Transform your typical side dish into a flavorful delight with these Chinese Five Spice Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the aromatic blend of Chinese five spice powder, creating a crispy and delicious treat that's perfect for any occasion.
If you don't already have Chinese five spice powder in your pantry, it's worth picking up at the supermarket. This unique blend typically includes star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds, offering a complex flavor profile that elevates the dish. Make sure to also grab a fresh butternut squash if you don't have one on hand.
Ingredients For Chinese Five Spice Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries
Butternut squash: A versatile winter squash with a sweet, nutty flavor, perfect for making fries.
Olive oil: Helps to coat the squash fries, ensuring they become crispy in the air fryer.
Chinese five spice powder: A blend of spices that adds a unique and aromatic flavor to the fries.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the squash and spices.
Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the sweetness of the squash.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When peeling and cutting the butternut squash, use a sharp knife and a sturdy peeler to make the process easier and safer. Cut off both ends of the squash first to create a stable base, then peel the skin. Slice the squash in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and cut into fry-shaped pieces. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in the air fryer.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
butternut squash - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes have a similar texture and sweetness, making them a great alternative for fries.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for air frying.
chinese five spice powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala has a complex flavor profile that can mimic the depth of Chinese five spice.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and spice, providing a different but complementary flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How to Store or Freeze These Fries
Allow the butternut squash fries to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
Transfer the cooled fries to an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to keep them from sticking together.
Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For the best texture, reheat the fries in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until they regain their crispiness.
For freezing, arrange the cooled fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours until the fries are frozen solid.
Once frozen, transfer the fries to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat from frozen, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen fries in the basket in a single layer and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
Avoid microwaving the fries as it can make them soggy. The air fryer is the best method to maintain their texture and flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover butternut squash fries in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the squash fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are warmed and regain their crispiness.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Place the butternut squash fries in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
Microwave Method: Place the squash fries on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. Note that this method may not retain the original crispiness as well as other methods.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Air fryer: This is the main cooking appliance used to make the butternut squash fries crispy and golden brown without deep frying.
Peeler: Essential for removing the tough skin from the butternut squash.
Knife: Used to cut the butternut squash into fry-shaped pieces.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for safely cutting the butternut squash.
Mixing bowl: Used to toss the butternut squash pieces with olive oil, Chinese five spice powder, salt, and pepper.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the olive oil and Chinese five spice powder.
Tongs: Helpful for shaking the basket halfway through cooking and for removing the fries from the air fryer.
Spatula: Can be used to ensure the fries are evenly spread out in the air fryer basket.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-cut squash: Buy pre-cut butternut squash to save time on peeling and chopping.
Batch cooking: Cook a larger batch and store leftovers for quick reheating.
Use a mandoline: Slice the squash evenly with a mandoline for uniform cooking.
Preheat properly: Ensure the air fryer is fully preheated to reduce cooking time.
Minimal seasoning: Mix olive oil, Chinese five spice powder, salt, and pepper in advance for quick seasoning.
Chinese Five Spice Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and cut the butternut squash into fry-shaped pieces.
- In a bowl, toss the squash with olive oil, Chinese five spice powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the squash fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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