These acorn squash fries offer a delightful twist on a classic side dish, transforming the humble squash into a sweet, creamy, and irresistibly crispy treat. The air fryer becomes your best friend in this recipe, ensuring maximum crispiness without the need for a convection oven. To begin, select a sizable acorn squash, aiming for one that exceeds a pound.

After preparing the fries, you should have approximately one pound of raw, cut fries ready for air frying. Don't discard the trimmings; reserve them for another culinary creation. The secret to achieving ultra-crispy, golden-brown fries lies in the precision of the cut.

Julienne the squash thinly and uniformly to ensure even cooking and that satisfying crunch. Start by halving the acorn squash and removing the seeds. Then, slice each half into thin pieces, about a quarter of an inch thick.

Once sliced, toss the squash sticks with avocado oil and kosher salt, ensuring they are evenly coated. This simple seasoning enhances the natural sweetness of the squash while promoting crispiness during air frying. To air fry, place half of the fries in a single layer at the bottom of an air fryer basket fitted with a rack.

Set the fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Repeat the process with the remaining fries, ensuring each batch is cooked to perfection. Serve these acorn squash fries hot and enjoy their unique combination of textures and flavors.

The exterior offers a delightful crispiness that gives way to a sweet, creamy interior. They make a wonderful accompaniment to a variety of main courses or can be enjoyed as a satisfying snack on their own. These fries are a delicious and wholesome way to savor the flavors of fall.