Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash in the air fryer is dinner magic waiting to happen. In just under 30 minutes, this humble gourd transforms into golden, tender strands that are ready to soak up your favorite sauces. Whether it’s marinara, creamy garlic, or something with a little spice, this is the kind of meal that feels effortless but tastes like a win.
The air fryer brings out the best in spaghetti squash—sweet, caramelized, and perfectly cooked without any fuss. It’s quick, versatile, and so good, you’ll be looking for excuses to make it again and again. Let’s get ready to make this gourd-geous dish!
If you love making squash in your air fryer, don’t forget this delicata squash air-fryer recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air fryer spaghetti squash isn’t just quick and easy—it’s also endlessly versatile and downright delicious. In no time, you’ll have tender, caramelized squash strands that are ready to be transformed into a cozy dinner masterpiece. Whether you’re meal prepping, trying to cut carbs, or just looking for something new, this recipe has you covered. Here’s some reasons you’ll love it:
- Perfectly tender, every time. The air fryer caramelizes the edges while keeping the strands perfectly cooked—no soggy squash here.
- Dinner in half the time. Skip the oven and get your squash from raw to ready in just 20 minutes with the air fryer.
- Minimal prep, big payoff. Spaghetti squash is naturally easy to work with—just slice, season, and air fry for a hassle-free dish.
- Healthy, plant-based comfort food. Naturally low in carbs and calories but packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, this dish checks all the boxes for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
- Endlessly versatile. From classic marinara to a creamy peanut sauce, spaghetti squash is the perfect blank canvas for all your favorite flavors.
- Meal prep made easy. Cook a squash in advance, scrape out the strands, and store them for quick lunches or dinner shortcuts all week long.
Key Ingredients
With just a handful of simple ingredients, this air fryer spaghetti squash comes together effortlessly. Each one plays a role in making the squash tender, flavorful, and downright irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Spaghetti squash: The star of the show! This gourd transforms into tender, stringy strands that mimic pasta. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor makes it a perfect base for all kinds of sauces and seasonings.
- Salt: A sprinkle of salt enhances the natural sweetness of the squash and brings out its delicate flavor.
- Pepper: Just enough pepper adds a subtle kick and balances the sweetness of the squash.
- Spray oil: A light spritz of oil helps the squash caramelize in the air fryer, giving you those golden, crispy edges without adding much fat.
How To Select And Cut A Spaghetti Squash
Selecting and cutting a spaghetti squash might seem tricky, but with a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to go in no time.
How to Select a Spaghetti Squash
- Look for firmness. Choose a squash with a hard, unblemished rind—it should feel heavy for its size.
- Check the color. A ripe spaghetti squash will have a creamy yellow color, not green or pale.
- Avoid soft spots. Soft or mushy areas can indicate overripeness or spoilage.
How to Cut a Spaghetti Squash
- Trim for stability. Slice off the top and bottom ends so the squash can lay flat on your cutting board.
- Cut down the middle. Use a sharp or serrated knife to slice the squash lengthwise, pressing down firmly to cut through the rind.
- Apply pressure to finish. If the knife gets stuck halfway, use your weight to crack the squash open by pressing down gently.
For Easier Cutting
- Score and soften. Use a paring knife to score the squash where you plan to cut. Microwave the whole squash for 3–4 minutes to soften it slightly, then let it cool before slicing.
How To Make
Turning spaghetti squash into tender, twirlable strands has never been easier. With just a few simple steps and your trusty air fryer, you’ll have a healthy, versatile base for all your favorite sauces in no time. For full recipe details, scroll to the end of this post!
Step 1: Slice it right. Start by washing your spaghetti squash and patting it dry. Carefully trim off the ends, then slice it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and set them aside if you’re planning to roast them for a crunchy snack later.
Step 2: Season like a pro. Spritz the cut sides of the squash with a little spray oil, then sprinkle on salt and pepper. Want to switch it up? Add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Step 3: Air fryer magic. Place the squash halves cut side up in your air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400°F and let the air fryer work its magic for 15–20 minutes.
Check at the 15-minute mark for tender, golden perfection!
Step 4: Fluff and serve. Let the squash cool for a few minutes, then use a fork to scrape out the spaghetti-like strands. Toss with your favorite sauce or enjoy it as is—the possibilities are endless!
How To Serve
Once your air fryer spaghetti squash is perfectly cooked, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re keeping it simple with a classic marinara or going bold with a creamy peanut sauce, this versatile gourd can be the star of any meal. From quick weeknight dinners to creative culinary experiments, here are some delicious ways to serve it up:
- Classic marinara and vegan parmesan: Toss your squash strands with a hearty marinara sauce and sprinkle with vegan parmesan cheese. Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread for a comforting, pasta-inspired dinner.
- Garlic herb butter sauce: Drizzle the squash with a mix of melted vegan butter, garlic, and fresh parsley or sage. Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for a cozy and flavorful meal.
- Creamy Alfredo vibes: Whip up a quick vegan Alfredo sauce using cashews or cauliflower, and pour it over the squash for a decadent twist.
- Turn it into a bowl: Use the spaghetti squash as a base for a grain bowl. Layer it with roasted chickpeas, sautéed kale, and tahini sauce for a hearty, plant-based power meal.
- Make it the star of the plate: Keep it simple by serving the squash with garlic green beans or roasted potatoes and broccoli.
- Stuff it for extra flair: Leave the squash strands in their shells and load them up with your favorite toppings, like black beans, salsa, and avocado for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Turn it into a casserole. Layer spaghetti squash with marinara sauce, sautéed veggies, and vegan cheese, then bake for a bubbly, cheesy squash bake.
- Spicy peanut pad Thai: Mix the squash with a spicy peanut sauce, shredded carrots, and crushed peanuts for a Thai-inspired dish. Add a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro for extra zing.
FAQs
Absolutely! The air fryer caramelizes squash beautifully, giving it golden, crispy edges while keeping the inside tender. It’s faster than oven roasting and brings out the natural sweetness of squash with minimal effort.
The squash is ready when the edges are golden and a fork easily pulls the strands from the skin. If it’s still firm, give it a few more minutes in the air fryer until it’s tender and easy to fluff.
Spaghetti squash pairs well with marinara, pesto, vegan Alfredo, or a creamy peanut sauce. For a lighter option, try olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Delicious Squash Recipes To Try Next!
If you make this air fryer spaghetti squash recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments below! I love reading your comments!
Easy Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 whole spaghetti squash, 2-3 pounds
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Spray Oil, I used avocado, but olive oil would also work.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees for 5 minutes. Note: some air fryers don’t require preheating, in which case skip this step.
- While the air fryer is heating up, rinse the outside of your squash and dry well. Cut the top and bottom off the spaghetti squash and carefully slice in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds and either compost them or save them for later to make roasted squash seeds for a snack.
- Spritz each inside half with a little bit of spray oil (optional) and sprinkle on the salt and black pepper.
- When the air fryer is ready, arrange the two halves (outside skin side down) in the bottom of your air fryer basket.
- Cook the spaghetti squash at 400 degrees for 15 – 25 minutes or until desired texture and temperature. Check and 15 minutes and add more time as needed in 5 minute increments from there.
- Let the squash sit in the air fryer until it’s a comfortable temperature to handle. Using a fork, scoop out the spaghetti-like strands and place onto a plate or into a bowl for adding your sauce of choice. Best eaten right away. Enjoy!
Notes
Storing Leftover Spaghetti Squash
- Refrigerate: Let your cooked spaghetti squash cool to room temperature before storing. Place the strands in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: To freeze, portion the squash strands into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
- Microwave: Warm the strands in a microwave-safe dish for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.
Air fryer: For a slightly crispy finish, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes.
Meal Prep
This is great for meal prep and can be made in advance. After cooking, scrape out the strands and store them in the fridge or freezer using the methods above. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave before serving.Extra Tips
- Don’t toss the seeds! Roast the seeds for a crunchy snack by following a roasted pumpkin seed recipe. They’ll crisp up in 8–10 minutes at 375°F in the air fryer or oven.
- Air fryer variation: Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model. Start checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark. The squash is ready when the edges are golden, and the strands pull away easily with a fork.
- Even cooking: If the squash isn’t done after 20 minutes, continue air frying in 2-3 minute increments, checking each time to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition
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Leave a Comment
Such a brilliant idea! Love my Air Fryer 🙂
I was thrilled to create this recipe for World of Vegan! Now that I have an air fryer, it’s amazing how much you make in it to save time, added fat and extra calories! Hope you love this recipe as much as I do! 😀
This was so easy and came out perfectly!
Love that this is in the air fryer! Can’t wait to whip this up!
Easy, healthy “spaghetti” dish! Love this!
What an easy recipe! Can’t go wrong with spaghetti squash!!
I love spaghetti squash and this is such a simple and great recipe for it. My whole family loved it when we tried it!
Wow! Making spaghetti squash in air fryer is such an amazing idea!!
This is such a great recipe!! My family loved it for dinner. Thanks!
Genius! This is a life changing hack! I love spaghetti squash, and now I can eat it more often!
these looks amazing and the air fryer is such a great tool! i need to try this
This is the first time I used an air fryer for spaghetti squash. Brilliant! It came out so good!
I’m amazed at how great these turned out in the air fryer! I never would have guessed. We tried this last night instead of pasta with marinara sauce, added kale, and it was so good!
Is there seriously anything an air fryer can’t do??? This was totally delicious and so easy! I like my air fryer squash topped with marinara because I can just pop open a jar, and boom, done. Easy.