
Inspiration for the Air Fryer Kabocha Squash
I often buy the bag of kabocha chunks from our local Costco in Hawai’i. The kabocha comes in a bag and has been cleaned and chopped into medium size pieces. That cuts back on having to cut and clean the kabocha yourself. I usually simmer it, as I did for the Kabocha Salad Post but wanted to do something quicker in the air fryer. Air Fryer Kabocha Squash is a quick and easy preparation. The added flavors at the end make it a delicious side dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Keep reading for more information, the ingredients, and recipe!

What is Kabocha?
Kabocha is a type of squash that is often called Japanese pumpkin. It is round like a small pumpkin. Its skin is green and fairly thick. When cooked, you can keep the skin on and eat it, too. The inside of the kabocha is a bright orange color. When cooked, it has the texture of a sweet potato.
Kabocha is great in a variety of recipes. Often prepared as a side dish, I have also used it in curry and chili.
What is Furikake?
Furkikake is a popular rice topping made of tiny flakes of nori (dried seaweed), sesame seeds, and salt. It can come in different flavors (e.g., Yuzu, Ume, and other varieties). It tastes great on rice, eggs, vegetables, fish, and other foods.
If you’ve never had it before, the regular nori version is a good place to start. For this recipe, it adds a bit more salt and crunch to the dish.
Air Fryer Kabocha Squash
A delicious side dish utilizing the kabocha squash, also known as the Japanese pumpkin.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Category: side dish
- Method: air fry
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 20 oz kabocha (1.25 lbs) roughly cut into small/medium size cubes
- avocado spray oil
- sea salt
- Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce
- Nori Furikake
Instructions
- Spread your kabocha chunks in the air fryer pan and spray with avocado oil.
- Sprinkle with sea salt
- Cook in air fryer at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
- Plate kabocha with Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce drizzled on top or in a side dish for dipping.
- Sprinkle furikake on top.
Keywords: air fryer, kabocha squash
- For more information on Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce, visit their website.
- For another way to use your Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce, check out Teriyaki Furikake Fries.
- Below are clickable links for products used in this post:
One thought