Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
This Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash makes a healthy, low-carb, low-calorie alternative to pasta. It’s so easy to make, requires only a few ingredients, and ready in 25 minutes. It comes out tender with a caramelized top you’ll absolutely love!
If you haven’t tried making spaghetti squash in the Air fryer you’re missing out. I used to cook spaghetti squash in the microwave but not anymore. I love cooking spaghetti squash in the Air fryer as it comes out fork-tender with a caramelized top. If you love cooking squashes, you’ll love Air Fryer Acorn Squash too.
I love how easy to cook spaghetti squash in the Air fryer because it takes less than 30 minutes from prep to done. I use the strands as an alternative to pasta with a meat sauce or marinara sauce so I’ve kept the seasoning minimal. If you’re having the squash on its own, use your favorite seasoning mixes and top it with parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese for a delicious meal!
If you’re looking for more Air fryer side dishes or Air fryer vegetable dishes, check our Air Fryer Recipe collection.
Ingredient Notes
- Spaghetti Squash – small to medium-sized squash weighing about 2 pounds that can fit in your Air fryer.
- Oil – olive oil or melted butter
- Salt, Ground black pepper
How To Pick a Spaghetti Squash
- You’ll want to pick a spaghetti squash that fits in your Air fryer. I’d say not more than 2 pounds and a small or medium-sized one. You can cook it whole if it fits inside.
- Choose a firm spaghetti squash that’s also yellow in color.
- Look for any bruising or soft spots on the spaghetti squash and avoid buying those.
- The stem has to be firm and dry and not soft.
How To Cut Spaghetti Squash
If this is your first time cutting into a spaghetti squash, it might seem intimidating. But I got you! You just need a sharp knife, chopping board, and a kitchen towel.
Rinse and dry the squash. Use a sharp knife and trim both ends. Place a kitchen towel underneath the squash so it won’t slide. Cut at the center from top to bottom. Slice through the spaghetti squash to halve.
The skin is thick and requires some effort to cut, but should slice through smoothly when cutting through the flesh. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds, membrane, and discard.
How To Make Spaghetti Squash In Air Fryer
Brush the spaghetti squash with olive oil. Sprinkle salt on both halves.
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Sprinkle ground black pepper liberally. Preheat the Air fryer to 350F. Place the two halves, cut side up in the Air fryer basket. I love to cook cut side up for a browned top.
Air fry spaghetti squash at 350F for 25 to 30 minutes until tender and caramelized on top. Use a fork to check tenderness. It shouldn’t have any resistance and be able to separate the strands easily.
Most recipes want you to cook at 400F but cooking at a higher heat will make the top burn while the insides is undercooked. Cooking on low heat ensures that the spaghetti squash is cooked all the way through.
Separate the strands and use them as noodles or spaghetti with your favorite sauce.
Recipe Tips
- When cutting the squash use a kitchen towel under the squash to prevent slipping.
- If it’s hard to cut, microwave the spaghetti squash for 5 minutes.
- Cook on a low temp to ensure the squash is cooked all the way through.
Serving Suggestions
Roasted spaghetti squash can be used as spaghetti or noodle substitute and can be served with meatballs and your favorite pasta sauce. Check Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs or Air Fryer Cheese Stuffed Meatballs for meatball options.
It will be a delicious side dish with any meat or poultry dishes like Air fryer Chicken Legs, Chicken Breast, or Steak Bites.
Serve spaghetti squash with marinara sauce, tomato sauce, alfredo sauce for a delicious low-carb meal.
Seasonings Ideas
Try these sweet and savory seasoning ideas to add a little flavor boost to your spaghetti squash.
Savory:
- Use cayenne pepper/red chili flakes, garlic powder, onion powder with salt, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.
- Use chopped fresh parsley or coriander.
Sweet :
- melted butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.
- with maple syrup or honey
More Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes
- Air Fryer Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
DID YOU MAKE IT? Please leave a comment and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe!
Recipe
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash about 2 pounds
- 2 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cut a little of both ends. Place the spaghetti squash on a kitchen towel and cut lengthwise into halves. Scoop the seeds and membranes out with a spoon and discard.
- Brush the cut halves with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Preheat Air fryer to 350°F. Place the spaghetti squash halves in the Air fryer basket.
- Air fryer for 25 to 30 minutes until browned on top and fork tender.
- Remove the squash from the Air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Fluff with a fork to seperate the strands. Serve with your choice of sauce and cheese.
Notes
- Cook on low – Cooking at higher heat like 400F would leave the top burnt and flesh undercooked. To avoid this, cook the squash at 350F until it’s tender.
- Store– leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat – in the microwave or air fry at 350F for a few minutes until warm.
- Seasoning options –
- To serve spaghetti squash on its own, season with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.
- For a sweet version, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with brown sugar or drizzle of maple syrup.
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Is this recipe done in a basket air fryer or a tray one. I have both and I feel that there isn’t enough height inside to put a half squash.
Hi Sara, this is done in a basket-type air fryer. You can see it in the process photos. I used a 2 lb squash and I was able to fit 2 halves in mine.
If I bake it, how long and at what heat do I baje the spagggeti squash?
Hi, you can bake at 380F for 30 to 35 minutes.