Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is a healthy, low carb, and delicious side dish. The air fryer cooks the squash quickly and it comes out perfect every time.
Air Frying squash is one of the best ways to cook winter squashes. Just like Air Fryer Butternut Squash, and Air Fryer Acorn Squash , air frying is a simple way to cook perfect spaghetti squash.
If this is your first time trying spaghetti squash, cook it the easy way and I know you'll be hooked!
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Why You'll Love It
- Low Carb: Spaghetti squash is low in carbs and calories so it's low-carb diet and keto friendly.
- Versatile: This versatile squash has a mild flavor so it pairs with just about any seasonings or type of sauce.
- Easy:This simple air fryer spaghetti squash recipe is so easy! Simply cut it in half, season, and pop it in the air fryer.
- Fast: Air fryer spaghetti squash takes much less time than oven baked. Only 20 minutes!
- Pasta replacement: I won't pretend that spaghetti squash is just like regular spaghetti. However, it's a great low-carb substitution, gluten-free, or low calorie option.
What You Will Need
- Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti squash are available year round at the grocery store. Look for a squash that feels heavy for its size. A ripe spaghetti squash is bright yellow and there should not be any blemishes, cracks, or soft spots.
- Olive Oil I also like to use avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
- Seasonings I'm using Italian seasoning for this recipe, but you can use your favorite seasonings, some garlic powder, or just simply salt and black pepper.
How to Make It
Full instructions are on the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise (see Helpful Tips below for the easiest way to cut). Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy parts.
- Brush olive oil all over the open side and the inside of the squash. Sprinkle with seasonings and place the squash halves cut side up in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry until fork tender.
- Use a fork to fluff into long strands.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many different ways to enjoy this delicious winter squash!
- Serve your air fried spaghetti squash just as is for a quick side dish.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, (or vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast).
- Top with your favorite spaghetti sauce and add meatballs.
- Try spaghetti squash with pesto, marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, or meat sauce.
- Try topping cooked spaghetti squashes with tomato sauce, then mozzarella cheese. Put it back in the air fryer for a minute or two so the cheese can melt.
- Use your spaghetti squash noodles as a replacement for rice or regular noodles for stir fries, like this salmon stir fry, or steak & asparagus stir fry.
Storage
Fridge: Store leftover spaghetti squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: The best way to freeze cooked spaghetti squash is in freezer bags. Allow the squash to cool completely before packing the strands (discard the shells) into freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing. Freeze for up to 8 months. Thaw in the fridge before adding to your favorite sauce.
Helpful Tips
- Spaghetti squash has a thick, hard shell that's difficult to cut. You can make it easier (and safer) using the microwave. Use a fork to make a dotted line around the center, lengthwise, of the whole diameter of the squash. Put it in the microwave for 3 minutes to soften the skin a little. Using a sharp knife, cut the the squash in half on the dotted line.
- Be sure to look for a spaghetti squash that will fit in your air fryer! My air fryer is a 6 quart Gourmia, and the squash I used here was around 2 pounds. As you can see by the photos, both halves of the squash fit, but just barely! I also use a dual basket, 8 quart Ninja Foodi, and I'm able to cook a larger squash. A smaller model air fryer will cook faster.
- The cooking time indicated in this recipe is for a two pound medium squash. You will need to adjust the cook time depending on the size of your squash.
Common Questions
Yes, you can use the oven to cook the spaghetti squash. Preheat the oven to 400° Place the squash halves on a baking sheet, cut sides up. Bake for 40 minutes or until you can easily pierce the flesh with a fork.
Adding too much salt before cooking can draw out the water in the squash, causing it to be soggy. Overcooking will also cause sogginess.
A whole spaghetti squash will keep for about a month if you store it in a cool, dark place.
Want More Air Fryer Recipes?
Air frying is a great way to cook just about anything. It's a healthy way to get that crispy fried, delicious food, but without the oil and mess. And I have lots more great recipes for you to try!
Try more vegetables like these Air Fryer Rutabaga Fries, Air Fryer Radishes or Air Fryer Carrots. And check out Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms and Air Fryer Asparagus Fries.
More air fryer squash: Air Fryer Zucchini, Air Fryer Butternut Squash or Air Fryer Acorn Squash (Stuffed) are all easy and delicious!
Every type of protein cooks perfectly too. Here are some examples: Air Fryer Cornish Hens, Air Fryer Country Style Ribs, Air Fryer Salmon, or Air Fryer Flank Steak.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a rating in the comments below and let us know how it turned out. Did you make any changes? We would love for you to share and your feedback is important! Thank you for visiting The Food Blog!
Recipe
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash about 2 pounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise (see the helpful tips in the post for the best way to cut the squash) and scoop out the seeds and stringy parts with a large spoon.
- Brush the cut sides and inside the squash with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning. Air fry at 400° for 20 minutes, checking for doneness at the 15 minute mark. You should easily be able to pierce the flesh with a fork.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Spaghetti squash has a thick, hard shell that's hard to cut. You can make it easier using the microwave. Use a fork to make a dotted line around the center of the squash. Put it in the microwave for 3 minutes to soften the skin a little. Using a sharp knife, cut the the squash in half on the dotted line.
- Be sure to look for a spaghetti squash that will fit in your air fryer! My air fryer is a 6 quart Gourmia, and the squash I used here was around 2 pounds. As you can see by the photos, it fit, but just barely!
- The cooking time indicated in this recipe is for a two pound squash. You will need to adjust the cooking time for a larger or smaller squash.
- You can use the oven to cook the spaghetti squash. Preheat the oven to 400° Place the squash halves on a baking sheet, cut sides up. Bake for 40 minutes or until you can easily pierce the flesh with a fork.
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container or covered in plastic wrap, in the fridge for up to 3 days
- The best way to freeze it is in freezer bags. Allow the squash to cool completely before packing the strands (discard the shells) into freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing. Freeze for up to 8 months. Thaw in the fridge before adding to your favorite sauce.
Terri
Thanks for this brilliant idea! I love spaghetti squash but never thought to do it in the air fryer!
Colleen
You're welcome, Terri. Enjoy!
Nicole
I keep seeing spaghetti squash as noodles. They look so good and healthy. I agree that they are a healthier option.
Colleen
Spaghetti squash does have more nutrition than pasta, Nicole. You should give it a try!
Jacqueline Debono
I always bake spaghetti squash. To be honest it never occured to me I could cook it in the Air Fryer. Silly of me I guess. Will do it this way next time.
Colleen
No silly at all Jacqueline! I hope it turns out perfectly for you!
Kathryn
I love cooking spaghetti squash this way! It's so tender and easy every single time! Thanks for sharing this recipe, dinners just got so much easier!
Colleen
This is great to hear, Kathryn! I'm happy to share something that makes dinner easier!
Elaine
How timely!I had one very small spaghetti squash that has been hanging around in my pantry. It was the perfect size for my Ninja air fryer. With a sprinkle or two of nutritional yeast, this made a delicious, healthy side dish!
Colleen
Hi Elaine! Glad to hear the timing was right! Nutritional yeast or Parmesan are perfect toppings for spaghetti squash.
Mikayla
So very simple and fast, in less than 30 minutes I had a side to go with our dinner and a couple of days worth of super tasty and healthy lunches.
Colleen
I'm so glad to hear the spaghetti squash worked out great for you in the air fryer, Mikayla! Thanks for commenting!
Vanessa
I just bought my first air fryer last week. Just so happened to have a spaghetti squash in the pantry so I had to give this a try. Perfectly cooked and I love how it was so much faster than using the oven!
Colleen
Vanessa, you are going to be so in love with your air fryer! I'm glad the squash turned out great!