Perfect air fryer spaghetti squash made deliciously tender and caramelized in just 25 minutes! Make this quick, easy recipe using whole or half squash. Simple ingredients for making low-carb veggie noodles for pasta dishes or as a side dish.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Better taste and flavor than using the microwave.
- Best cooking method to create the best texture and avoid soggy noodles!
- Quick air fryer spaghetti squash is a huge time saver compared to the traditional oven.
- Simple ingredients!
- Filling and low-carb pasta substitute.
- Low-calorie compared to regular spaghetti.
- Easy, delicious side dish - season with salt, pepper, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
- Serve spaghetti squash noodles with meatballs, or make ground beef, parmesan, and tomato sauce lasagna stuffed boats.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.
Spaghetti squash is one of the winter squashes with spaghetti-like strands after cooking it. It is a healthy, nutritious low-carb substitution for pasta that is high in Vitamin C.
Use a small one to air fry it whole, or cut it in half if using a larger one. Easier-to-cut and more ripe squash should have a golden yellow color.
Olive oil and seasonings like salt and pepper are optional when air-frying spaghetti squash to use as noodles for another recipe.
Seasonings and fresh herbs will enhance the flavor when serving it as a side dish.
Taste and Texture
Spaghetti squash has a neutral flavor with a mild, slightly sweet taste. Its structure is similar to spaghetti strands.
The texture of perfectly cooked spaghetti squash is tender yet al dente with a bit of a bite. It should not be mushy.
How to Make This Recipe
Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe with the best results. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.
Step 1
Wash the outsides of the spaghetti squash.
Carefully poke several holes all around using a fork or knife. Poking holes helps hot air to escape.
How do I cut whole spaghetti squash in half?
Use a sturdy cutting board, a pumpkin knife, or a sharp knife to cut spaghetti squash halves.
Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to scoop out the spaghetti squash seeds before air frying.
Step 2
Place the squash cut side down onto the basket. If making whole spaghetti squash, set it in the center of the basket.
Step 3
What temperature to cook air fryer spaghetti squash?
Air fry spaghetti squash at 360F for 20-25 minutes. If using a whole squash, flip it over halfway through air frying.
Cooking time will vary on the size of your squash and the size of your air fryer. A smaller air fryer will take less time to heat.
The squash will be done once the outside can be pierced easily with a fork, and the long strands come apart from the inside quickly.
You will be able to see and feel soft spots along the outside when it is done.
Allow it to cool slightly before moving to a bowl and using a fork to pull the squash noodles from the inside of the squash. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
How to Serve Spaghetti Squash
The best way to serve spaghetti squash for dinner is with your favorite spaghetti sauce. I recommend pesto, alfredo, or marinara sauce, along with ground beef or meatballs.
One of the best ways to serve it as a side dish is with garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftover spaghetti squash in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Once cooled, store it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-minute increments until heated through.
Expert Tips
- Safety: I use cut-resistant gloves whenever I use a super-sharp knife or mandolin to cut vegetables carefully.
- Even cutting: Cut the squash as evenly as possible to ensure proper cooking.
- Cook time variations: Different air-frying models and different-sized squash will result in varying cook times. I've tested this recipe using both Ninja Foodi and Ultrean. Check the squash for around the 15-minute mark while cooking to monitor progress.
Troubleshooting
The squash has not yet cooked long enough. When done cooking, squash strands will be tender and pull easily from the outside.
Continue to cook it in 5-minute increments until the outside is fork-tender and the strands easily pull.
Other Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love!
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Easy Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash about 2 lbs.
- salt and pepper to taste optional
Instructions
- Wash the outsides of the squash.Carefully poke several holes all around it using a fork or knife. If cutting the squash in half, use a pumpkin knife to cut it, and then use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to scoop out the seeds prior to air frying.1 medium spaghetti squash
- Place it cut side down onto basket. If air frying whole spaghetti squash, set it in the center of the basket.
- Air fry squash at 360F for 20-25 minutes depending on the size of your squash. If using it as a whole, flip the squash over halfway through air frying.Allow it to cool slightly before moving it to a bowl and using a fork to pull the squash noodles from the rind. Season with salt and pepper if desired.salt and pepper to taste
Notes
- How to easily cut whole spaghetti squash: Poke holes in the squash and then microwave it for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften the outside. Using a pumpkin knife, carefully cut off the stem and then turn it upright to cut vertically.
- Serving: Once cooked, separate the strands and serve with pesto, alfredo, or marinara sauce and meatballs or season with garlic, parmesan, salt, and pepper and serve as a side dish.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Once cooled, it can be stored in a freezer-safe container and frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-minute increments until heated through.
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