Twice-Cooked Squash with Spiced Pepitas

Makes 4 to 6 servings

2     teaspoons olive oil
¼    cup raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
½    teaspoon of any warm, ground spice, such as garam masala,
       harissa, smoked paprika, or cumin
¼    teaspoon kosher salt, plus a pinch
1    small winter squash, such as acorn, kabocha, or red kuri,
       halved, seeded, and cut into 4 to 6 wedges
¼    cup water
2     tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
1     tablespoon maple syrup
1     tablespoon lime juice
       Nonstick cooking spray
       Chopped fresh cilantro or mint and/or lime zest for serving,
       optional

Nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):
Calories 177 (58% from fat) • carb. 16g • pro. 4g • fat 12g • sat. fat 5g chol. 15mg • sod. 109mg • calc. 41mg • fiber 2g

1. Pour the olive oil onto a microwave-safe plate, add the pepitas,
and toss to coat. Spread in a single layer, and place in the Cuisinart®
3-in-1 Microwave AirFryer Plus. Select Microwave, and set the time
for 1 minute and the power level to High (10P). Press Start. Carefully
toss the seeds, and continue to microwave in 1-minute increments,
tossing each time, until golden brown and aromatic. Sprinkle with
the spice and a pinch of salt, and toss to coat. Reserve.
2. Place the squash wedges in a microwave-safe casserole dish with
¼ cup water, cover, and place in the Microwave AirFryer. Select
Microwave, and set the time for 6 minutes and power level to High (10P); press Start. Once cooked, remove, drain, and reserve. The squash should be soft, but not fully cooked.
3. Put the butter in a small microwaveable measuring cup or bowl.
Place in the Microwave AirFryer. Select Microwave, Butter Melt (A3) preset, and press Start. Carefully remove from the oven.
Add the maple syrup and lime juice, and stir to combine. Reserve.
4. Place the AirFry Basket onto the Oven/AirFry Pan and coat with
nonstick cooking spray. Put the squash in the basket, flesh side up.
Brush each wedge with a little of the butter mixture (reserving any
remainder) and sprinkle all over with ¼ teaspoon salt. Place in the
Microwave AirFryer. Select Oven/AirFry, and set the temperature to
400°F and time for 10 minutes. Press Start. The squash is done
when golden brown and tender all the way through.
5. Transfer the squash to a serving plate. Brush with any of the
remaining butter mixture and sprinkle with the spiced pepitas.
Garnish with chopped cilantro or mint and/or lime zest, if desired.
Serve immediately.