Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

A spaghetti squash boat on a black plate.

5 from 1 vote

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!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Low Calorie, Low Fat, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 93kcal

Author: Dr. Sonali Ruder

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2 pounds)
2 teaspoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 360°F. Wash the squash thoroughly and pat it dry.
Optional step: To make it easier to cut the spaghetti squash, you can soften it first in the microwave. To do this, with s 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. Wait until squash is cool enough to handle, then proceed to the next step.
Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise with a sharp knife. Scoop out the pulp and seeds with a spoon. Discard them or keep the seeds to roast them for a yummy snack! Brush the flesh side of the spaghetti squash with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
Place the spaghetti squash halves, cut side up, in the air fryer basket. Cook 15-20 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Remove the squash a let cool slightly. Use a fork to scrape the spaghetti squash flesh into 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 olive oil, garlic powder, tomato sauce, grated parmesan cheese or chopped parsley.

Notes

The final cooking time will depend on the size of the squash. Bigger squash will take longer to cook. Start checking for doneness at around 15 minutes.

The cooking time will also depend on the model of your air fryer as different models cook at different speeds. I tested this recipe with the Ninja Max XL.

Choose a small or medium-sized squash that can easily fit in the basket of your air fryer.

I like to soften the spaghetti squash in the microwave first to make it easier to cut. Be sure to cut slits in the squash before microwaving so the steam can escape.

You can serve the long strands of squash in the skin- it makes an excellent serving bowl! Top it with your favorite toppings. I like to toss it with marinara sauce and top it with a dollop of ricotta cheese.

Don't have an air fryer? Don't worry, you can bake the spaghetti squash in the oven.

Nutrition