Discover the Best Way to Cook Butternut Squash Zig Zags in an Air Fryer
Looking for a delicious and healthy way to enjoy Trader Joe’s butternut squash zig zags? Look no further! Our air fryer recipe is the ultimate method to make perfectly roasted butternut squash. Whether you’re craving a side dish, snack, or appetizer, this easy recipe is sure to satisfy. Plus, these air fryer butternut squash zig zags can even be used as a vegan and gluten-free substitute for pasta or fries!
Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Zig Zags: Convenience at Its Finest
Trader Joe’s offers crinkle-cut butternut squash fries in their fresh produce section. These raw zig zags are ready to cook, making meal prep a breeze. No need to peel, seed, or cut butternut squash anymore! While Trader Joe’s is the go-to option, Whole Foods and Nature’s Pantry brands are great alternatives if you don’t have a Trader Joe’s nearby.
Why Choose Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Zig Zags?
The beauty of Trader Joe’s butternut squash zig zags lies in their convenience. Cutting and peeling butternut squash can be a hassle, but with these pre-cut zig zags, the work is already done for you. However, keep in mind that they are only available seasonally, so be sure to grab a package or two when you can. Trust us, you won’t regret it!
The Benefits of Making Butternut Squash Zig Zags in an Air Fryer
Wondering why air fryer cooking is the way to go for Trader Joe’s butternut squash zig zags? Let’s explore the nutritional benefits and advantages of this air fryer recipe:
- Low Calorie: Unlike fried alternatives, air-fried butternut squash zig zags are relatively low in calories. This makes them an ideal option for weight watchers and those aiming to shed pounds. Plain butternut squash contains only 40 calories per 100 grams.
- Lower Carb Option: Butternut squash is a starchy vegetable, but it is a lower carb alternative to potatoes. While potatoes have 15 grams of net carbs per 100 grams, butternut squash contains just 7 grams.
- Provitamin A Powerhouse: Butternut squash is packed with vitamin A carotenoids, delivering an impressive 223% daily value per 100 grams. It’s a fantastic source of this essential vitamin.
- Fiber-Rich: As a whole food vegetable, butternut squash zig zags are a great source of fiber, providing 3 grams per 100 grams. Fiber promotes a healthy heart, optimizes blood cholesterol levels, and keeps your digestion comfortable.
- Easy and Versatile: Air frying is the best method for cooking Trader Joe’s butternut squash zig zags. The process is quick, hands-off, and requires minimal cleanup. These zig zags can be enjoyed as a side dish, snack, or appetizer. They can also serve as a pasta or fry substitute.
- Irresistibly Delicious: Even kids love butternut squash zig zags! With a slightly crisp outer layer and a tender inside, they are absolutely delightful. Trust us when we say you might find yourself devouring an entire package in one sitting.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Butternut Squash Zig Zags
For this easy air fryer recipe, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients:
- 12-ounce container of Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Zig Zags
- Olive oil (or any other cooking oil)
- Salt and pepper
That’s it! Feel free to enjoy them as is, or get creative and add your favorite seasonings. The choice is yours.
How to Make Air Fryer Butternut Squash Zig Zags
Cooking butternut squash zig zags in an air fryer is a straightforward process. Here’s how you do it:
- Place the squash zig zags in a medium-sized bowl.
- Stir in the oil, making sure the zig zags are well coated.
- Sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
- Spread the squash zig zags out in your air fryer basket or tray. If using an air fryer oven, position the tray in the top rack.
- Cook the zig zags in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190C) for a total of 18-20 minutes.
- After the first 10 minutes, stir and flip the zig zags. Continue air frying for the remaining 8-10 minutes or until they reach your desired level of crispness.
If you’re cooking multiple batches, keep in mind that subsequent batches may require less cooking time since the air fryer will already be preheated.
Leftovers and Serving Suggestions
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in a covered container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave them on high for about a minute. Note that freezing butternut squash zig zags may result in less crispy edges.
As for serving suggestions, the possibilities are endless! Enjoy them plain, or incorporate them into various dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Butternut Squash Zig Zag Pasta
- Butternut Squash Zig Zag Fries
- Add them to soups, salads, or casseroles
- Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, Parmesan cheese, or Everything Bagel seasoning
- Try them with a delicious combination of butter, brown sugar, and bacon
- Pair them with your favorite sauces or dips, such as marinara sauce, Alfredo sauce, keto pesto sauce, or keto cheese sauce
Nutritional Information and Expert Tips
In one serving of Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Zig Zags, you’ll find 137 calories, 16.6 grams of net carbs, and 1.7 grams of protein. Half a container of plain butternut squash zig zags, without oil, contains only 77 calories.
This recipe, classified as level 1 (may support fat loss), offers a healthy vegetable dish with minimal oil. For a more substantial meal, pair the zig zags with lean protein and additional veggies like Air Fryer Rotisserie Chicken or Air Fryer Tilapia Fish.
If you have a larger family, simply double or triple the recipe. While it may require cooking the squash in multiple batches, the delicious outcome will be worth the wait!
FAQs and More Healthy Air Fryer Recipes
Curious about other Trader Joe’s air fryer recipes? Here are a few more you can try:
- Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables
- Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi (Air Fryer)
- Trader Joe’s Fish Nuggets
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The Disclaimer…
Please keep in mind that all recipes on this website may not be suitable for your specific medical needs or personal preferences. If you require assistance in determining the best dietary pattern for you, consult with a registered dietitian or physician.
The provided nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a courtesy. Actual values may vary depending on the brands and ingredients used. Remember, calorie information on food labels can be inaccurate, so don’t fret over the numbers too much.
For more information on how the three recipe levels can assist with weight management goals, refer to our Overnight Oats No Sugar post. Now let’s get cooking!