Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup

Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup is a creamy roasted squash soup with a smooth texture and savory flavor. It starts with my air fryer butternut squash, then gets blended with broth and heavy cream or coconut milk until smooth.

Make it for an easy fall lunch with Hawaiian dinner rolls, or add a leftover turkey salad sandwich for a soup-and-sandwich meal. For dinner, serve a smaller bowl with air fryer chicken sausage or another simple protein on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Roasted flavor without the oven: The air fryer gives the squash browned, caramelized edges without waiting for the oven to preheat.
• Creamy with or without dairy: Use heavy cream for a richer finish or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Simple to make: Once the squash is roasted, blend it with the remaining ingredients and adjust the consistency to your liking.
• Easy to customize: Change the thickness, toppings, or finishing cream based on how you want to serve it.

Ingredients Needed

• Butternut squash: Cut the squash into similar-size cubes so the pieces roast evenly. Pre-cut butternut squash from the grocery store works too.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory flavor and helps thin the roasted squash to the right consistency. You can use vegetable broth if you prefer.
• 24 Herbs Sprinkle Seasoning: Adds garlic, black pepper, and herbs without needing several separate seasonings.
• Heavy cream or coconut milk: Heavy cream gives the soup a richer finish, while coconut milk makes an easy dairy-free version.

How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash Soup

Air fry the butternut squash

Use the same method as my air fryer butternut squash recipe. Arrange the seasoned squash in an even layer and air fry at 400°F for 8 to 9 minutes per side, or until tender with browned edges.

Blend the soup

Add the roasted squash, broth, and heavy cream or coconut milk to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.

Adjust the consistency

Add a little more broth if you prefer a thinner soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Cut the squash evenly: Similar-size cubes cook and brown at about the same rate.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Give the squash enough room for hot air to circulate so the edges roast instead of steam.
• Look for browned edges: The squash should be tender enough to pierce easily and browned in spots before you blend it.
• Start with less broth: You can always add more after blending if the soup is thicker than you like.
• Blend until completely smooth: This gives the soup its creamy texture even though it only needs a small amount of cream or coconut milk.
• Taste before serving: Broth and seasoning blends vary in saltiness, so adjust the seasoning once everything is blended.

Air Fryer vs. Oven Roasted Butternut Squash

I prefer the air fryer for this soup because it roasts the squash quickly without needing to preheat the oven. It works especially well when making one batch of soup.

If you prefer to use the oven, roast the seasoned butternut squash at 425°F for about 40 minutes, or until tender and browned. Then continue with the soup as written.

Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk for Butternut Squash Soup

Both work well, so you can choose based on the flavor and finish you want.

• Heavy cream: Gives the soup a richer, classic creamy finish.
• Coconut milk: Keeps the soup dairy-free while still giving it a smooth, creamy texture.

Whichever you choose, blend it with the roasted squash and broth first, then adjust the consistency with additional broth if needed.

Butternut Squash Soup Toppings

Add one or two toppings for extra flavor and texture:

• Crispy air fryer bacon or air fryer turkey bacon
• Toasted pumpkin seeds
• Sour cream
• A swirl of coconut milk or heavy cream
• Fresh thyme or sage
• Cracked black pepper

What to Serve With Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut squash soup can be a light meal on its own or served with something more filling for lunch or dinner.

• Soup and sandwich: Make a sandwich with leftover turkey salad, chicken salad with grapes, or dill pickle chicken salad.
• Soup and salad: Serve a smaller bowl with my Honey Mustard Chicken Salad or Chicken Cobb Salad for a more filling soup-and-salad meal.
• Quick dinner: Add air fryer smoked sausage or air fryer chicken sausage.
• Larger dinner: Serve it alongside air fryer turkey breast, spiral ham, or whole roasted chicken.
• Something for dipping: Add warm Hawaiian dinner rolls to any of these meals.

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover butternut squash soup in an airtight container for up to 4 to 5 days.
• Reheat: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if it thickens in the refrigerator.

FAQs

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