Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup: 5 Unforgivable Mistakes

Okay, so listen, you NEED this Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup in your life, especially now that it’s finally fall! I’m telling you, it’s crazy easy to make, and the flavor? Forget about it! Seriously, who knew you could get such a creamy, delicious soup with barely any effort? And the best part? It’s actually good for you! We’re talking vitamins, fiber, all that good stuff. Plus, it’s totally vegan, so everyone can enjoy it.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, tweaking it here and there until it’s absolute perfection. I’m all about finding shortcuts in the kitchen (aren’t we all?), and using the air fryer for the butternut squash is a total game-changer. It gets it perfectly tender and even a little caramelized, which adds so much flavor to the soup. Trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup, you’ll never make it any other way! It’s my go-to recipe when I want something comforting, healthy, and quick. And let’s be honest, that’s pretty much all the time, right?

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup

Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed. Here’s why:

Quick and Easy

I mean, come on, who has time to slave over a stove all day? The air fryer cuts down the cooking time like crazy. Plus, clean-up is a breeze!

Creamy and Flavorful

The texture is just… wow. So smooth and velvety! And the flavor? The air fryer gives the squash this amazing caramelized thing that you just can’t get any other way. It’s sweet, savory, and totally addictive.

Healthy and Vegan

Yep, you can feel good about eating this! Packed with vitamins and fiber, and totally plant-based. Win-win!

Perfect for Fall

Nothing says “fall” like butternut squash, right? This soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day. Cozy vibes all around!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup

Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay?

Core Ingredients

You’ll need about one medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed. I usually aim for roughly 4 cups of cubed squash. Also grab one medium yellow onion, chopped – doesn’t have to be perfect. Two cloves of garlic, minced. And finally, four cups of vegetable broth. I like low-sodium so I can control the salt myself.

Seasoning

Keep it simple but important: 1 tablespoon of olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to), half a teaspoon of salt (or more, to taste!), and about a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Freshly ground is always better, if you’ve got it!

Optional Toppings

This is where you can get creative! I love adding croutons for crunch, a swirl of cream (or coconut milk for vegan friends!), and toasted pumpkin seeds for extra flavor and texture. Seriously, don’t skip the toppings – they make all the difference!

How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the fun part where we actually make the soup! Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be slurping down deliciousness in no time!

Preparing the Squash

First things first, you gotta wrangle that butternut squash! Carefully peel it (a sharp vegetable peeler is your friend here!), then cut it in half and scoop out the seeds. I use an ice cream scoop – works like a charm! Then, chop the squash into roughly 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them somewhat uniform so they cook evenly, okay?

Air Frying the Butternut Squash

Now, crank up your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is super important, so don’t skip the preheating! While it’s heating up, toss those squash cubes with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re all coated nicely. Then, spread them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd it, or they’ll steam instead of caramelize. You might need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re tender and starting to get those yummy browned edges. Mmm!

Sautéing Onion and Garlic

While the squash is doing its thing, grab a pot and heat it over medium heat. Add a little more olive oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re softened and fragrant – about 5 minutes. Careful not to burn the garlic, it gets bitter fast!

Combining and Simmering

Once the squash is ready, add it to the pot with the sautéed onion and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth, add the salt and pepper (remember, you can always add more later!), and bring everything to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This lets all the flavors meld together. Yum!

Blending the Soup

Now comes the fun part: making it creamy! Carefully use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it’s super smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, but be super careful when blending hot liquids. Work in batches and vent the lid to prevent explosions! Nobody wants butternut squash soup on their ceiling!

Serving

And that’s it! You’re ready to serve your amazing Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup. Ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite goodies – croutons, a swirl of cream, toasted pumpkin seeds… go wild! Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup

Want to take your soup from good to *amazing*? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way:

Seasoning Tips

Seriously, don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste as you go and adjust to your liking. A little pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick!

Broth Options

If you’re not vegan, chicken broth adds a richer, deeper flavor. Just sayin’! But honestly, the vegetable broth works great too.

Consistency Control

Is your soup too thick? No problem! Just add a little more broth until it reaches your perfect consistency. I like mine nice and creamy, but it’s totally up to you!

Achieving Caramelization

Okay, this is key: don’t overcrowd your air fryer! The squash needs room to breathe (and brown!). If you pile it all in there, it’ll just steam. Spread it out in a single layer, and you’ll get those yummy caramelized edges that make all the difference!

Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup Variations

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, right? Now let’s get a little crazy! Here are some fun ways to mix things up and make it your own:

Spice It Up

Feeling adventurous? Toss in a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, or even curry powder! Trust me, a little spice can take this soup to a whole new level. My favorite is a tiny bit of cinnamon!

Add Some Heat

If you like a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Go easy at first – you can always add more!

Creamy Additions

Want to make it even creamier? Stir in a little coconut milk (for a vegan version) or heavy cream right before serving. So decadent!

Herb Infusion

Fresh herbs are always a good idea! Throw in a few sprigs of sage or thyme while the soup is simmering. Just remember to remove them before blending!

Serving Suggestions for Your Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup

This soup is amazing all on its own, but if you’re looking to make it a meal, here are a few of my favorite things to serve with it:

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Seriously, is there a better combo? A classic grilled cheese is the perfect comfort food to pair with this creamy soup. I like mine with a little sharp cheddar!

Crusty Bread

Gotta have something to soak up all that delicious soup, right? A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping. You can even toast it up with a little garlic butter. Yum!

Salad

If you’re trying to keep things on the lighter side, a simple salad is a great option. I like a mix of greens with some toasted nuts and a light vinaigrette.

Storing and Reheating Your Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup

Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of this amazing soup (good for you!), and now you’ve got leftovers. No problem! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

Storage Instructions

Just let the soup cool down a bit, then pour it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat the soup either on the stovetop or in the microwave. On the stovetop, just heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. In the microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Careful, it splatters!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about this recipe. Don’t be shy – if you’ve got a burning question, I’m here to help!

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Sure, you *can*, but honestly, fresh is always best! Frozen squash tends to be a little more watery, so it might affect the texture of your soup. If you do use frozen, make sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess water first. It still tastes good, though!

How long does Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup last in the fridge?

Good question! This soup will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container. It’s perfect for meal prepping!

Can I freeze Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup?

Yep, you can freeze it! But be warned, the texture might change a little bit when it thaws. It might be a little grainier than it was before. But hey, it’s still delicious! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

No problem! You can totally use a regular blender. Just be super careful when blending hot liquids! Work in small batches and vent the lid to prevent any…explosions. Seriously, hot soup is no joke!

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Get creative! Carrots, celery, or even apples would be amazing additions. Just toss them in with the onion and garlic and sauté them until they’re softened. It’s all about experimenting and finding what you like best!

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup

Okay, quick disclaimer: I’m no nutritionist! The nutritional info can vary a lot depending on the brands and ingredients you use, so I can’t give you exact numbers, sorry!

Enjoyed This Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup Recipe?

Hey, if you loved this soup as much as I do, leave a comment below! Or give it a rating – that helps other folks find it too. Happy slurping!

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