Golden Garlic and Pepper Squash Bites

If you’re searching for a side dish that is incredibly simple to make but delivers a seriously impressive flavor, you have come to the right place. Meet your new favorite way to eat squash! This recipe transforms a humble vegetable into golden, savory bites that are crispy on the outside and wonderfully soft and sweet on the inside. The best part? It all comes together in about 30 minutes with minimal effort, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. This is the perfect healthy, flavorful, and fast addition to any weeknight meal. The secret lies in a light dusting of starch, which creates an irresistible texture, while minced garlic and black pepper provide a fragrant, savory kick that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the squash. It’s a sophisticated yet effortless dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Before you start, let’s gather everything you’ll need. The ingredient list is short and simple, and you likely have most of these items in your pantry already. I’ve also included some easy substitutions to make this recipe accessible no matter where you are.

You will need:

• Squash: About 1.5 lbs (or 700g), peeled and seeded.
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons.
• Minced Garlic: 2-3 cloves, or about 1 tablespoon.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground for the best flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon. Any neutral oil like canola, avocado, or sunflower oil will work.

A Few Notes on Ingredients:

• Which Squash to Use? The original recipe calls for “squash” (南瓜), which is a broad term. For this recipe, I highly recommend using butternut squash or kabocha squash (sometimes called Japanese pumpkin). Both have a firm texture that holds up well to roasting and a lovely sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory garlic and pepper. You could even try this with sweet potatoes!
• The Magic of Cornstarch: Don’t skip the starch! It’s the key to achieving that light, crispy coating on the outside of the squash bites. It absorbs surface moisture and creates a delicate crust when air-fried. If you don’t have cornstarch, potato starch is an excellent substitute.

Now for the fun part! This process is so straightforward, you’ll have it memorized after making it just once. Follow these simple steps for perfectly roasted squash every time.

1. Prepare the Squash: First, prepare your squash. After peeling and seeding it, cut it into uniform, bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch (or 2.5 cm) in size. Making sure the pieces are all roughly the same size is important as it helps them cook evenly.
2. Season Generously: Place your squash cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss everything together until each piece of squash is evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.
3. Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the seasoned squash cubes into the air fryer basket in a single, even layer. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket, as this allows the hot air to circulate freely and crisp up all sides of the squash. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook this in two batches.
4. Air Fry to Perfection: Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook for about 25 minutes. To ensure even browning, pause the air fryer about halfway through the cooking time (around the 12-15 minute mark) and give the basket a good shake to toss the squash cubes. Continue cooking until the squash is golden brown, slightly crispy on the edges, and tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.

The moment you pull the basket out of the air fryer, you’ll be greeted by the most wonderful aroma of roasted garlic and sweet squash. The finished bites are truly a treat for the senses. Each piece has a delicate, crispy exterior that gives way to a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth center. The balance of savory salt, pungent garlic, and a gentle heat from the black pepper elevates the natural sweetness of the squash, creating a flavor profile that is both simple and deeply satisfying. This dish works beautifully as a side for roasted chicken or fish, but it’s also delicious on its own as a healthy snack. I sometimes even toss the leftovers into a salad the next day! I hope you enjoy these Golden Garlic and Pepper Squash Bites as much as I do. Give them a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below. I’d love to hear if you made any creative twists of your own