Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Looking for a way to indulge in your favorite comfort food without the guilt? Try this air fryer spaghetti squash, a healthier twist on classic spaghetti. Not only is this dish low in calories and packed with nutrients, it's also incredibly easy to make in your air fryer in under 30 minutes!

Meet air fryer spaghetti squash, your new go-to for a healthier twist on classic spaghetti! This versatile vegetable can be transformed into a delicious and healthy pasta substitute with the help of your trusty air fryer.

Spaghetti squash is a delicious and healthy, low carb alternative to traditional pasta. Traditionally, it's roasted in the oven. But it turns out that it's really easy to cook it in an air fryer! Plus, the air fryer is a huge time saver. This is one of my new favorite air fryer recipes, right up there with my air fryer butternut squash and air fryer coconut shrimp.

With its firm texture and mild flavor, spaghetti squash can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to cheesy casseroles. I'll show you how to cook spaghetti squash in an air fryer, so you can enjoy this nutritious and versatile vegetable in a new and exciting way.

So, say goodbye to heavy carb-loaded meals and hello to a lighter, yet satisfying dinner option. Get ready to fall in love with this easy air fryer spaghetti squash! You may just find that this delicious side dish becomes a new staple in your meal planning.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Dish
• Why Cook Spaghetti Squash in an Air Fryer?
• Spaghetti Squash vs. Pasta
• Doctor's Tips
• Ingredients
• How To Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Air Fryer Step-By-Step
• Chef's Tips
• What To Eat With Spaghetti Squash
• Recipe FAQs
• More Air Fryer Recipes
• Air Fryer Resources
• Master Your Air Fryer With My New Digital Cookbook
• Recipe
• Reviews

Why Cook Spaghetti Squash in an Air Fryer?

Cooking spaghetti squash in an air fryer definitely has some benefits!

1. It cooks much faster in the air fryer when compared to roasting in the oven. This is because the air fryer uses hot air to cook food quickly and evenly.
2. The air fryer helps to retain the vegetable's natural moisture and flavor. This results in a more tender and flavorful spaghetti squash.
3. It's energy-efficient. The air fryer uses less energy than a traditional oven, so cooking spaghetti squash in the air fryer can be a more energy-efficient option.
4. Clean up is easier. Air fryers are generally easy to clean, so you won't have to worry about scrubbing a large baking dish or roasting pan. This can make cleanup a breeze, especially if you're in a rush.

If you don't have an air fryer, you can read my post on how to bake a whole spaghetti squash in the oven.

Spaghetti Squash vs. Pasta

Spaghetti squash and spaghetti (pasta) are both long and thin, but that's where the similarities end.

Spaghetti squash is a type of winter squash. When it's cooked, it can easily be scraped into long, thin strands that resemble spaghetti. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a firm texture.

Spaghetti squash is low in calories and carbohydrates, and high in fiber. It's a popular substitute for pasta for people who are watching their carb intake or trying to eat more vegetables.

Spaghetti pasta, on the other hand, is an Italian noodle made from wheat flour, water, and sometimes eggs. Pasta is higher in calories and carbohydrates than spaghetti squash, and lower in fiber. However, it is a good source of complex carbohydrates and can be a part of a healthy diet, in moderation.

When it comes to cooking, spaghetti squash can be roasted, boiled, or cooked in an air fryer. Regular spaghetti, on the other hand, is typically boiled in salted water until it's tender. Pasta is a staple ingredient in many Italian dishes, as well as in cuisines around the world. Spaghetti squash can be used as a substitute for spaghetti or other long noodles in many recipes.

In terms of nutritional value, spaghetti squash is generally considered a healthier option than pasta, as it's lower in calories and carbohydrates and higher in fiber. Spaghetti squash is a good source of pantothenic acid, a B vitamin. It’s also a decent source of vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6, and niacin.

However, both foods can be part of a healthy and balanced diet when consumed in moderation and combined with a variety of other nutritious foods.

Ingredients

See recipe card at the bottom of this post for full ingredient list.

Ingredient notes and substitutions:

• Spaghetti squash- use a small or medium spaghetti squash that will fit in your air fryer
• Olive oil- can use avocado oil or other oils; you can brush it on or spray it on with an oil sprayer. Read my post on the best oils and oil sprays for the air fryer.
• Salt and black pepper- you can season the squash with any additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning or paprika

How To Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Air Fryer Step-By-Step

See recipe card at the bottom of this post for full recipe instructions.

Choose the right squash

When selecting a spaghetti squash from the grocery store, look for one that is firm and heavy for its size. It should also have a dull, matte surface and no soft spots or cracks.

A medium-sized squash will yield about four cups of cooked squash, which is enough for four servings.

Prepare the Squash

Spaghetti squash can be difficult to cut, so I like to soften it first. The best way to do this is in the microwave. However, if you prefer, you can skip the microwaving step (Step 1) and proceed directly to Step 2 below.

• Step 1- Wash the squash thoroughly and pat it dry. With a sharp paring knife, make several slits in the skin of the spaghetti squash, along the line where you will eventually cut it in half lengthwise. Place the squash on a plate and cook it in the microwave on high for 4-5 minutes until softened.
• Step 2- Once squash is cool enough to handle, place it on a cutting board and cut it in half lengthwise along the slits you made with a sharp knife.
• Step 3- Scoop out the seeds and pulp from the inside of the squash with a spoon. Discard them or keep the seeds to roast them for a yummy snack!
• Step 4- Brush the cut surface with olive oil and season with salt, pepper or any other desired seasonings.

Cook the squash

• Step 5- Preheat air fryer to 360 degrees F. Place the squash halves in the air fryer basket cut side up (depending on the size of your squash, you may need to cook them in batches). For easy clean up, you can line the basket with a silicone air fryer liner or perforated parchment sheets.
• Step 6- Cook 15-20 minutes, or until the flesh is fork tender.

Shred the squash

• Use a fork to scrape the flesh of the spaghetti squash into long, spaghetti-like strands. Be careful not to tear the skin of the squash, as it can be used as a serving bowl.
• Serve the spaghetti squash with your favorite toppings, such as grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil.

What To Eat With Spaghetti Squash

This easy air fryer spaghetti squash is a simple side dish that pairs well with many ingredients. Once the spaghetti squash is shredded, you can use it in any recipe that calls for spaghetti or other long noodles. I like to toss it with olive oil, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese, and top it with fresh herbs like parsley.

You can mix it with your favorite pasta sauce or my healthy turkey bolognese sauce. Then, top it with my delicious Greek chicken meatballs or turkey meatballs. One of my favorite ways to eat spaghetti squash is tossed with marinara sauce and topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese. You can also top it with shredded mozzarella cheese, parmesan or my vegan parmesan cheese.

You can mix it with veggies, cheese, or protein for a tasty and healthy meal. If you're looking for a hearty casserole, try my vegetarian spaghetti squash lasagna casserole.

Learn how to adapt any recipe to cook in your air fryer! Read my Easy Oven to Air Fryer Conversion Guide and get my helpful conversion chart!

Recipe FAQs

More Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Resources

• Easy oven to air fryer conversion guide
• Best oils and oil sprays for the air fryer
• How to reheat pizza in the air fryer
• Can you use parchment paper in an air fryer?
• How to cook Beyond Burgers (fresh or frozen) in the air fryer
• How to cook frozen chicken tenders or nuggets in the air fryer

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