Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash Air Fryer Recipe
I love this recipe because it effortlessly combines vibrant, wholesome ingredients like quinoa, black beans, and avocado, creating a nutritious powerhouse that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Plus, air-frying the acorn squash gives it a perfectly tender texture while keeping the prep super simple—ideal for busy evenings!
Nutritious and tasty meals are my passion, and this Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe exemplifies that perfectly. It is quite a hearty dish, with a filling made of quinoa, black beans, and bell peppers.
These three ingredients alone would give you a very satisfying meal. But you know me—I never let an opportunity pass to add depth and brightness to a dish.
The addition of cumin and smoked paprika gives the stuffing a wonderful depth of flavor, and fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice—please don’t skip the lime juice—brighten up the entire dish.
Ingredients
Acorn Squashes:
Abundant in fiber and vitamins A and C, yielding a sweet yet nutty flavor.
Quinoa:
An excellent source of protein with all the essential amino acids, offering nutrition and substance.
Black Beans:
Loaded with protein and fiber, they contribute to heartiness and an earthy flavor.
Red Bell Pepper:
A sweet, crisp addition that is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Avocado:
Delivers healthful fats and a smooth mouthfeel, good for cardiac health.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 medium acorn squashes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
1. Heat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Slice each acorn squash in half lengthwise and dig out the seeds. Brush the insides of the squash with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
2. Put the squash halves in the air fryer basket with the cut side down and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the flesh is tender and golden. Remove from the air fryer and set aside to cool slightly.
3. A tablespoon of olive oil should be added to a skillet over medium heat. The chopped onion and minced garlic should be sautéed in the oil until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the chopped red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for an additional 3 minutes until softened.
5. Add the prepared quinoa, black beans, corn, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Heat on medium-low for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is warm.
6. Take away the heat from the skillet. Introduce the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and, if you’re using it, nutritional yeast, and combine everything in the skillet until it’s well mixed.
7. Each acorn squash half should be filled with the prepared stuffing mixture, pressed down gently to pack the filling.
8. Place the squash halves back in the air fryer basket, cut side up. Cook them for 5-7 more minutes at 375°F (190°C) to brown the tops and make sure everything inside is heated through.
9. Remove the stuffed squash from the air fryer with care. Allow it to cool for a few moments before plating and presenting to your guests.
10. Before serving, you can garnish with sliced avocado and sprinkle with extra cilantro if desired. This will also give you a chance to enjoy your delicious vegan stuffed acorn squash with all its (many) beautiful colors!
Equipment Needed
1. Air fryer
2. Chef’s knife
3. Cutting board
4. Spoon (for scooping seeds)
5. Basting brush
6. Skillet
7. Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cup
10. Tongs or oven mitts (for handling hot squash)
11. Serving platter or plates
FAQ
- Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?Certainly, you can bake the acorn squash halves in a standard oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until they are tender.
- What can I use instead of quinoa?You can use other grains in place of quinoa, such as brown rice, farro, or couscous. When using these substitutes, be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the grain you’re using.
- Is it necessary to use nutritional yeast?Optional but wise, nutritional yeast imparts a delightful cheesy flavor. If you don’t have it, you can omit it or substitute a vegan cheese if you want.
- How do I store leftovers?Any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will stay good for up to 3 days, and you can reheat them in the air fryer or the microwave right before serving.
- Can I freeze the stuffed acorn squash?It is not advised to freeze the squash; the texture may become mushy. Fresh or refrigerated, it’s best enjoyed straightaway.
- How can I add more protein to the dish?For more protein, you can incorporate extra black beans or chickpeas. Alternatively, you might add diced tofu or tempeh to the filling.
- What other toppings can I use?Vegan sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce are other options for toppings that add flavor to the dish.
Substitutions and Variations
Olive oil: Replace with avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Quinoa: Substitute with cooked brown rice or farro.
Black beans: Substitute pinto beans or chickpeas.
Canned corn: Replace with chopped zucchini or peas.
If you don’t have fresh cilantro on hand, a good substitute is fresh parsley or basil.
Pro Tips
1. Pre-cook the Squash: If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave the acorn squash halves for a few minutes before placing them in the air fryer. This can help reduce the overall cooking time and ensure the squash is tender.
2. Even Filling: Make sure to evenly distribute the filling among the squash halves by lightly pressing it down. This ensures that each bite has a perfect combination of flavors.
3. Spice It Up: For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture for some heat.
4. Optimize Avocado Appearance: To prevent the avocado from browning, sprinkle a little extra lime juice on top of the slices right before serving.
5. Cheese Option: If you’re not strictly vegan, a sprinkle of shredded cheese or crumbled feta on top before the second air frying step can add a delicious layer of flavor.
Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash Air Fryer Recipe
My favorite Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Air fryer
2. Chef’s knife
3. Cutting board
4. Spoon (for scooping seeds)
5. Basting brush
6. Skillet
7. Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cup
10. Tongs or oven mitts (for handling hot squash)
11. Serving platter or plates
Ingredients:
- 2 medium acorn squashes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1 avocado, sliced (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Heat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Slice each acorn squash in half lengthwise and dig out the seeds. Brush the insides of the squash with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
2. Put the squash halves in the air fryer basket with the cut side down and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the flesh is tender and golden. Remove from the air fryer and set aside to cool slightly.
3. A tablespoon of olive oil should be added to a skillet over medium heat. The chopped onion and minced garlic should be sautéed in the oil until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the chopped red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for an additional 3 minutes until softened.
5. Add the prepared quinoa, black beans, corn, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Heat on medium-low for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is warm.
6. Take away the heat from the skillet. Introduce the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and, if you’re using it, nutritional yeast, and combine everything in the skillet until it’s well mixed.
7. Each acorn squash half should be filled with the prepared stuffing mixture, pressed down gently to pack the filling.
8. Place the squash halves back in the air fryer basket, cut side up. Cook them for 5-7 more minutes at 375°F (190°C) to brown the tops and make sure everything inside is heated through.
9. Remove the stuffed squash from the air fryer with care. Allow it to cool for a few moments before plating and presenting to your guests.
10. Before serving, you can garnish with sliced avocado and sprinkle with extra cilantro if desired. This will also give you a chance to enjoy your delicious vegan stuffed acorn squash with all its (many) beautiful colors!