Smoked Duck Stuffed Acorn Squash with Air Fryer
Easy & Delicious Air Fryer Smoked Duck Stuffed Acorn Squash
Sweet acorn squash filled with savory smoked duck and gooey mozzarella cheese! This impressive main dish is quick and easy to make using just your air fryer. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any day you want to make a meal special.
Main Ingredients- 1 acorn squash (medium to large size)
- 1 serving of smoked duck (approx. 200-250g)
- 1 handful of mozzarella cheese (adjust to your preference)
- 1 handful of whole garlic cloves (approx. 10-15 cloves)
- 1-2 Tbsp oligosaccharide (for coating inside the squash)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the acorn squash thoroughly. Place the whole squash into the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes. Pre-cooking like this makes it easier to scoop out the insides later and reduces the overall cooking time.
Step 2
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the acorn squash from the air fryer. Slice off the top part like a lid, then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits from the center. Be cautious as the squash will be hot.
Step 3
While the squash is cooling slightly, prepare the smoked duck and garlic. Cut the smoked duck into bite-sized pieces for easier eating. Place the cut smoked duck and the whole garlic cloves into the air fryer basket and cook at 190°C (375°F) for 10 minutes. This step helps to render some of the duck’s fat and soften the garlic, enhancing its flavor.
Step 4
After 10 minutes, take the smoked duck and garlic out of the air fryer. Place them in a bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well to ensure the duck is evenly coated with the sauce. The garlic cloves will also be seasoned.
Step 5
Brush 1-2 tablespoons of oligosaccharide onto the inside cavity of the hollowed-out acorn squash. This will enhance the squash’s natural sweetness and help keep the filling moist. Next, generously fill the squash with the seasoned smoked duck and garlic mixture.
Step 6
Top the stuffed squash with a generous handful of mozzarella cheese. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking. Sprinkle a pinch of dried basil over the cheese for an aromatic finish. Place the ‘lid’ of the acorn squash back on top. Return the stuffed squash to the air fryer and cook at 190°C (375°F) for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Step 7
Once the 10 minutes are up, your delicious Smoked Duck Stuffed Acorn Squash is ready! Carefully remove it from the air fryer. You can make a few score marks on top or serve it whole for an impressive presentation. Enjoy this sweet and hearty meal!