Perfectly cooked al dente style, this Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash recipe is a quick and easy low carb alternative to pasta and a great way to get more veggies into your meals! All you need is some oil and a simple seasoning mix, and this spaghetti squash roasts in just 25 minutes in the air fryer. The process is much quicker than oven roasting, which can take up to 45 minutes depending on the size of your squash. That makes it the perfect dinner for busy weeknights and it can also easily be cooked ahead of time!
You can enjoy the squash right out of the skin, or scoop it out onto a plate. Either way, we love to top it with my homemade marinara sauce and some air fryer chicken meatballs (that I always prep ahead and have stored in the freezer)!
Table of contents
Details on the ingredients
You just need 5 basic ingredients!
- Spaghetti squash – I used a 2 1/2 pound spaghetti squash for this recipe. When buying your squash, look for one that is firm without any brown or soft spots. Spaghetti squash can vary in size. Some are longer than others, while some can be wider. Make sure the one you select fits in your air fryer when cut in half.
- Oil – A tablespoon of oil is brushed on the cut side of the flesh to prevent it from drying out in the air fryer. I used extra virgin olive oil but you can use your preferred oil.
- Seasonings – The seasoning for this squash recipe couldn’t be simpler. You’ll just need a little ground black pepper, salt and onion powder. Feel free to change it up with some garlic powder, smoked paprika or chili powder.
How to roast spaghetti squash in the air fryer
Wash your spaghetti squash and pat it dry. (You’ll want to remove any dirt, debris or even stickers).
Using a sharp knife, cut the squash in half lengthwise.
Use a spoon to scoop the seeds out as well as some of the stringy flesh.
Brush the flesh with oil and season with salt, pepper and onion powder.
Place the squash halves cut side up in the air fryer basket.
Air fry at 350F for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is fork tender.
Use a fork to pull apart the cooked squash flesh so it resembles strands of spaghetti.
Serve it as squash boats or scoop the noodles out onto a plate.
Enjoy the noodles on their own or with your favorite toppings.
Best way to cut spaghetti squash
Spaghetti squash can be challenging to cut in half as the outer skin is hard and thick.
To make the process a little easier, I like to soften the squash in the microwave for just a few minutes.
To do this, use a knife to puncture the skin of the squash a number of times all over. This will help steam escape as it’s heated. (Don’t skip this step as you don’t want the squash to explode in the microwave).
Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes. You don’t want to cook the squash, you just want to soften it slightly so it’s easier to cut through.
Make sure your cutting surface is secure. (I like to place a damp cloth underneath my cutting board to help prevent it from sliding around). Use a chef’s knife to carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise.
Key recipe tips
- Cut squash evenly. You’ll want your two squash halves to be roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate.
- Roast cut side up. Oven roasted spaghetti squash calls for roasting the squash cut side down. In the air fryer, however, you need to air fry cut side up so the oil and seasonings don’t drip out of the basket.
- Size of squash. Make sure your spaghetti squash will fit in your air fryer. I recommend using small ones that are 2 1/2 pounds or less.
- Air frying time. This will vary depending on how large your squash is and the size, brand and model of your air fryer.
- Size of air fryer. I used a Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer and two squash halves fit nicely in the basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, you will need to buy a smaller squash or air fry the halves separately.
- Don’t throw the seeds away! You can keep them and roast them like you would these air fryer pumpkin seeds.
Storage instructions
Spaghetti squash noodles reheat well so they’re great for meal prepping. Just store the noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can just reheat them in the microwave when ready to eat.
You can also freeze cooked spaghetti squash. Just place the cooled noodles in a freezer safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating in the microwave. (Just note that the texture might be a little softer).
More air fryer recipes
The air fryer is my favorite way to cook side dishes, so I’ve put together this collection of air fryer side dish recipes. It will definitely make your weeknights easier!
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!
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Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash, 2 – 2 1/2 pounds
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Wash your spaghetti squash and pat it dry.
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise. To help with this, use a knife to puncture the skin of the squash a number of times all over. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes to soften the squash. Use a chef's knife to carefully cut the squash in half. (Make sure your cutting surface is secure).
- Scoop the seeds out and brush the flesh with oil and season with salt, onion powder and pepper.
- Place the squash halves cut side up in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 350F for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is fork tender.
- Use a fork to pull apart the cooked squash flesh so it resembles strands of spaghetti.
- Serve the noodles warm on their own or with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- If you soften the squash in the microwave, make sure you poke holes in the squash so steam can escape. If you don’t, the squash may explode in the microwave.
- Roast the squash cut side up so the oil and seasonings don’t drip out of the basket.
- Make sure your spaghetti squash will fit in your air fryer. I recommend using small ones that are 2 1/2 pounds or less.
- Air frying time will vary depending on how large your squash is and the size, brand and model of your air fryer.
- I used a Cosori 5.8 quart air fryer and two squash halves fit nicely in the basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, you will need to buy a smaller squash or air fry the halves separately.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is an estimate only and will vary depending on the substitutions made and the brands used.
Did you make this recipe or have any questions?
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