Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

This Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash recipe cooks tender spaghetti squash in about 20 minutes, which is much faster than roasting it in the oven. The strands come out fork-tender and ready to use as a simple side or the base for a full meal.

For a complete dinner, use the air-fried squash in my Spaghetti Squash with Shrimp Scampi or Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash. Both recipes load the squash with a flavorful sauce and protein, so you can use this quicker air fryer method instead of roasting the squash in the oven.

Why Air Fry Spaghetti Squash

• Takes less than half the time: If you’ve ever roasted a spaghetti squash in the oven, then you know it takes at least 40 minutes. Sometimes, it can take over an hour. With this recipe, you pop your spaghetti squash in the air fryer and this delicious side dish is ready in about 20 minutes.
• Simple & easy: this easy recipe requires five simple ingredients and two main steps to make. Add this perfect air fryer spaghetti squash recipe to your list of air fryer recipes, and favorite recipes overall.

Ingredients Needed

• Whole spaghetti Squash: I cut it in half lengthwise on a cutting board.
• Avocado Oil: I divided this evenly between the two halves. If you don’t have avocado oil, you can use any other oil for air frying (like olive oil) that you prefer.
• Sea Salt: I divided this evenly between the two halves
• 24 Herb Sprinkle Seasoning: I divided this evenly between the two halves of the squash. By the way, this seasoning includes black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and more. If you’d like, you can replace this with Italian seasoning.
• Parmesan Cheese: I used the refrigerated grated kind and divided it evenly between the two halves

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

How to Make Spaghetti Squash Using an Air Fryer

Making a spaghetti squash in a Ninja Foodi air fryer is super easy. Here are they key steps:

1. Drizzle the avocado oil, sea salt, and sprinkle seasoning on top of the squash halves.
2. Add both pieces (so that they are open side up) to the air fryer basket.
3. For best results, air crisp on 400 degrees for a cooking time of 20-22 minutes, or until it’s fork tender.
4. Top your cooked spaghetti squash with parmesan cheese. Use a fork to scrape out your spaghetti squash noodles and to discard your spaghetti squash seeds.

Top Tips & FAQs

• Consider the size of your air fryer when getting squash: I prefer to have one big enough so that two pieces can sit side-by-side in the air fryer basket. Of course, this also depends on the size of your squash.
• Cut the squash with a sharp knife: I simply cut my squash in half with a sharp knife. But, if you’re having trouble, then you can soften the spaghetti squash before cutting it. I included a link to a more detailed post below about strategies to cut your squash below.
• Adjust the cook time if you soften your squash: if you need to soften your squash in the microwave in order to cut it, then it will take less time to cook in the air fryer. I recommend checking on your squash at the 10 and 15 minute mark.
• Face the squash up: the heating element in the Ninja Foodi is above the food. So, I face my squash up to have it roast evenly. The best part is that this will also help you retain most of the drippings inside of the squash.
• Slight variations: If you prefer different ways to sauce up your perfect spaghetti squash noodles, the easiest way is to add some marinara sauce, tomato sauce, alfredo sauce, or whatever your favorite pasta sauce may be from the grocery store.

How to store Leftover Spaghetti Squash

If you have any leftovers from this butternut squash recipe, the best way to store them is in an airtight container for the next day (up to 5 days). You can also wrap them up tight in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash works especially well when you want something to catch a flavorful sauce without making a separate pasta. Here are a few easy ways to turn it into dinner:

• Garlic butter dinner: Serve it with Garlic Butter Shrimp & Broccoli so the squash can soak up the garlic butter sauce.
• Creamy Cajun dinner: Use the squash in place of pasta with Cajun Shrimp Alfredo.
• Shrimp scampi: Spoon Shrimp Scampi over the squash for an easy way to catch all of the lemon garlic butter sauce.
• Meatballs and sauce: Add Italian Sausage Meatballs, Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, or Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs, then finish with your favorite marinara.
• Shrimp marinara: Top the squash with Shrimp Marinara when you want a quick tomato-sauce dinner.

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