Easy Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash – 25 Minutes

This Air fryer spaghetti squash comes out perfectly cooked every time in about 25 minutes. Tender, mildly sweet long strands of squash that make the best low-carb, low-calorie alternative to pasta.

If you have ever felt intimidated to cook spaghetti squash then you are going to want to try this air fryer spaghetti squash recipe. It is super simple and is a great way to cook this amazing vegetable. In this post, I will show you how to cook spaghetti squash in the air fryer perfectly every time.

Don’t have an air fryer? No problem, you can also cook spaghetti squash in the instant pot, microwave, or the oven.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Quick and easy way to cook squash perfectly every time!
• Low carb with only 7 grams of carbs per cup.
• Low calorie but still very filling.
• Gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, paleo and Whole30
• Great meal prep recipe since it stores and reheats great!

How to select the best spaghetti squash

Choosing the best, most flavorful spaghetti squash can seem intimidating. So here are some helpful tips for what to look for so you can easily select the best one every time!

• Look for a spaghetti squash that is bright yellow and not pale. The brighter yellow it is, the better! That means it is fresh and flavorful.
• Select a squash that is heavier rather than lighter. A heavier squash will have more flavor.
• You want to pick a spaghetti squash that has little to no dents or blemishes on it. A few is fine but make sure there are no mushy spots.
• Make sure it is firm and not soft.

Why cook spaghetti squash in the air fryer?

• It’s so fast and easy to do! You can cook the squash perfectly in less time than it takes in the oven, about 25 minutes!
• Easy cleanup and it frees up your oven.
• Air frying allows the squash to get that perfectly golden skin with a caramelized outer layer that gives it so much flavor!

Ingredients Needed

• Spaghetti squash – 2-3lb squash is best so that it will fit in your air fryer.
• Olive oil – extra virgin olive oil or you can also use avocado oil.
• Salt & pepper – used to add great flavor to the squash.

How to cook spaghetti squash in the air fryer

1. Prepare the squash – Use a sharp kitchen knife to carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half, lengthwise. Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds then brush the cut sides of the squash with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper. Expert tip: To make the squash easier to cut, you can poke holes in it with a fork, and microwave it for 3-4 minutes, then cut it in half.
2. Cook – Preheat the air fryer to 370° F and spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the cut sides of the squash, cut side up, side by side in the air fryer, and close and cook for about 25 minutes.
3. Serve – Once the squash is done cooking, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Use a fork to pull the strands of squash away from the skin and season it with some butter, salt, and pepper and fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot!

Pro Tip! Once the squash is cooked it should have a texture similar to al dente pasta. So it should be somewhat soft but not too soft and not very crunchy. If your squash is not soft enough or is still too crunchy for your liking then cook it for a few more minutes.

Expert Tips

• Select a squash that will fit in your air fryer – most air fryers can fit a 2-3 pound squash when it is cut in half lengthwise. I have an Instant Vortex 6-quart air fryer.
• Season the squash well – use some oil, salt, pepper, and any other spices you like since spaghetti squash can be slightly bland but can soak up anything you flavor it with, similar to pasta.
• Check the squash – it is important to check the squash while it cooks ( about halfway through cooking) to ensure it is cooking properly and does not burn. Note: if the squash is too large and the top of it is closer to the top of the air fryer then it may burn so make sure to use a smaller squash and check it.
• Allow enough time for the squash to cook to your liking – most 2-3 pound squash will take around 25 minutes to cook all the way through in the air fryer. If you feel it is not done to the texture you like, then continue cooking it for a few more minutes. Note: it will cook a little bit more while it cools.

How will I know when the spaghetti squash is done?

When the squash is done you should be able to pierce the skin with a knife or fork and the strands of squash should easily peel away from the edge with little to no resistance.

Can you cook a whole spaghetti squash in the air fryer?

I believe it is possible to cook whole spaghetti squash in the air fryer but it would be difficult to fit it in most basket-type air fryers. That is why it is much easier to cut it in half and cook it that way.

What if my squash doesn’t fit in my air fryer?

If your spaghetti squash is too big for your air fryer then you can try to trim the edges and bottom to make it fit. You can also cook one half at a time if needed as well. Note: cooking one half at a time will not take as long so watch it while it cooks.

Serving Suggestions

• Side dish – serve the squash as is, simply seasoned with butter, salt, and pepper as a healthy side dish with chicken, pork, or fish.
• With meatballs and sauce – top the squash with your favorite meatballs and sauce for a low-calorie meal that is filling and delicious.
• In a casserole – combine strands of cooked squash with cooked meat, sauce, and cheese and bake for about 20 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
• As a base for chili – we love to top our squash with a large scoop of chili and some melted cheese. Yum!

Storing

• To store a whole uncooked spaghetti squash – Keep it in a cool dry place, like a pantry for up to 3 months before cooking it.
• Storing an uncooked squash that has been cut in half – If you have cut the spaghetti squash in half but you haven’t cooked it yet, then you can just wrap it up in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before cooking it.
• How to store cooked spaghetti squash – After cooking the squash, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for refrigeration, where it can be stored for up to 4 days. I suggest separating the squash strands from the skin while it’s still warm, as this makes the process easier, and then storing it.

Reheating

You can easily reheat already cooked spaghetti squash halves in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. To reheat the squash strands just place some parchment paper in the bottom of the air fryer, place the strands in and reheat them.

Cooking Spaghetti Squash In The Oven

To cook spaghetti squash in the oven, prepare the squash as directed in this recipe. Then place it cut side down onto a lined baking sheet and roast it at 400° F for 30-35 minutes until a knife can easily be inserted in the middle of the squash.

Recipe Variations

I kept this spaghetti squash recipe simple by only using oil, salt, and pepper to season it but here are a few other seasonings you could use.

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Chili powder
• Oregano or basil

More squash recipes

• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
• Sausage and Apple Stuffed Butternut Squash
• Simple Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
• Air Fryer Butternut Squash
• Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Other quick and easy air fryer recipes

• Air Fryer Chickpeas
• Easy Air Fryer Mushrooms
• Best Air Fryer Broccoli
• Air Fryer Zucchini
• Healthy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Did you try this air fryer spaghetti squash recipe? If you did then please leave a rating and comment below. I would love to hear from you!

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