Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Enjoy quick and easy Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash! Transform squash into tender strands faster than oven roasting. Air frying spaghetti squash is a quick way to enjoy this delicious ingredient, whether as a pasta alternative, an addition to salads, or stuffed with your favorite toppings. Ready in less than 30 minutes!

Jump to:

• Air Fried Spaghetti Squash
• What is Spaghetti Squash?
• Ingredients
• Watch the Video
• How to Air Fry Spaghetti Squash
• Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions
• Recipe Tips
• Uses for Spaghetti Squash
• Is spaghetti squash in the air fryer low carb?
• Is spaghetti squash in the air fryer gluten-free?
• Is air frying spaghetti squash vegan?
• Storage Instructions
• FAQ
• Air Fryer Side Dishes
• Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
• Feedback

Air Fried Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta! This recipe takes simple spaghetti squash and transforms it into tender, noodle-like strands in less time than it takes to roast in the oven. Perfect for a quick, wholesome dinner, it's as easy as cutting the squash, seasoning it, and letting the air fryer work its magic!

Why air fry spaghetti squash? It's efficient, easier, and takes less time to cook spaghetti squash in the air fryer than other methods. The air fryer evenly cooks the squash throughout in just 20-25 minutes. Plus, it's more energy-efficient than your oven and won't heat up the house!

Cooking spaghetti squash in the air fryer stands out from other methods thanks to its combination of quick cook time, simplicity, and versatility. It's not just an alternative to pasta; you can serve it as a side dish, mix it into salads, or fill the cooked halves with a mixture of your favorite toppings to make stuffed squash. Let's get air frying!

What is Spaghetti Squash?

Spaghetti squash is a type of winter squash with stringy flesh, known for its unique ability to transform into tender, noodle-like strands (hence the name!). It's often used as a low-carb and gluten-free alternative for pasta, as it pairs well with a variety of sauces. However, it also makes a delicious side dish!

Spaghetti squash has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, making it versatile for both savory and sweet recipes. It's a nutritious vegetable that's rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making it a favorite among health-conscious individuals (source: Spaghetti Squash Nutrition Facts).

While the most common variety of spaghetti squash is pale yellow, you can also find other varieties, such as "honey boat" or "vegetable spaghetti," which have slightly different flavors and textures. They will all work in this air fryer spaghetti squash recipe.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti Squash: Choose a small spaghetti squash that comfortably fits in your air fryer when halved. Look for one that is firm with smooth, flawless skin. As the main ingredient, spaghetti squash is a superb low-carb, gluten-free substitute for traditional pasta. It boasts a gentle, slightly sweet taste and turns into spaghetti-like strands when cooked.
• Oil: Select a high-quality oil with a subtle flavor, such as light olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral vegetable oil. This oil is essential to keep the squash moist during air frying. Important: Steer clear of pressurized cooking sprays with additives as they can harm the non-stick surface of your air fryer. Learn more in our comprehensive guide on Our Favorite Oils to use for Air Frying.
• Seasonings: Carefully measure and blend your seasonings before applying them to the squash. This ensures even flavor distribution. We're using a mix of kosher salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Feel free to adjust these seasonings to your preference and experiment with various blends for different tastes.
• Parmesan Cheese: If you're adding Parmesan cheese, think about purchasing a block and grating it yourself for the best flavor. The Parmesan cheese adds a delightful salty and savory contrast to the squash's understated sweetness when used as a topping.
• Parsley (optional for garnish): For garnishing, fresh, flat leaf Italian parsley is ideal. Look for bright green, aromatic parsley. It contributes a fresh, herbal note to the dish, boosting its visual appeal and adding a burst of freshness with each mouthful.

Watch the Video

How to Air Fry Spaghetti Squash

Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions

The following instructions are for toaster oven style air fryers, such as the Breville Smart Oven Air.

1. Preheat your toaster oven style air fryer to 375°F.
2. Cut the squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Scoop the pulp and seeds out using a spoon, and discard.
3. Brush oil over the inside halves of the squash.
4. Mix together salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Once fully combined, sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both halves of the squash evenly.
5. Carefully place the spaghetti squash, cut-side up, onto the preheated air fryer tray.
6. Air fry for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the squash is fork tender.
7. Transfer to a dish and fluff with a fork to create noodles.
8. Top with Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley if desired, and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Cut your squash in half as equally as possible to ensure both halves cook evenly.
• If you are using a larger squash, you will need to add more air frying time to ensure it cooks thoroughly.
• The texture of cooked spaghetti squash can vary based on how long it's cooked. Cooking it for a shorter time will result in firmer, more "al dente" strands, while this recipe will yield softer, more noodle-like strands.
• Cook time for this recipe is based on a preheated air fryer. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, just set the temperature on your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes to preheat it.
• Cook time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, as all brands are different. As always, use the cook time and temperature as a guide until you are more comfortable with your specific brand of air fryer.
• If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.

Uses for Spaghetti Squash

• Pasta Substitute: Use spaghetti squash as a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta in your favorite pasta dishes. Try it with Alfredo sauce and Air Fryer Thin Chicken Breasts, or serve it like spaghetti with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs.
• Stuffed Squash: Fill the cooked squash halves with savory mixtures like vegetables, cheese, or ground meat for a satisfying meal. For a filling idea see our sister site's recipe for stuffed butternut squash.
• Salads: Toss spaghetti squash with fresh greens, vinaigrette, and your choice of toppings for a unique salad.
• Side Dish: Season with fresh herbs and spices, then serve as a flavorful side dish alongside your main course.
• Breakfast Bowls: Create breakfast bowls by topping spaghetti squash with eggs, bacon, and your preferred toppings. See our Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes for ideas!

Is spaghetti squash in the air fryer low carb?

Yes, Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is low-carb. Spaghetti squash itself is a low-carb vegetable, making it a great replacement for higher carb dishes like pasta. The seasonings and optional toppings in the recipe do not contribute significantly to the carbohydrates content, so this dish can be enjoyed as part of a low-carb meal plan.

Is spaghetti squash in the air fryer gluten-free?

Yes, Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is gluten-free. Spaghetti squash is a naturally gluten-free vegetable. It's a great option for individuals with gluten sensitivities. Just ensure that any additional seasonings or toppings you use are also gluten-free if you have specific dietary requirements!

Is air frying spaghetti squash vegan?

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is vegan since it consists of spaghetti squash, avocado or olive oil, and various seasonings, which are all plant-based. Omit the optional Parmesan cheese or choose a vegan friendly option such as dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. This adjustment will ensure that your Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash remains vegan-friendly!

Storage Instructions

Whole spaghetti squash can be stored in a cool, dry place for several weeks or even months. Once cut, store the unused portion in the refrigerator for a few days.

• Refrigeration: Store cooked spaghetti squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cooked spaghetti squash. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible, and label with the date. It can stay good for up to 8-12 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: Reheat spaghetti squash in the air fryer at 350°F until heated through. The reheating time depends on the amount of leftovers you are reheating. You can also gently microwave the squash if you're in a rush.

FAQ

Air Fryer Side Dishes

• Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Frozen Garlic Bread in Air Fryer
• Roasted Garlic in Air Fryer
• More Air Fryer Side Dishes

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