Air fryer spaghetti squash is the perfect choice for a quick, easy and healthy meal. This simple cooking method will have your dinner ready in under 30 minutes and make your weeknight meal prep less of a struggle.
Golden and tender air fryer spaghetti squash, perfectly topped with Parmesan and parsley.
And all it takes is just a handful of ingredients that you will most likely have in your pantry.
If you’re looking for an other creamy and flavorful pasta dish, this Million Dollar Spaghetti Alfredo is a must-try for your next dinner!
Does air frying make squash taste good?
Air frying makes squash super tasty. The outside gets slightly crispy while the inside becomes very tender. This creates a nice balance of textures and enhances the natural flavors.
What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to your preference.
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley to sprinkle on top after.
Feel FREE to use your own favorite spices. There is so much that goes so great here! Garlic or Italian herbs work wonders. Always go for what your palate requests to make your food personalized for you.
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How To Air Fry Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Preparing Your Spaghetti Squash
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. (Around 190°C)
Get your spaghetti squash. Slice it lengthwise down the middle. You’ll have two halves.
Scoop out the seeds and any stringy parts with a spoon or a small scoop. They are not part of the meal. Don’t throw seeds out. They can be baked for other treats like the sunflower seeds people snack on.
Lightly brush the olive oil over all cut surfaces. Make sure it is coated to have good consistent taste on all sides.
Air Frying Spaghetti Squash
Place your squash cut-side up in your air fryer. Set a timer for 25-30 minutes until the flesh softens up! If your squash is big or very small always adjust the timer on testing the forks softness when piercing it to confirm texture, and be on the safe side when meal prepping.
Cooling Down Safely
Remove squash from the air fryer when its tender and let it cool off before handling it, the steam is very hot inside. Be mindful, as that also allows you to prep the last steps on more comfortable manner.
Season each half well with salt and black pepper. You can also add dry seasonings. Here I like to generously go on with herbs but to each its own and be CREATIVE!
Final Touches
Use a fork to make the magical pasta strands by pulling up at the flesh sides and creating those amazing strands and then pile the texture on each side. It will remind you pasta once finished!
Add grated Parmesan cheese, toss lightly to mix together. For the CHEESE lovers there is NEVER too much. I do that. You decide your cheese needs.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you want to add a little brightness before serving. Ready to ENJOY!
Ideas on how to ENJOY Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Okay, so I need you to understand one crucial fact here: air fryer spaghetti squash is THE BEST and is seriously versatile.
- Think spaghetti! I make my quick tomato meat sauce sometimes in batches. That will cut meal prep in HALF, and you will have this in 20-25 MINUTES MAX. Talk about fast dinner.
- I’m not gonna lie; I add a LOT of Parmesan cheese and sometimes mozzarella cheese, too! The best way to use the squash’s form is to just fill it with sauce like that! It’s fun, and kids seem to be more interested in it!
- Last but definitely not least! This can be great as part of some sides in the dinners! A little scoop by some grilled protein and fresh salad.. SO SO good. I always try to add diversity to my meals, this allows us to never feel stuck in a bland boring rotation of meals.
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Tips for The Best Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Size Matters: Small to medium spaghetti squash cook in 20-25 minutes. Larger ones could need up to 30 min in my experience.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer! We want that heat circulation going. Cooking is the real science to all those tiny factors! Work in batches for even cooking, if needed
Don’t be afraid of the seasonings! Use garlic powder, paprika, or any spices. This veggie is very neutral so you can have tons of fun playing around to find all your go-to variations!
How much time to cook spaghetti squash in the air fryer?
Medium spaghetti squash cooks in 20-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Use a fork to check; the flesh should be soft and easy to pierce when ready.
Does spaghetti squash help with inflammation in my body?
Yes, spaghetti squash has compounds that act as anti-inflammatories. It also contains antioxidants and fiber for overall good health and well being.
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Air Fryer
- Knife
- Spoon or Scoop
- Small Brush
- Fork
- Cutting board
What to serve with spaghetti squash from the air fryer?
This side pairs well with meat sauces or grilled veggies. Also try proteins or mix in with cheese for added variations of your meal planning routine.
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FAQs
Can I cook a large spaghetti squash in the air fryer?
Yes, but you may need to cook it in batches if it does not fit easily into your air fryer, or you can cut the sides to help fit them better into the basket! This step requires some careful consideration and adjusting of the way it is prepped. Be careful! Always remember not to crowd the fryer so it will allow air circulation in the food for even results!
Do I need to pierce the squash before air frying it?
Nope! No need. You are cutting it open anyways. But be mindful not to forget that step. Always use kitchen tools mindfully to avoid cuts. Remember cooking has some dangers too!
How do I know when the squash is done?
Poke it with a fork! When the flesh feels nice and soft and it makes for perfect strands, then it’s READY! Easy! Simple. Straightforward.
Can I add cheese before air frying the spaghetti squash?
It’s actually recommended to add after air frying so cheese does not get overcooked! However if you do add it during the process use caution, to avoid cheese dripping and making a HUGE mess in the process of air frying it! Less clean up for more enjoyment is key.
Is spaghetti squash keto friendly?
It sure is! It is low in carbs, perfect for any ketogenic diets or if you just like low carb dinners in general! This option makes it easier for anybody in the home to eat it regardless of the dietary approach used!
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So there you go – Air fryer spaghetti squash made easy. It’s super tasty, it’s a simple and QUICK recipe! Great to be served in various ways so there’s something for everybody. We love when kids ask for more veggies in this family and it happens every time I prepare this! The magic of simple recipes!
Trust me, you’ll make this every week and wonder how you have never done it before. LET’S GET COOKING!
If You Love Air Fryer Recipes , Try These Next :
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Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick, easy, and healthy way to prepare spaghetti squash! Perfectly tender strands, seasoned to perfection, and topped with Parmesan and parsley for a simple yet satisfying low-carb meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1–2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2–3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional Seasonings:
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the squash.
- Prep the Squash: Slice the spaghetti squash lengthwise down the middle. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy parts.
- Season the Squash: Brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and optional spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning.
- Cook in the Air Fryer: Place the squash halves cut-side up in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 25–30 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Adjust cooking time based on the size of your squash.
- Cool and Handle: Remove the squash from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes to avoid handling hot steam.
- Create the Strands: Use a fork to scrape the flesh of the squash, creating spaghetti-like strands. Pile the strands into the squash halves or transfer them to a serving dish.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the strands and toss lightly to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of flavor and color.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm as a side dish or top with your favorite sauce for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust Timing: Cooking time may vary based on the size of your spaghetti squash. Start checking for tenderness at the 20-minute mark for smaller squash.
- Save the Seeds: Roast the seeds for a crunchy snack! Toss with olive oil, salt, and spices, then bake or air fry until crisp.
- Get Creative: Add marinara, Alfredo, or pesto sauce to turn this into a complete meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or air fryer.
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
