Tender and easy air fryer spaghetti squash are ready in just 20 minutes. You only need a handful of ingredients to make this healthy, low-calorie vegetable to serve as a main dish or delicious side dish.
Spaghetti squash is mild in flavor and somewhat delicate. It can be shredded to look similar to spaghetti noodles and expertly stands up to all kinds of seasoning and sauces.
Air frying mimics roasting, so you get the same nutty flavors from roasting it in the oven. Cooking spaghetti squash in the air fryer takes less time than cooking it in the oven and imparts more flavor than microwaving.
Perfect spaghetti squash is ready in less than 20 minutes with minimal cleanup. I find the air fryer to be the best way to make this delicious recipe.
If you love spaghetti squash, give my roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash recipe or my air fryer parmesan zucchini recipe a try.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti Squash – look for spaghetti squash that is about 2 lbs in size.
- Olive Oil – substitute any light, neutral flavored oil. You can also use melted butter.
- Salt and Pepper – Season generously with kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
- Optional Seasonings – Season with Italian seasoning, fresh herbs, onion powder, garlic powder or your favorite blend of seasonings. Add some cayenne pepper or sprinkle with hot sauce if you like spicy squash.
See recipe card for exact quantities and instructions.
Instructions
- Cut spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds inside the squash.
2. Place the squash halves into the air fryer basket cut side up. Drizzle with oil and season generously.
3. Cook for 16-20 minutes at 375 degrees F or until the squash is fork tender.
4. Remove the squash from the air fryer and scrape the flesh with a fork.
Hint: There is no need to peel spaghetti squash. The skin holds it together while cooking and the flesh will scrape right out.
Is Spaghetti Squash healthy?
Yes! Spaghetti squash is naturally gluten free, lower in carbs than other squash and can be eaten on keto, paleo and low-carb diet. It's also vegan making it very diet friendly. It is a delicious vegetable with a good nutrional profile.
This squash is also a great pasta substitute. Spaghetti squash holds its strand shape well and can be used for a low carb substitution to pasta in many recipes with your favorite sauce. It is also quite low in calories.
Air Fryer Equipment
Spaghetti squash can vary in size but are typically quite large. You will need to use an air fryer with a larger basket to cook a whole spaghetti squash. For smaller air fryers, cook each half separately.
Storage/ Leftovers
Leftover air fryer spaghetti squash can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze leftovers in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes to one hour and add leftover spaghetti squash to omelets, soups, salads, or serve as a quick vegetable side dish.
Spaghetti Squash Cooking Tips
- Look for a firm spaghetti squash with no cracks or black spots.
- The color of your spaghetti squash should be bright yellow.
- Choose a squash that will fit the size of your air fryer.
- Spaghetti squash can be difficult to cut. Microwave it for a few minutes to soften it before cutting.
- You don't have to trim the ends of spaghetti squash, but it can help it to fit into the air fryer basket.
- Cook half of the spaghetti squash and store the rest in the fridge for up to 3 days to cook later.
- Season with your favorite herbs and spices.
Cutting Spaghetti Squash and Knife Safety
Cutting spaghetti squash can be a bit tricky. Follow these tips to ensure you do it safely.
- Poke holes to pierce the skin in several places.
- Microwave the whole squash for 3-5 minutes to slightly soften it.
- Using a very sharp knife, cut off both ends of the squash on a cutting board.
- Cut the squash in half.
- Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds in the halves of the squash.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, use a fork to separate out the strands of spaghetti squash. They can be topped and tossed with various sauces, seasonings and dressing to make a main entree or side dish. There are so many ways to serve it.
- Toss with my easy marinara sauce or your favorite pasta sauce.
- The long strands of spaghetti squash are perfect to use in place of zoodles in my skinny bolognese recipe.
- Drizzle with creamy homemade alfredo sauce.
- Toss with butter, salt and pepper for a simple side.
- Use in place of pasta in baked casseroles.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Serve cold, tossed with salad dressing for a pasta salad alternative.
- Mix in with regular spaghetti or angel hair pasta to have a lower carb pasta dish.
If you like this Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash, please leave a 5-star rating.
RECIPE
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash (about 2 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- optional seasonings (see notes)
Instructions
- Microwave spaghetti squash whole for 3 to 5 minutes to soften and make it easier to cut. Cool anbd place spaghetti squash on a cutting board and cut the ends off. Cut in half the longway with a sharp knife. Scoop all the seeds out with a large spoon from the inside of the squash and discard.
- Next place the halves of the squash in the air fryer basket and then drizzle with the oil and spices. If you have to put the second half of spaghetti squash in sideways oil and season it before putting it in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 16 to 20 minutes at 375F. You’ll know the spaghetti squash is done when a fork can easily pierce the flesh of the squash.
- Carefully remove the squash from the air fryer because it will be hot. Hold onto the squash with a pot holder or towel and scrap out the flesh into long spaghetti strands in a bowl. Mix it with a fork to evenly spread the seasonings. Top with more seasonings, melted butter or your sauce of choice.
Notes
Nutrition
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Sean says
I love how easy this recipe is and I have never air fried a spaghetti squash before. This was such a tasty way to prepare the squash.
Bernice says
Seriously though, is there anything an air fryer can't do? I just love this appliance! My spaghetti squash turned out perfectly with your instructions. Thank you!
Kristina says
The squash turned out perfect- the timing and temperature were spot on for my air fryer. I added Italian seasoning before cookings nad it was delicious.
Isabelle says
The squash turned out wonderful with just a little salt and pepper. It was delicious served with grilled fish and made a great low carb dinner.
Elaine says
I've always had my go-to when it comes to air frying spaghetti squash... but this recipe can easily substitute it. Fantastic instructions and amazing results!
Tammy says
I love spaghetti squash! This looks delicious and perfectly cooked. I have to try it in the air fryer next time! There are so many things I don't think of cooking in there...fabulous idea!
Jacqueline Debono says
I would never have thought to cook spaghetti squash in the air fryer. It came out perfect. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe.
Dani says
I was looking for an easy way to cook Spaghetti Squash and stumbled over this recipe. Seriously - this is the only way to cook Spaghetti squash. SO EASY!
Veronika says
We added the garlic and Italian seasoning and the squash was delicious! It made the perfect light side.
Enriqueta E Lemoine says
This air fryer spaghetti was easy, simple, and delicious. I can't believe I didn't think about making this before. I loved the result, and as you said air fryer mimics the roasting process. Thanks for the inspiration.