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butternut and couscus in a bowl with soft boiled and halved eggs layered on top and a fork spoon scooped inside the dish for serving.

Butternut Squash and Couscous

Light, flavorful couscous tossed with sweet roasted butternut squash, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs. Simple, delicious, and perfect as a light lunch, meal-prep bowl, or a cozy dinner side.
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Author: Miranda | My Anosmic Kitchen
Prep 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings :2 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1-2 cups roasted butternut squash, see notes below
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Soft boiled eggs, halved or sliced
  • Boiling water (for hydrating the couscous)
  • lemon juice, optional
  • fresh herbs of your choice

Instructions 

  • Roast or Air Fry the Butternut: Roast the butternut squash at 200°C / 400°F for 40–50 minutes (small–medium squash), until tender and golden.Air fryer option: Cook at 200°C for 30–35 minutes, turning halfway, until fork-tender.
  • Prepare the Couscous: Place 1 cup couscous in a heatproof bowl. Pour over boiling water, cover, and allow to hydrate according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork.
  • Combine: Add the roasted butternut to the couscous and gently mix to combine.
  • Season: Season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice (optional), and toss gently.
  • Finish & Serve:Top with sliced soft-boiled eggs, sprinkle over crumbled feta and fresh herbs of choice. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Notes

Oven vs Air Fryer Butternut Squash

  • Oven-roasted butternut (cubed): 25–30 minutes at 200°C / 400°F.
  • Air-fried butternut (cubed): 18–25 minutes at 200°C, shaking halfway.
  • Air-fried halves or whole small butternut: 30–35 minutes, cut-side down for best caramelization.

Why air fry if the timing is so close?

The air fryer is still ideal for smaller batches, faster preheating, crispier edges with less oil, and lower energy use — perfect for weeknights or single-tray cooking. The oven remains best for larger trays and batch roasting.

FAQ – Whole Butternut Squash: Oven vs Air Fryer

Can I cook a whole butternut squash in the oven or air fryer?

Yes! A whole butternut squash in the oven takes 60–90 minutes at 200°C / 400°F, depending on size. In the air fryer, a small whole butternut take anything from about 35–50 minutes, while larger ones are usually too big to fit comfortably or cook evenly.

Which is better?

Use the oven for large squashes and batch cooking. The air fryer is best for small whole squash, halves, or wedges, offering faster preheating, better caramelization, and lower energy use.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 193kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 6gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 430mgPotassium: 270mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 7599IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 219mgIron: 1mg
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