Air fryer spaghetti squash is a quick and convenient way to make a healthy, low-carb side dish. This versatile ingredient brings a flavorful yet healthy twist to your favorite pasta recipes. Ready in just 30 minutes and comes out perfectly tender every time!
This post contains helpful tips and tricks! If you’re in a rush, please use the “Jump to Recipe” above!
💭 Why you’ll love this recipe
- Hearty and filling yet low in carbohydrates, high in fiber and protein, and a good source of vitamin c and other minerals. It’s also naturally gluten-free!
- Easy to prepare and super convenient to cook in the air fryer, and it comes out perfectly tender every time!
- Incredibly versatile, and you can use it as a pasta substitute for your favorite recipes.
📋 Ingredients and notes
To make air fryer spaghetti squash, you’ll need spaghetti squash, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Variations & Substitutions
- Spaghetti squash. Choose a medium-sized spaghetti squash that’s firm, bright yellow in color, and feels heavy for its size. Avoid those with blemishes or bruised spots.
- Seasonings. You can add spices, such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like fresh basil or fresh parsley. You can even sprinkle it with grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, or a drizzle of pesto for extra flavor.
📖 How to air fry spaghetti squash
How to cut spaghetti squash:
Step 1:
Wash the spaghetti squash thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt from the skin.
Step 2:
Using a fork or a paring knife, make small holes in the spaghetti squash skin.
Step 3:
Place it in the microwave. Cook it on high for 4 minutes.
Step 4:
Carefully remove the squash from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. With a chef’s knife, slice it lengthwise from top to bottom, right down the middle. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and any loose fibers. You can proceed with your chosen cooking method once you’ve cut and cleaned the spaghetti squash.
Air fry the spaghetti squash:
Step 1:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2:
Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Use a fork or knife to score the flesh with shallow cuts.
Step 3:
Brush the inside with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4:
Place the halves in the air fryer basket, cut side down. If both halves doesn’t fit in your Air Fryer, roast them separately.
Step 5:
Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flesh is fork tender and easily shreds into “spaghetti” strands.
Step 6:
Remove from the air fryer, let it cool slightly, and use a fork to scrape the squash into strands.
👩🏽🍳 Tips for the best air fryer spaghetti squash
⭐ Cooking the squash cut side down in the air fryer ensures the steam is trapped inside, steaming the flesh while browning the edges.
- Pre-cooking the squash in the microwave for 4 minutes makes cutting through easier and reduces cooking time. (please link to “microwave spaghetti squash”)
- If both halves don’t fit in the air fryer basket without touching, cook them one at a time. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Start checking the squash for tenderness around the 20-minute mark. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the squash and individual air fryer models.
👩🏽🍳 Troubleshooting FAQs
While It’s not necessary to pierce spaghetti squash before air frying, it helps cook the squash more evenly.
You can soften the squash by microwaving it for 3-5 minutes. Make sure to pierce the squash with a knife or fork in several places to prevent it from bursting.
Undercooking can cause the spaghetti squash to turn out tough and crunchy. Make sure to cook it fully to have a soft and tender squash.
🍴 How to serve air fryer spaghetti squash
The best thing about air fryer spaghetti squash is that you can use it for your favorite recipes! Whether you’re craving for a soup, casserole, pasta dish, or appetizer, spaghetti squash is the perfect versatile ingredient to use. Use your favorite pasta sauce like alfredo, pesto, or marinara sauce for a low carb meal.
🍴Storage and reheating suggestions
Store leftover cooked spaghetti squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. To freeze, store them in airtight freezer bags and remove as much air as possible. When ready to use, thaw them for a few hours in the refrigerator and use them for your favorite recipe!
🍴 More delicious spaghetti squash recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, check out these other spaghetti squash recipes:
- Spaghetti Squash Casserole
- Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
- Spaghetti Squash Soup
- Microwave Spaghetti Squash
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
How to cut spaghetti squash
- Wash the spaghetti squash thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt from the skin.
- Using a fork or a paring knife, make small holes in the spaghetti squash skin.
- Place it in the microwave. Cook it on high for 4 minutes.
- Carefully remove the squash from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. With a chef’s knife, slice it lengthwise from top to bottom, right down the middle. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and any loose fibers. Once you’ve cut and cleaned the spaghetti squash, you can proceed with your chosen cooking method.
Air fry spaghetti squash
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Use a fork or knife to score the flesh with shallow cuts.
- Brush the inside with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the halves in the air fryer basket, cut side down. If both halves doesn’t fit in your Air Fryer, roast them separately.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flesh is tender and easily shreds into “spaghetti” with a fork.
- Remove from the air fryer, let it cool slightly, and use a fork to scrape the squash into strands.
Notes
- Cooking the squash cut side down in the air fryer ensures the steam is trapped inside, steaming the flesh while browning the edges.
- Pre-cooking the squash in the microwave for 4 minutes makes cutting through easier and reduces cooking time. (please link to “microwave spaghetti squash”)
- If both halves don’t fit in the air fryer basket without touching, cook them one at a time. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Start checking the squash for tenderness around the 20-minute mark. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the squash and individual air fryer models.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
