Instant-Pot Acorn Squash

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Acorn squash cooks up quickly and perfectly tender in a multicooker. A drizzle of butter and maple syrup finishes this easy side dish. For a nutty crunch, sprinkle squash wedges with chopped walnuts.

Air-Fryer Butternut Squash
Photo: Caitlin Bensel
Active Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
4

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, divided

  • 1 medium acorn squash (about 28 ounces), quartered and seeded

  • ½ cup water

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • Chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

  1. Stir butter and 2 tablespoons maple syrup together in a small bowl. Brush the mixture evenly over all sides of squash quarters. Place steam rack insert inside a programmable pressure multicooker (such as Instant Pot; times, instructions and settings may vary according to cooker brand or model). Pour 1/2 cup water into the cooker. Place the squash on the rack, cut-side up; drizzle with any remaining butter mixture. Sprinkle the squash evenly with salt.

  2. Cover the cooker and lock the lid in place. Turn the steam release handle to Sealing position. Select Manual/Pressure Cook setting. Select High pressure for 10 minutes. (It will take 8 to 10 minutes for the cooker to come up to pressure before cooking begins.) Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Carefully turn the steam release handle to Venting position and let the steam fully escape (the float valve will drop; this will take about 1 minute). Remove the lid from the cooker and carefully transfer the squash to a serving platter. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon maple syrup and, if desired, sprinkle with walnuts.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

176 Calories
9g Fat
26g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 wedge
Calories 176
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 26g 9%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 1g 2%
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Vitamin A 820IU 16%
Sodium 298mg 13%
Potassium 558mg 12%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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