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…