We love using our air fryer to make weeknight cooking easier. It’s like having a second oven on your countertop and doesn’t heat up the kitchen too much! This air fryer spaghetti squash is an easy side dish or main course that’s rich in flavor. With it’s noodle-like strands, it’s become a family favorite veggie.
The beauty of spaghetti squash is that it can be customized with almost any spices, sauces, and condiments. My husband loves to eat it with meatballs and marinara sauce on top. My kids love it with a cheesy alfredo sauce. We guarantee your family will love it too.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy side dish or main course. This is the easiest recipe to make any night of the week. You can eat it as a main our serve it with a protein like meatballs, chicken, or steak for an easy side dish.
- 30-minute recipe. With minimal prep time, the air fryer does all the cooking for you, making clean-up simple.
- Hassle-free vegetarian recipe that’s easy to customize. It’s a foolproof, delicious meal that even our kids love to eat.
Tips for Busy Cooks
If you are having trouble cutting the squash in half lengthwise, gently prick the outside of the squash with a paring knife. Microwave the whole squash in 30-second intervals for up to 2 minutes until just barely warm. It will make it easier to slice.
Key Ingredient Notes
- Spaghetti squash: A yellow squash in color that is tender and the texture of noodles once cooked.
- Olive oil: Cooking oil for the recipe.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the squash with garlic flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Adds nice smokiness in every bite.
- Butter: For finishing the squash recipe.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley, cilantro, or thyme are all nice.
How to make spaghetti squash in the air fryer
First, cut the spaghetti squash in half:
- Place the spaghetti squash on a stable cutting board. If needed, place a damp towel under the cutting board to prevent it from sliding.
- Hold one end of the squash with your non-dominant hand, and using a sharp chef’s knife, pierce the squash in the middle and cut through the squash lengthwise.
- Then, turn the squash vertically and cut through the other end.
Step 1: Using a spoon, scrape and scoop out the seeds.
Step 2: Spray the olive oil all over the inside of the squash. (You can also brush the olive oil.) Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, and paprika evenly.
Step 3: Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, and paprika evenly. Place the squash cut side up in the air fryer basket.
Step 4: Cook at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Step 5: Remove from the air fryer, then scrape the flesh with a fork to reveal the strands.
Expert Tips:
- Be cautious when cutting the squash in half. We like to secure the cutting board with a wet paper towel to make sure when cutting the squash in half it’s safe and doesn’t move.
- Prick the squash with a paring knife before cooking. You want to gently prick the skin to help release steam as the squash cooks.
- Test if the squash is tender using a fork. You should be able to flake the flesh easily with the prongs. If it’s still difficult, then continue cooking the squash longer.
- Fluff the squash using a fork after it’s cooled. Let the squash cool a little bit, then fluff the inside strands with a fork before serving with butter and herbs.
Ways to serve air fryer spaghetti squash
We love to keep it simple with herbs and spices, but you can also use spaghetti squash cooked in the air fryer in so many other ways too. Here are some of our favorites topping ideas:
- Feta, Parmesan, chives, parsley, sage
- Butter + garlic + sage
- Olive oil + garlic + parsley
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best not to fluff the insides of the squash before storing if possible. Reheat in the air fryer, oven, or microwave until warmed through. We find it’s an easy meal prep recipe to make on the weekend and reheat throughout the week.
Freezing the squash isn’t recommended, as it’ll change the texture once thawed, making it mushy.
FAQs
It has a mild flavor that is tender in texture once roasted. The strands of the squash resemble noodles which is why it’s called spaghetti squash.
Yes, you can roast it as well at the same temperature. It’ll take 40 to 60 minutes to become tender. Here’s a tutorial on how to cook spaghetti squash in the oven and Instant Pot.
We like to use flavorful spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, as well as dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil. Grated cheeses like parmesan, Gruyere, and fresh cheeses, like feta, are also delicious.
More easy air fryer recipes
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 small spaghetti squash
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For Serving:
- Butter
- Fresh herbs
Instructions
To prepare the squash:
- Place the spaghetti squash on a stable cutting board. If needed, place a damp towel under the cutting board to prevent it from sliding.
- Hold one end of the squash with your non-dominant hand, and using a sharp chef’s knife, pierce the squash in the middle and cut through the squash lengthwise.
- Then, turn the squash vertically and cut through the other end.
- Using a spoon, scrape and scoop out the seeds.
To air fry the squash:
- Spray the olive oil all over the inside of the squash. (You can also brush the olive oil.)
- Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, and paprika evenly.
- Place the squash cut side up in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Remove from the air fryer, then scrape the flesh with a fork to reveal the strands.
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Notes
– Spaghetti squash + butter + garlic + sage
– Spaghetti squash + olive oil + garlic + parsley Storing Tips:
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best not to fluff the insides of the squash before storing it if possible. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. We find it’s an easy meal prep recipe to make on the weekend and reheat throughout the week.
– Freezing the squash isn’t recommended, as it’ll change the texture once thawed, making it mushy.
Nutrition
* Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full nutrition disclosure.
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