing you to assemble and cook a wholesome, quick dinner without any fuss on busy evenings. It’s ideal for feeding a family, impressing guests, or simply enjoying a cozy meal on a chilly day.
Why the Air Fryer is a Game-Changer for Acorn Squash
If you’re still on the fence about getting an air fryer, this recipe might just be the one to convince you. For acorn squash, it offers several distinct advantages:
- Speed: Significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional oven baking, getting dinner on the table faster.
- Texture: The circulating hot air creates beautifully tender squash on the inside with deliciously crispy, slightly caramelized edges – a texture hard to achieve so quickly in an oven.
- Even Cooking: Ensures the squash cooks uniformly without requiring constant rotation.
- Energy Efficiency: A smaller appliance often uses less energy than heating a large oven, especially for smaller batches.
Ingredients for This Flavorful Stuffed Acorn Squash
Crafting the perfect blend of seasonal flavors for the ultimate fall comfort food requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish so special:
- Acorn Squash: You’ll need two large acorn squash, cut in half. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, opt for smaller squash to ensure they fit well. I can comfortably fit four nice-sized halves in mine, so plan accordingly!
- Cooking Spray: A light coating of olive, avocado, or coconut spray helps the squash crisp up beautifully and prevents sticking.
- Butter: We often use vegan butter, but feel free to use regular dairy butter for richness, or substitute with olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the squash and bringing out its natural sweetness. Remember, there’s salt in the sausage and Parmesan, so adjust to your taste.
- Spicy Italian Sausage: This is the star of the savory component, adding depth and a delightful kick. Can’t find it in your local store? Check out my How to Make Homemade Italian Sausage with Ground Chicken or Turkey tutorial for an easy homemade alternative!
- Onion: White or yellow onions work perfectly here, adding a foundational aromatic sweetness. Red onion can be used if that’s what you have on hand, offering a slightly sharper flavor.
- Celery: About two stalks, thinly diced, provide a subtle crunch and classic aromatic base to the stuffing.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced, are recommended, but feel free to add more for an extra punch of flavor. Garlic is key to any savory stuffing.
- Quinoa: Cooked ahead of time, quinoa adds a wholesome, protein-packed base and a pleasant, slightly chewy texture that holds the stuffing together.
- Apple: The sweetness of a Honeycrisp or Gala apple beautifully balances the savory notes. For a tarter contrast, a Granny Smith apple is an excellent choice.
- Dried Cranberries & Chopped Pecans: These are crucial for adding a burst of sweet-tart flavor and a satisfying crunch, elevating the texture profile of the stuffing significantly.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: An optional topping that adds a salty, umami richness and a crispy finish. For a dairy-free version, simply omit this step.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Stuffed Acorn Squash
Get ready to impress with this flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, thanks to your air fryer!
- First, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). This ensures even and efficient cooking from the start.
- Carefully cut each acorn squash in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out all the seeds and fibrous strands from the center, creating a cavity for the delicious stuffing.
3. Lightly spray the cut side of each squash half with cooking spray, then sprinkle them evenly with salt. Arrange them in your air fryer basket, cut-side up. Air fry for about 16-18 minutes, or until the squash is perfectly softened on the inside and the edges have a desirable slight crispness and caramelization.
4. Meanwhile, as the squash cooks, prepare your flavorful stuffing. In a large skillet, sauté the spicy Italian sausage until it’s thoroughly browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease. Add 1 teaspoon of butter (or olive oil), diced onions, and celery to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the diced apples and minced garlic, continuing to cook until the apples start to caramelize, releasing their sweet aromas.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining butter, the pre-cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Gently mix everything until well combined. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes off the heat, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Once your acorn squash halves are cooked and tender, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Divide the prepared sausage and quinoa mixture equally among the squash halves, filling each cavity generously. Top each stuffed squash with a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese (if using).
7. Place the stuffed squash halves back into the air fryer. Cook for an additional few minutes (typically 3-5 minutes), just until the filling is heated through, and the Parmesan cheese on top is melted and gloriously crispy. Serve immediately and enjoy!
No Air Fryer? No Problem! Oven Instructions
Don’t have an air fryer yet? No worries at all! You can still enjoy this incredibly delicious stuffed acorn squash recipe by using your conventional oven. Just be aware that the cooking times will be longer, and the texture might vary slightly – your squash will be beautifully roasted, but perhaps not quite as “crispy-edged” as with the air fryer.
Here’s how to adapt the recipe for oven baking:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C).
- Prepare your acorn squash halves by cutting them in half and scooping out the seeds, just as you would for the air fryer method. Lightly spray them with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt.
- Place the squash halves, cut-side up, on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until the flesh is fork-tender. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your squash.
- While the squash is roasting, prepare the sausage, quinoa, and apple stuffing as directed in steps 4 and 5 of the air fryer instructions.
- Once the squash is tender, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Fill each squash cavity generously with the prepared stuffing. If you’re adding Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top now.
- Return the stuffed squash halves to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. This allows the filling to warm through and the cheese to melt beautifully.
- For an extra golden-crispy cheese topping, you can switch your oven to broiler mode for 1-2 minutes. Keep a very close eye on it to prevent burning!
Whether air-fried or oven-roasted, this stuffed acorn squash promises a delightful meal that will quickly become a household favorite.
Meal Prep Tips and Storage for Stuffed Acorn Squash
This recipe is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal even on your busiest days. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Advance Prep: The sausage and quinoa stuffing can be made entirely ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also wash and cut the acorn squash halves, storing them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.
- Storage of Leftovers: Any leftover stuffed acorn squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place the stuffed squash halves back into your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is re-crisped. Alternatively, you can microwave them until warm, though the texture of the cheese and squash edges might not be as crisp. For oven reheating, warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Customizing Your Stuffed Acorn Squash
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and instead sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or a plant-based ground “meat” with your onions and celery. You could also add black beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Different Proteins: Instead of spicy Italian sausage, try mild Italian sausage, ground turkey, ground chicken, or even crumbled tempeh for a different flavor profile. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Nut & Fruit Variations: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. Replace dried cranberries with dried cherries, raisins, or even finely diced dried apricots for a different kind of sweetness.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple mixture for extra warmth. A dash of red pepper flakes can increase the heat in the sausage.
- Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary would be wonderful additions to the stuffing, enhancing the autumnal flavors.
- Cheese Alternatives: If not using Parmesan, consider a sprinkle of sharp cheddar, goat cheese, or a dairy-free shredded cheese substitute for a different cheesy touch.
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! It’s delicious as written, but even better when tailored to your preferences.
More Irresistible Squash Recipes:
If you’ve fallen in love with acorn squash or simply can’t get enough of seasonal squash dishes, here are more fantastic recipes to explore:
- Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage, Spinach, and Feta
- Taco Stuffed Acorn Squash
- Roasted Acorn Squash with Sweet Whipped Ricotta
- Vegetarian Stuffed Acorn Squash | Cookie and Kate
- Delicata Squash Fries
- Butternut Squash Lasagna
Air Fryer Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage, Quinoa & Apple
Nancylynn
4 servings
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 large acorn squash cut in half
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 2 teaspoons butter or olive oil divided
- Salt
- ½ pound spicy Italian chicken or turkey sausage casing removed
- ½ onion diced up small
- ½ cup thinly diced celery about 2 stalks
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 apple diced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
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Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200°C).*
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Cut each squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
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Spray each squash half with olive or avocado oil cooking spray, then sprinkle with salt. Air fry for 16-18 minutes, until softened and crispy on the edges.
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Meanwhile, saute sausage until browned, then add 1 tsp butter, onions and celery and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the veggies are soft. Add in apples and garlic and cook until apples start to caramelize.
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Stir in remaining butter, quinoa, cranberries, and nuts. Turn off heat and let flavors meld for a few minutes.
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When squash is finished cooking, divide sausage and quinoa mixture equally into squash halves and top with Parmesan cheese.
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Put the squash halves back in the air fryer and cook until the filling and cheese is crispy.
Video
Notes
WW: 9 points (per squash half)
*If using the oven, heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C) and bake the plain, raw acorn squash for about 40 minutes. Add in your filling and pop back in the oven for a few minutes to let the filling and cheese warm and melt. If you’d like the cheese to get crispy, broil for about 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 53mg
Sodium: 764mg
Potassium: 1141mg
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 7g
Vitamin A: 1214IU
Vitamin C: 29mg
Calcium: 187mg
Iron: 4mg
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