Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
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Air fryer spaghetti squash makes a delicious side dish or easy main course and is ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s easy to make, filling, and can be used as a pasta alternative.
If you haven’t tried air fried spaghetti squash yet, you are in for a real treat. This versatile Fall veggie can be made in many ways and it’s simple to prepare, which is a must for this busy mama.
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We’re sharing tips to help you get the best results with this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe, including a printable recipe card.
The peak season starts in the early Fall and runs through the Winter. So September and October are the perfect months to stock up on these hearty vegetables.
I have also included oven instructions below, but I prefer the texture of the squash when I make it in the air fryer.
How to Choose the Best Spaghetti Squash
When you are shopping, choose squash that feel heavy. You want the stems to be dry and firm. And avoid ones that have spots or bruises, are missing stems, or are cracked.
Fresh spaghetti squash can be stored for up to 1 month in the pantry before cooking it, making it a good stock-up vegetable.
Ingredients Needed
- spaghetti squash
- olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- salt & pepper
- olive oil spray
- parmesan cheese
- parsley, optional for garnish
How to Make Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Allow the air fryer to preheat to 375 degrees F.
Wash and dry the squash.
Cut the squash down the center in half, then cut off the tops of each half. Scoop out the flesh and seeds.
Generously cover both sides of the squash with olive oil, using a sprayer or brush.
Season with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning to taste.
Place a parchment paper liner in the basket, or give it a light spritz of olive oil.
Add the spaghetti squash to the basket and air fry for 20 minutes.
Remove the squash and fluff the insides with a fork. Sprinkle on the parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley.
Tips for Making
- If the skin is too tough for you to cut, poke a few holes in the squash with a fork and microwave for 3-4 minutes to soften, then cut in half.
- When cutting off the tops, cut enough off so they fit in your air fryer basket.
- Check the squash at the 15 minute mark for doneness. They are ready when the sides can be pulled away with a fork and the inside strands can be scraped up easily. You may need to adjust the time depending on the size of the squash.
How to Store Leftovers
Store the leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat, air fry the squash halves for 3-5 minutes at 350 degrees F. To reheat the squash “spaghetti”, reheat for 2-3 minutes.
How to Roast Spaghetti Squash in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
Place the oiled and seasoned spaghetti squash halves on the pan face up and cook for 30-40 minutes or until tender.
Ways to Serve Spaghetti Squash
- Swap the pasta for the squash noodles and make chicken parm stuffed spaghetti squash.
- Add cinnamon and brown sugar for a sweet version
- Change up the seasoning and use your favorite combo
- Stuff them and turn it into a “boat” (you could do buffalo chicken, tacos, or pork)
- Bake into a casserole
- Top with marinara and these delicious meatballs
Other Common FAQs
Yes! This veggie is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s also great for those who want to cut back on carbs but still enjoy a pasta-like dish.
You can. When cooking, you want to make sure you remove the squash as soon as it is fork tender and can easily scrape up the middle. When a spaghetti squash is overcooked, the insides become mushy.
We do not recommend freezing cooked spaghetti squash as it may become soggy when it’s thawed.
MORE EASY
Air Fryer Recipes
**Save Air Fried Spaghetti Squash Recipe for Later**
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Italian seasoning, to taste
- Salt & pepper, to taste, optional
- Olive oil spray
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F.
- Prepare squash by washing and drying. Using a sharp knife, cut squash in half lengthwise then cut off the top of each half, making sure the pieces will fit in your air fryer basket. Scoop out seeds and centers with a spoon.
- Generously brush olive oil on the cut side of the halves and exteriors.
- Sprinkle on Italian seasoning and salt & pepper.
- Lightly spray the basket with olive oil or use a parchment liner. Place squash in air fryer basket and cook for 20 minutes. Check at the 15 minute mark and adjust cooking time if needed – squash should easily pull away from the sides with a fork.
- Carefully remove squash and fluff with a fork. Sprinkle on parmesan cheese and parsley garnish if using.
Notes
- If skin is too tough to cut, puncture the skin a couple times with a fork or sharp knife and microwave for 3-4 minutes to soften the skin.
- Cooking time will vary based on the size of the squash. Check at the 15 minute mark and make adjustments if needed.
- Squash is done when the strands pull up easily when scraped with a fork.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat squash halves at 350 degrees F for 3-5 minutes or squash strands for 2-3 minutes.
- Oven directions: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare as directed up to cooking. Place oiled and seasoned squash on a lightly greased baking sheet and cook for 30-40 minutes.
Nutritional Estimate
Nutritional information is provided as a reference, using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently for accuracy.
