Our Air Fryer spaghetti squash recipe is a great alternative to traditional pasta. The squash is roasted in the air fryer and then shredded into 'spaghetti noodle', just waiting for your favorite pasta sauce!
Or, top with butter and seasoning for a quick and easy side dish.
![fluffed spaghetti squash with a fork in it.](https://smellslikedelish.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/af-spaghetti-squash-serving2.jpg)
Why You'll Love This Spaghetti Squash 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.
- Insanely Easy: Skip the boiling and microwaving – air-frying is a total game-changer. Just prep your squash, toss it with some seasonings, and let your air fryer work its magic. Less mess, less fuss, perfectly cooked "noodles" every time.
- Endless Versatility: This isn't your Nonna's spaghetti (but it can be!). Get creative with your toppings! Marinara sauce, pesto, creamy Alfredo, or a simple drizzle of olive oil and herbs – the possibilities are endless.
- Perfectly Tender and Fluffy: Say goodbye to mushy or stringy squash! This recipe guarantees perfectly tender "spaghetti" strands with a fluffy texture that will melt in your mouth.
- Versatile and Customizable: Enjoy your air-fried spaghetti squash with your favorite sauce, add protein and veggies for a complete meal, or explore endless topping possibilities for a truly unique culinary experience.
Ingredients You'll Need
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 Halves
- 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.
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.
Tips for Success
- For added flavor, you can season the squash with your favorite herbs and spices before air-frying.
- If you don't have an air fryer, you can roast the squash in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Scoop the 'spaghetti noodles' out of the cooked squash halves into a serving bowl, or serve the cooked squash halves topped with your favorite marinara or meat sauce.
Of course, be sure to garnish with a generous serving of shredded Parmesan cheese too! This easy vegetable side dish is delicious with just butter, salt, and pepper also.
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.
Related Recipes
- Roasted Curried Carrots
- Quick Fried Baby Corn Masala
- Saag Aloo (Spinach Potato Curry)
- Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables
Storage and Reheating
- Leftover spaghetti squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze it up to 3 months.
- To reheat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then microwave or air fry until warmed throughout.
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.
The squash is done when it becomes easily fork-tender and the flesh shreds easily into "spaghetti" strands.
No, you don't need to peel the squash. The skin becomes slightly crispy and edible after air-frying.
No, the space in an air fryer is so small, that the time to heat up is less than one minute.
More Delish Ideas
- Air Fryer Salmon and Asparagus
- Little Smokies Corn Dogs
- Chicken Lollipop Drumsticks
- Air Fryer Chicken Sausage Bites
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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