Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is a healthy gluten free, low carb recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes you can have perfectly cooked squash every time. Serve with butter and cheese for a healthy side dish, or enjoy as low carb noodles with your favorite pasta sauce.

air fryer spaghetti squash topped with butter and herbs.

Spaghetti squash is one of my favorite fall vegetables! It's so good served with meatballs and sauce or with a pat of butter as a low carb side dish.

I used to roast mine, but after cooking spaghetti squash in the air fryer I won't ever make it another way again. With just a few simple ingredients, it comes out so incredibly soft and tender and cooks in almost half the time it would take in the oven!

Be sure to check out this recipe for air fryer butternut squash as well!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Cooks SO much faster than in the oven
Perfectly tender every time
Easy to make, just cut in half and let the air fryer cook
Low carb, low calories, and gluten free
Made with a few simple ingredients
Great as a side dish, low carb noodle option, or for meal prep!

CHOOSING THE BEST SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Unlike bananas or berries, spaghetti squash isn't the easiest to tell when it's ripe. However, don't be intimidated it's really not as hard as it seems! Here's a few tips to choose the best squash:

Don't get one that's too big. Most air fryers can fit a 2-3 pound squash, so just be mindful when choosing
Should be firm but not mushy or soft
Look for one that has a bright, golden yellow color. One that is pale or dull in color is not quite ready yet
If it feels heavy for its size that's a good sign. The heavier a squash the more flavor it has!
Try to avoid picking one that has any cracks, mushy spots, blemishes, or bruises

WHY AIR FRY SPAGHETTI SQUASH?

It's much faster than cooking it in the oven
Clean up is quick and minimal
The squash comes out perfectly tender Every. Time.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

ingredients to make an air fryer spaghetti squash.

Kitchen Tools:

Air fryer
Cutting board
Sharp knife

Ingredients:

Spaghetti squash: Look for one that is 2-3 pounds
Olive oil: You could also use avocado oil or melted butter
Seasonings: I kept it simple with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Once cooked, I tossed the strands in parmesan cheese
Butter: This is optional, but I like to toss the cooked strands in a little bit of butter for added flavor

HOW TO COOK SPAGHETTI SQUASH IN THE AIR FRYER

Expert Tip! To help make cutting the squash easier, slice slits in the skin where you're planning on cutting it. Microwave for 3-4 minutes, then use a sharp knife cut in half lengthwise.

Prepare the squash: Use a sharp kitchen knife to cut it in half lengthwise and then scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Brush the inside of the squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Air fry: Spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray and place your squash cut side up next to each other in the basket. Close and cook for 22-25 minutes at 380 degrees F, or until fork tender
Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, take the spaghetti squash out of the air fryer basket and lay it on a plate. Use a fork to fluff of the strands and pull them away from the sides, then toss in butter, parmesan cheese, and season with salt to taste. Enjoy!

half of a cut squash with a spoon. — **Cut in half lengthwise and discard the seeds**

spaghetti squash cut in half seasoned with spices. — **Brush the inside with olive oil and season with salt and pepper**

squash cooked in air fryer. — **Cook at 380 F for 22-25 minutes**

squash fluffed with a fork. — **Fluff strands with a fork and serve**

SERVING AIR FRYER SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Once cooked and fluffed, you can enjoy it any of the following ways!

Toss strands in butter with parmesan cheese
Serve with meatballs and your favorite pasta sauce
Use in place of rice with teriyaki chicken or stir fries
Make a casserole or lasagna

WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVERS

Storing: You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze cooked spaghetti squash in a freezer safe bag for up to three months. I suggest letting it thaw before reheating

Reheating: The best way to reheat air fryer spaghetti squash strands is to line your air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lay the strands on top. Spritz lightly with olive oil spray and cook at 350 degrees F for 3-4 minutes until heated through.

air fryer squash strands topped with herbs and butter.

FAQs

What is the best air fryer to use?

I use a Cosori 5.8 quart and LOVE it. It cooks evenly, holds quite and bit of food, and is very user friendly.

What should I do if my squash is too big for my air fryer?

If your squash is too big, carefully trim the sides and edges until it fits. You can also air fry one half at a time if they're that big.

What is I don't have an air fryer?

If you don't have an air fryer you can totally still roast it in the oven! Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F, prepare the squash as listed in the recipe card below, and roast for 33-38 minutes, until fork tender.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

I usually like to keep mine simple with just salt, pepper, and garlic powder. But here's some variations to try!

Elote seasoning
Italian seasonings
Chili lime seasoning
Turn into chicken parm boats and stuff with breaded chicken, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese
Fill with sauteed Italian sausage and roasted veggies
Pair with pesto or tahini sauce

EXPERT TIPS

Microwave your squash with slits to make it easier to cut
Use a sharp knife when slicing, a dull knife is actually more dangerous!
Cook until fork tender
Adjust cooking time depending on the size of your squash
Make dairy free by using vegan parmesan cheese

squash cooked in air fryer with butter and fork.

MORE SQUASH RECIPES TO TRY!

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