Air Fryer spaghetti squash is a great healthy alternative to traditional pasta. The squash is roasted in the air fryer and then shredded, resulting in a dish that has the consistency of spaghetti noodles.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Spaghetti squash is a great gluten-free and low calorie alternative to pasta. It's easy to make, and the perfect dish for a Fall or winter meal. You can top it with your favorite sauce or use it as the base for a delicious side dish.
Some favorite main dishes to serve with Air Fryer spaghetti squash are our Broiled Chicken Thighs or Longhorns Salmon, and Air Fryer Broccolini for a complete meal.
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Ingredients
Choose a spaghetti squash that will fit your air fryer models basket. You can also get a larger squash, just cut it in pieces to fit your air fryer.
- Fresh Spaghetti squash
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning herbs
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Air Fried Spaghetti Squash
To make spaghetti squash in the air fryer, simply cut the squash in half, remove the seeds, then cook in the air fryer for about 20 minutes. Once it's cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape out the "spaghetti" strands. Top with your favorite sauce and serve.
Cut the Squash to Fit the Air Fryer
- You may have to cut your spaghetti squash into pieces, or just cut the ends off.
- Scoop out the seeds and throw those away.
- Brush the spaghetti squash cavities with the olive oil.
Season the Spaghetti Squash
- Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and the Italian seasoning herbs onto both spaghetti squash cavities.
If you plan to plate the squash still in the skin, than you can also cut the squash halves into quarters. You can serve each quarter on a plate and let your guests scrape the cooked threads out.
Air Fry the Squash
- Set your air fryer temperature to 375° F and cook for 20 minutes. Check on it, depending on the size of your spaghetti squash it could need a few more minutes, or not.
- Check to see if it is done by using a fork or knife. The knife should pierce the thick flesh of the squash easily, sliding right in. The fork should be able to fluff up some squash threads easily.
- After you determine the spaghetti squash is done, remove the basket from the air fryer. Use tongs or a pancake turner to lift the squash out.
- The spaghetti squash will be really HOT. Using a pot holder to stabilize one end of the squash, scrape out the stringy threads with a large spoon. Or, cut the squash half into smaller serving pieces and let your diners scoop onto their own plates.
- Adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and butter. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This air fried spaghetti squash recipe is super easy to prepare. Some favorite main dishes to serve with Air Fryer spaghetti squash are our Easy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese or Sous Vide Ribeye Steak, and Longhorn Brussels Sprouts a for a complete meal.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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Substitutions
If spaghetti squash is not your thing, you can use Acorn Squash or the little Dumpling squashes exactly the same way! You can even do the same thing with sweet potatoes. Just split them in halves and follow the directions for air frying the spaghetti squash.
Equipment
You will need an Air Fryer. Once you have one, you will be so surprised at how versatile and easy to use it actually is. They work by circulating hot air around the food, which results in a crispy outside and tender inside.
- Nuwave Brio Air Fryer - Rotisserie - Grill - This 15 quart countertop Smart Oven has three slide in trays, that all can be used at the same time. You can air fry rotisserie chickens, an SO mush more!
- Nuwave Air Fryer 15 quart - This large family size basket air fryer has room to air fry enough for a large family!
- Gourmia Digital Air Fryer 6 quart - This basket style air fryer will handle four frozen waffles in the air fryer.
- Ninja Foodie Pro Air Fryer - Folds up out of the way on your counter.
- Nuwave Air Fryer 3 quart - This compact basket air fryer is perfect for singles or a small family of 2 or 3. You can air fry two frozen waffles in 4 minutes.
- Oil Sprayer - This is a perfect sprayer for spritzing a light coating of oil on vegetables, meats, and other prepared frozen foods before air frying. The tiny amount of oil ensures you get as amazing results as deep frying and roasting, with a fraction of the calories and splatter!
Storage
Store any leftover spaghetti squash in an air tight container in the refrigerator.
Tips for Success
- Share something here that you think is key to making this recipe well, such as:
- Don't overcook the burgers!
- Sear the outside and cook to a minimum internal temperature, but they should still be juicy for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, cover it and it will freeze for up to 3 months. Let it defrost before reheating in the microwave or the air fryer on a low heat setting again.
Food Safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 2 lb spaghetti squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano
- 2 tablespoon parsley minced
Instructions
- Prepare the spaghetti squash for your air fryer. Slice the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the seeds out with a large spoon from the inside of the squash.2 lb spaghetti squash
- Brush the squash cavities with olive oil and sprinkle cavities with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian herbs.1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Next, place the squash halves in the basket of the air fryer. You may need to trim the ends off for to fit. The squash can touch the walls of the air fryer, and it can be squeezed in tight.
- Cook for 20 minutes at 375° F. Test for doneness by stabbing with a fork or knife. The squash should easily pierce the flesh.
- Carefully remove the squash from the air fryer. It will be hot. Tongs or a flexible pancake turner are ideal for lifting it out.
- Using a pot holder, scrape out into long strands. Season with butter and adjust salt and pepper. Top with parsley and serve.2 tablespoon parsley
Notes
- Look for a spaghetti squash that will fit inside your air fryer when purchasing.
- You can microwave the spaghetti squash for 3 to 5 minutes prior to cutting it in half, this will make the process easier.
- Make sure to brush the inside squash cavities with the olive oil so that the squash does not dry out during cooking.
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