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How to cook Acorn Squash - Instant Pot, Oven, Slow Cooker, Microwave

Jyoti Behrani
Learn also how to cook acorn squash in an Instant Pot, an oven, slow cooker, and microwave.
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Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Total Time 10 mins
Course Dessert, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

INGREDIENTS FOR ACORN SQUASH

  • 1 Acorn Squash
  • 1 cup water
  • salt to taste

FOR CARMALISED ACORN SQUASH (OPTIONAL)

  • 2 tablespoon butter; For vegan, use vegan butter
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or preferred sweetener
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions
 

PREP FOR ACORN SQUASH

  • MICROWAVE THE SQUASH (OPTIONAL) - Microwave the squash for one minute.
    Note: Microwaving the squash helps soften the outer skin and makes it easier to cut.
  • CUT THE SQUASH IN HALF - Cut the stem off and place it cut side down on the cutting board. This helps secure the squash from rolling over the board. Cut the squash in half lengthwise.
  • REMOVE THE SEEDS - Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds from the squash.
    Note: Save the seeds for later use. Clean and roast for a healthy snack.
  • Now that you have prepped the squash, you can use one of the methods described below to cook the squash.

INSTANT POT ACORN SQUASH

  • You will need INSTANT POT
    Add 1 cup of water into the inner pot and place a trivet.
  • Place the acorn squash halves onto the trivet, cut side up. Sprinkle some salt to taste. Close the lid, vent sealed.
  • Turn ON MANUAL / PRESSURE COOK (high), for 5 minutes. Allow 10 minutes of natural pressure release.
    NOTE: Adjust the cooking time depending upon the size of the squash. For small to medium (around 1 – 1 1/2 lbs) squash, cook time is 5 minutes. For large (around 2 lbs) squash, cook time is 8-9 minutes.
  • Carefully remove the trivet. You can use the prepared squash in your desired dish or serve it as it is.
    Note: The skin becomes soft when cooked and peels off easily.
  • For caramelized or savory acorn squash, please refer below.

FOR CARAMELIZED ACORN SQUASH (OPTIONAL)

  • Mix softened butter, maple syrup (or preferred sweetener), and cinnamon. Apply the mixture onto the squash.
  • INSTRUCTIONS FOR OVEN: Place the squash on a baking sheet or dish, cut side up. Broil (400 F) for 3-4 minutes or until the top is slightly browned.
  • INSTRUCTIONS FOR AIR FRYER/ AIR FRYER LID: Place the squash in the air fryer basket, cut side up. Broil (400 F) for 3-4 minutes or until the top is slightly browned.

FOR SAVORY ACORN SQUASH (OPTIONAL)

  • Drizzle some olive oil, some paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Place the squash on a baking sheet or dish, cut side up. Broil (400 F) for 3-4 minutes or until the top is slightly browned.

OVEN BAKED ACORN SQUASH

  • Preheat oven at 400 F.
  • Place the acorn squash, in a baking sheet or dish, cut side up. Sprinkle some salt to taste.
  • Roast the squash for 55-60 minutes, or until fork tender. You can use the prepared squash in your desired dish or serve it as it is.
    Note: The skin becomes soft when cooked and peels off easily.
  • For caramelized or savory acorn squash, please refer above.

MICROWAVE ACORN SQUASH

  • In a microwave safe plate, place the acorn squash halves, cut side up. Sprinkle some salt to taste. Add 3-4 tablespoons of water in the plate.
  • Cover the squash with a microwave-safe dish.
    Note: I like to use this MICROWAVE SPLATTER COVER, to cover the squash.
  • Cook the squash for 10-15 minutes or until fork tender. You can now use the prepared squash in your desired dish or serve it as it is.
    Note: The skin becomes soft when cooked and peels off easily.
  • For caramelized acorn squash, mix softened butter, maple syrup (or preferred sweetener), and cinnamon. Apply the mixture onto the squash and cook for additional 2-3 minutes.

SLOW COOKER ACORN SQUASH

  • Add 1/2 cup of water in the slow cooker.
  • Place the acorn squash halves, cut side up. Sprinkle some salt to taste.
  • Cook the squash for 3 hours, or until fork tender. You can now use the prepared squash in your desired dish or serve it as it is.
    Note: The skin becomes soft when cooked and peels off easily.
  • For caramelized acorn squash, mix softened butter, maple syrup (or preferred sweetener), and cinnamon. Apply the mixture onto the squash and cook for additional 30 minutes.

Notes

Please refer to the post for the following:
  1. Frequently Asked Questions
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