Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash has tender, spaghetti-like strands with lightly roasted edges and takes much less time than roasting a whole squash in the oven. It’s an easy vegetable side or base for sauces, meatballs, and other meals.

I make spaghetti squash in my Ninja Foodi using the Air Crisp function, but the same method works in other air fryers too. Toss the strands with my Keto Marinara Sauce or Alfredo Sauce, or use them to make my Spaghetti Squash with Shrimp Scampi.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Faster than oven roasting: The air fryer cooks the squash quickly without heating the oven.
• Easy to use for meals: Serve the seasoned strands as a vegetable side or use the cooked squash as the base for one of your favorite spaghetti squash recipes.

Ingredients Needed

• Spaghetti squash: I typically use a 2–3 lb squash. Choose one that allows both halves to fit side-by-side in your air fryer basket.
• Avocado oil: Helps the seasonings coat the squash and the exposed surface roast.
• Sea salt
• Salt-free herb seasoning: I use 24 Herbs Sprinkle Seasoning, but another salt-free herb blend works too.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory finish when serving the squash on its own. You can skip it if you’re using the squash in another recipe.

You can get the full list of ingredient amounts and instructions from the full recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Air Fryer

Prep the squash

Dry the outside of the squash well so it doesn’t slip while you’re cutting it. Use a sharp knife to cut it in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds and stringy center.

Season the cut sides

Drizzle the exposed flesh with avocado oil, then add the salt and herb seasoning. Spread everything over the surface so the squash is evenly seasoned.

Air fry cut-side up

Place both halves in the air fryer basket with the exposed flesh facing the heating element. This helps the surface roast as the squash becomes tender.

Check the texture

The squash is ready when a fork easily pierces the flesh and pulls it apart into distinct spaghetti-like strands. My 2–3 lb squash typically takes 20–22 minutes at 400°F. Larger squash will need more time.

If you’re serving it as a side, sprinkle with Parmesan, then use a fork to loosen the strands.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

• Make sure it fits: Both halves should sit comfortably in the air fryer basket without being stacked. If they don’t fit side-by-side, cook them separately.
• Don’t rely on the timer alone: Spaghetti squash varies in size. Use the texture of the flesh to determine when yours is ready.
• Don’t overcook it: Once the flesh is tender and separates easily into strands, it’s done. Cooking it longer can make the strands too soft.

Ways to Use Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

The cooked strands work much like a pasta base, so you can keep dinner simple with a sauce or turn the squash into another recipe.

Spoon over my Keto Marinara Sauce for a tomato-based option, or add my Keto Alfredo Sauce when you want something creamy.

You can also use the cooked squash to make Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash, Spaghetti Squash with Shrimp Scampi, or Pizza Spaghetti Squash.

What to Serve With Spaghetti Squash

Serving it as a side? Keep the Parmesan and herbs, then add something saucy like Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, Italian Sausage Meatballs, Shrimp Marinara, or Pan Seared Shrimp.

Storage & Reheating

• Store: Remove the strands from the squash shell and refrigerate them in an airtight container.
• Reheat: Warm the squash just until heated through so the strands don’t become too soft.
• Meal prep: If you’re making the squash for another recipe, store the cooked strands without Parmesan so you can season and sauce them for the meal you’re making.

FAQs

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