We'll show you exactly How to Cut Spaghetti Squash, step-by-step, with tips and recipe suggestions! It only takes a few minutes to cut spaghetti squash, but if you're not familiar with cutting squash, the shape and tough shell can make it seem difficult. Don't worry: it's easy. Let's get started!
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What exactly is spaghetti squash?
Spaghetti squash is a type of winter squash that grows in August through October, but you can generally find it year-round thanks to how easy it is to grow and store. It has an oval shape and ranges in color from pale yellow-white to golden-yellow.
Even if you're unfamiliar with cooking spaghetti squash, you've probably heard of what makes it so popular: when cooked, its flesh turns into strands that resemble spaghetti. Hence, spaghetti squash!
Spaghetti squash noodles are commonly used as a low carb and low calorie substitute for pasta, as the flesh is nutritious, full of fiber, and loaded with vitamins and minerals (source).
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What You'll Need
- Spaghetti squash: When you pick up the spaghetti squash, it should feel firm and heavy for its size. Avoid squash that feels too light, and any that are soft or have mushy spots, as this can indicate that it's overripe or beginning to spoil.
- Chef's knife: A chef's knife has a wide and sturdy blade to cut through the tough skin and dense flesh of the spaghetti squash. You always want to use a sharp chef's knife when cutting squash so you don't risk slipping with a dull blade.
- Cutting board: The best type of cutting board for squash is one made of wood or plastic. Both wood and plastic boards provide a stable surface for cutting, which is necessary for safety.
- Spoon: To easily scoop out the spaghetti squash seeds inside. You can either discard them or keep them to roast separately for a snack to enjoy or add to salad.
How to Cut Spaghetti Squash
Step 1: Set up your workspace
Wash the spaghetti squash well under water to clean it, then dry it completely using a clean towel. Place a clean cutting board on a flat surface. Make sure your knife is sharp and ready to use.
Step 2: Trim off the stem
Use your chef's knife to carefully cut off the stem end of the spaghetti squash. This makes it easier to work with.
Step 3: Secure the squash
Stand the spaghetti squash up on the cutting board, making sure it's stable and won't roll around while you're cutting it. If necessary, you can slice a small portion off the bottom to create a flat surface to stabilize it.
Step 4: Slice the squash in half
With the squash standing on the cutting board, begin slicing down through the center of the squash. Apply downward pressure and slowly and carefully work the knife through the squash, cutting it in half lengthwise. Use a sawing motion if needed, and be cautious as the skin of the squash can be tough.
Step 5: Remove the seeds
Once the squash is halved, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and fibrous strands from the center of each half. You can discard the seeds or save them for roasting if you like. Roasted spaghetti squash seeds taste just as good as pumpkin seeds when you toss them with salt and roast them!
Step 6: Trim the edges (optional)
If desired, you can trim any uneven or jagged edges along the cut sides of the squash halves to create smoother surfaces.
Step 7: Prep for cooking
At this point, your spaghetti squash is ready to air fry or bake for use in all of your favorite spaghetti squash recipes. Once cooked, use a fork to scrape the flesh out into spaghetti squash strands and serve with your favorite sauce or toppings.
Remember to always use caution when handling sharp knives and cutting hard vegetables like spaghetti squash. Take your time and work carefully to avoid accidents, and always cut away from yourself. Enjoy your spaghetti squash!
Using the Microwave Method
If you find it hard to cut the spaghetti squash in half, here's a trick you can try using the microwave. It makes the squash softer so it's easier to cut through.
- First, take a sharp knife and make a few small slits in a dotted line on the skin of the squash where you will be slicing it in half. I recommend using a sharp, small paring knife for this as it is much easier to handle than a large knife for this task.
- Then, pop the squash in the microwave for about 5 to 6 minutes. After that, let it cool down a bit before handling.
- Since the squash will be hot, be careful and use a towel or oven mitt to handle it. Lay the squash on a cutting board with the flattest side down for stability.
- Cut off the stem end first, then slice it in half along the lines you made with the knife. That's it! Now you're ready to cook your spaghetti squash.
What to Do with Spaghetti Squash
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash: Once you're done cutting the squash, you can follow our easy recipe to air fry it. Brush the inside with avocado oil or olive oil, sprinkle it with salt, black pepper, and other seasonings along with Parmesan cheese, then scoop out and enjoy with your favorite sauces or simply with additional cheese topping. The total time for this dish, including cutting the squash, is about 35 minutes, and the flavor and tenderness of the squash is incredible!
- Serve it as Spaghetti: This might seem obvious, but you can use spaghetti squash as an actual replacement for spaghetti noodles. Serve it with your favorite pasta sauce in a bowl topped with Parmesan cheese and meatballs, if desired.
- Serve it as a Side Dish: You can also scoop out spaghetti squash and dress it up with a little butter, extra Parmesan, and parsley for a tasty side dish.
Tips
- Always use a sharp knife when cutting squash.
- Make sure to clean the squash before cutting it, and dry it completely to reduce the risk of your knife slipping.
- Always cut away from yourself.
Storage Instructions
Whole, uncooked spaghetti squash can last for up to 2 months when stored in a cool and dry place like your pantry. Once cut, cover the squash in plastic wrap, then store in your refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze spaghetti squash in a freezer-safe container after cooking it for up to 6 months or so. We do not recommend freezing uncooked squash, as it can break down when it thaws.
FAQ
Yes! You don't have to throw away the spaghetti squash seeds. Try roasting them with seasoning of your choice or simply salt, and enjoy as a snack or as an addition to a salad.
No, spaghetti squash and butternut squash are not the same type of squash. Although they are both winter squash varieties, butternut squash has a smoother consistency than spaghetti squash. See our Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe for an example, or learn How to Prepare Butternut Squash!
Yes, this is very important. It's vital that you cut slits into the squash when microwaving it so that the steam has a way of escaping the squash. When removing it from the microwave, use oven mitts or a clean dish towel to remain safe, and let it cool enough to handle before cutting.
Leave a comment and review for us below if you enjoyed this recipe, or if you have questions about any of our air fryer recipes!
How to Cut Spaghetti Squash
Equipment
- Chef's knife A chef's knife has a wide and sturdy blade. Make sure it's sharp.
- Cutting board Wood or plastic cutting boards work best.
- Spoon For scooping out the seeds.
Ingredients
- 2 lb Spaghetti Squash
Instructions
- Wash the spaghetti squash well under water to clean it, then dry it completely using a clean towel. Place a clean cutting board on a flat surface. Make sure your knife is sharp and ready to use.2 lb Spaghetti Squash
- Use your chef's knife to carefully cut off the stem end of the spaghetti squash.
- Stand the spaghetti squash up on the cutting board, making sure it's stable and won't roll around while you're cutting it. If necessary, you can slice a small portion off the bottom to create a flat surface to stabilize it.
- With the squash standing on the cutting board, begin slicing down through the center of the squash. Apply downward pressure and slowly and carefully work the knife through the squash, cutting it in half lengthwise. Use a sawing motion if needed, and be cautious as the skin of the squash can be tough.
- Once the squash is halved, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and fibrous strands from the center of each half. You can discard the seeds or save them for roasting if you like.
- If desired, you can trim any uneven or jagged edges along the cut sides of the squash halves to create smoother surfaces.
- At this point, your spaghetti squash is ready to air fry or bake for use in all of your favorite spaghetti squash recipes. Once cooked, use a fork to scrape the flesh out into spaghetti squash strands and serve with your favorite sauce or toppings.
Notes
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- Always use a sharp knife when cutting squash.
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- Make sure to clean the squash before cutting it, and dry it completely to reduce the risk of your knife slipping.
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- Always cut away from yourself.
- You can use this guide to make our Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash recipe.
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