Spaghetti squash is a healthy and delicious side dish!
Cooking Spaghetti Squash in an air fryer is quicker than the oven and it’s easy to make!
It’s a mild flavored squash which makes it great served with butter as a side dish or even used as a low-carb noodles for your favorite pasta sauce.
A Fast Way to Cook Spaghetti Squash
- Air Fryer spaghetti squash is faster than roasting it in the oven and has more flavor than microwaving it.
- Spaghetti squash has a mild taste and isn’t as sweet as acorn squash or other winter squashes.
- Spaghetti squash is an excellent substitute for carb-heavy pasta or makes a great side dish served with butter, salt & pepper.
- Air-fried spaghetti squash is ready in minutes with minimal cleanup.
- A whole spaghetti squash will yield about 4 cups of cooked strands (depending on size) and reheats well.
Air fryer spaghetti squash can be served on its own or cooked into a Spaghetti Squash Casserole, roasted with a filling like this Feta Spaghetti Squash, or made into a chicken parmesan like this Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti Squash.
Ingredients and Variations
SPAGHETTI SQUASH: Choose squashes that are heavy with a golden yellow color. It can be difficult to cut and often if you ask the grocer, they will cut it in half for you.
SEASONINGS: Because of its delicate flavor, spaghetti squash is perfect for adding new seasonings before it’s air-fried!
Keep it simple with salt, pepper and even a dash of garlic powder or try these DIY ideas: Greek Seasoning, Italian Seasoning, or Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning.
How to Make Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
PRO TIP: Spaghetti squash can be very difficult to cut in half. Soften the squash by poking holes in it with a fork and microwave for about 3 minutes. This will make it easier to cut in half. Use a sharp knife to cut the squash top to bottom.
- Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds with a spoon (as per the recipe below).
- Brush the halves with oil and season. Air fry spaghetti squash until fork tender.
- Remove from the air fryer basket and use a fork to scrape the flesh and separate the strands. Enjoy as desired.
Cook time can vary slightly based the size of the squash, a fork should easily poke through the squash.
Spaghetti squash seeds can be saved and cooked just like pumpkin seeds.
How to Serve Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
After separating the strands, try any of the following:
- Toss with butter, salt & pepper
- Use in a spaghetti squash casserole.
- Top with your favorite pasta sauce, tomato sauce, or alfredo sauce.
- Top it with ground beef meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Place back into the shell and air fry until melted.
Leftover Spaghetti Squash
Keep leftover air fryer spaghetti squash in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze up to 6 months.
Reheat in the air fryer to use in stir-fries, salads, or enjoy with a little butter and salt and pepper! Freeze chilled leftovers in zippered bags, let thaw at room temperature before using.
More Vegetable Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Garlic Butter Air Fryer Mushrooms
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Zucchini
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
- Air Fryer Acorn Squash
Did you make this Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash about 3 pounds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard (or save for roasting).
- Brush the cut side of the squash with oil and season with salt & pepper.
- Place cut side up in the air fryer and cook 25-30 minutes or until tender and the strands separate easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, run a fork along the strands of the squash to separate.
- Toss with butter if desired or season with additional salt and pepper.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course air fryer, Side Dish
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Hello Holly – I have a new turbo Cosori. It’s the best small appliance I have ever owned. But, there’s a small problem. Your instructions say “cook 25 to 30 minutes”. I’m not sure whether to use the air fry function, bake function or roast function. All are available on this model. It’s often confusing when directions on food items intended for air fryers say “cook” because there are so many options on air fryers and so many different kinds of air fryers. Which setting would you recommend for this spaghetti squash. I really would appreciate your help.
I use air fry on all of my air fryer recipes (unless otherwise specified). I hope that helps! Enjoy the squash, this is such an easy way to cook it.
Thank you Holly – you are a gem!
Great tip on microwaving! Way easier to cut.
I am glad you found the tip helpful Kathleen, squash sure can be a challenge to cut!
Thanks for the tip about softening squash for easier cutting! I have a hand injury and that is a fantastic help for me, since I love to eat all kinds of squash, but haven’t been able to cut the bigger ones!
We love squash too, so glad that was helpful Susan.
So easy and delish!
Thanks, Robin!
I am new here, I love these recipes, wondering if they cook the same if your air fryer has shelves and not a pan? do I need to put into a special pan? Thanks
Connie
Hi Connie, it should work well in that type of air fryer as well! We would love to hear how it turns out.
I love spaghetti squash and use a pumpkin knife to cut mine. It’s much easier and less dangerous than using a sharp knife. I use my pumpkin knife to cut all kinds of squash.
That is a great tip. Thanks for sharing, Sally!