This Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is just ONE ingredient and can be the base for so many low-carb main dishes or side dishes! Make this your own a million different ways with seasonings, proteins, and sauces.
recipe overview
Anywhere you would usually put pasta or rice, try swapping it with spaghetti squash noodles for less carbs and less calories!
I love this Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash because it is just ONE ingredient — all you need is a spaghetti squash!
There is no added fat or oil in this recipe, and there is no adding water to a baking sheet and praying you do not spill it!
The spaghetti squash “noodles” are so tender and juicy but also work well with an array of flavors and themes.
How to make it
- Wash the outside of the spaghetti squash thoroughly. Do not skip this step! Since we are cooking it with the skin on it, we want it to be washed and not dirtying up the air fryer.
- Cut the stem end off the squash before cutting it in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds of the squash. You can throw these away or roast them like pumpkin seeds for a nice crunchy salad topping.
- Place squash halves skin-side down into air fryer basket and cook halves for about 20 minutes at 360 degrees F or 183 degrees C. Once cooked, your squash will scrape out easily with a fork, forming thin “noodles” you can use almost anywhere!
Watch out for overcooking!
Much like regular spaghetti noodles, you are looking for that perfect “al dente” air fryer spaghetti squash.
Overcooked spaghetti squash turns into mush, so be careful not to cook it too long! If you want those beautiful spaghetti strands of squash, you want it to still be slightly firm when you pull it out of the air fryer.
serving tips
Honestly, there is no wrong answer here. Anywhere a grain or carb usually goes, this spaghetti squash can go.
The first thought most people have is swapping spaghetti noodles for spaghetti squash noodles, of course, and topping it with a bold red spaghetti sauce and maybe a protein and some Parmesan cheese.
Mix it up with a vegetable ragu sauce or a simple homemade carbonara!
Add more veggies to the plate and top the spaghetti squash with an air fryer eggplant parmesan!
This Mushroom Spaghetti Squash is a great, light almost-pasta option bursting with two types of mushrooms for an extra hearty meal without the heaviness.
storing leftovers
Cooked spaghetti squash can last up to five days in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
Same for a cut spaghetti squash — cover it tightly in food wrap and you can cook the remaining half within the week.
You will know your squash is going bad if it is discolored, spotty, or has lost the vibrant yellow-orange color.
Made too much and need to freeze it? No problem!
Make sure you cool the spaghetti squash completely and drain as much water from the “noodles” as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will last up to eight months frozen!
tips for cutting spaghetti squash
If you have ever tried to carve a pumpkin, you know how hard it can be to cut through a thick-skinned squash! Spaghetti squash is just as tough and can be dangerous if you slip.
The easiest and safest way to cut it is by using a dish towel over the cutting board. This helps the squash grip the towel and wobble less.
Also, be sure to use a super sharp knife, like a chef’s knife. Sawing through a spaghetti squash is dangerous, so try to chop through it in as few strokes as possible.
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Equipment
- Chef's knife, sharpened
- Spoon
- Fork
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
Instructions
- Wash the outside of the spaghetti squash thoroughly.
- Cut off the stem end of the squash.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds of the squash and discard.
- Place squash halves into air fryer basket and cook for about 20 minutes at 360 degrees F (183 degrees C).
- Once cooked, use a fork to scrape out cooked squash in long, noodle-like pieces. Serve warm and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Air Fryers can vary greatly. Please take the time to learn your specific air fryer. You may need to adjust times and temperatures based upon your air fryer. All though this website attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, the information should only be considered an estimate. Varying factors such as different product types, different brands, etc. can change nutritional information. It is your responsibility as a consumer to read all labels to make sure the ingredients fit your dietary needs as well as calculate your own nutritional information as a double check.
I made this and topped my squash with spaghetti sauce. So easy to make. Love cooking it this way!
HI Michelle! Thank you for taking time to leave a comment! and a rating! So glad you liked it! 🙂
I had groceries delivered today and changed my order to include a spaghetti squash after I saw this recipe. I have made it and I can say it is 5 starts all the way! My squash turned out great! I topped it with sauteed mushrooms and red sauce.
Hi Dale! Thank you for taking time to leave a comment! and a rating! So glad you liked it! Grocery delivery is the best! So glad the recipe swayed you to try it! Mushrooms on top sound great!
I never would have thought to do spaghetti squash in the air fryer. What a great idea.
Thanks!
My husband and I love squash, but spaghetti squash is our favorite! Can’t wait to make this!
Enjoy! Do come back to let us know how it turned out!
I never would have thought to do spaghetti squash in the air fryer. Such a brilliant idea, and your tips are so helpful!
You are so welcome!
Loved how I could do this in my air fryer! First time doing it and my squash came out perfectly cooked!
Yay, that is wonderful!
I had no idea how easy it was to roast spaghetti squash in the air fryer! This turned out great and I used it as a base for gluten-free pasta!
Yay!! So glad you tried it and it turned out great for you! It works perfect for a sub for gf pasta!
I just bought a spaghetti squash and have been looking for recipes. Autumn still hasn’t made it to Texas and I didn’t want to turn the oven on. Can’t wait to try this recipe! Thank you, Cindy!
You are so welcome! I hope that you enjoy!! :). Autumn will be there soon 🙂