Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is so easy to make and yields perfect al dente spaghetti squash every time!
Spaghetti squash is one of my favorite ways to add more vegetables into a meal without feeling like a vegetable. it makes a great substitute for pasta and goes well with so many different flavors!
Don’t get me wrong – I still LOVE my pasta (like in this taco pasta skillet, asparagus pesto pasta salad, or Mediterranean chicken and pasta skillet). However, it’s nice to switch things up every once in a while.
What makes spaghetti squash healthy?
Spaghetti squash is a summer vegetable related to zucchini, squash, and pumpkin and it’s loaded with nutrients.
One cup of plain cooked spaghetti squash has about 42 calories and 10 grams of carbohydrates, compared to around 220 calories and 43 carbohydrates in 1 cup of traditional spaghetti noodles. If you are watching your carbohydrate intake, spaghetti squash could be a great option to help with that.
Spaghetti squash is high in vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6, and the anti-oxidant beta-carotene. In addition, it contains over 2 grams of fiber in each cup.
It is also gluten-free, which makes is a good option for someone with celiac disease needing to swap out traditional wheat pasta.
Why make spaghetti squash in the air fryer?
Sure, you can use the oven to cook spaghetti squash. You can even cook spaghetti squash in the pressure cooker. I have used and like both of those cooking methods.
However, you save about 10-15 minutes by cooking it in the air fryer compared to the oven. In addition, I’ve found I can control the end consistency a lot better using the air fryer compared to the oven or pressure cooker.
It’s a lot easier to check on it while cooking in the air fryer. No sticking your head in a hot oven while lifting up the tin foil to check on it. You can’t check on it at all with the pressure cooker.
But with the air fryer, you can easily open up the lid to see how it’s cooking. Easy peasy.
How do you cook spaghetti squash in the air fryer?
It really is so easy to make spaghetti squash in the air fryer. With a few simple steps you’ll have delicious hot spaghetti squash ready to serve with your favorite noodle toppings and mix-ins.
First make sure your spaghetti squash will fit inside your air fryer. Then wash your spaghetti squash and cut it in half. Remove all of the seeds with a spoon.
Next rub the inner flesh with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place the two halves into your air fryer.
Cook at 360°F for 25 to 35 minutes. This will vary depending on the size of your spaghetti squash and the type/brand of air fryer you use.
I have a Ninja Foodi (affiliate link) and love using the air fryer function on it. I set mine for 30 minutes and checked on it at the 25 minute mark. I ended up keeping it in for a full 30 minutes.
After it’s done cooking, remove it from the air fryer and put it in a bowl (one you’ll be serving it in). Allow the spaghetti squash to cool for at least 5 to 10 minutes.
After it’s cooled, take a fork and run it along the strands of the spaghetti squash. You’ll start to see the “noodles” come right out and into the bowl. Continue doing this until you have removed all the squash from both of the outer shells.
Give it a stir and that’s it! You have some perfect al dente spaghetti squash ready to be served however you desire.
I love it with a classic spaghetti sauce and add some meatballs, but chicken and pesto is oh, so yummy! Sometimes I also pair it with some alfredo sauce, chicken and cooked broccoli. Really, the options are endless!
You could also try making spaghetti squash fritters, add it to a casserole, or as a sub for hash browns. The versatility of spaghetti squash is real, people.
I hope you try cooking you next spaghetti squash in the air fryer. Then, come back and let me know how it turned out!
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Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Entree
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Air fryer spaghetti squash is so easy to make and results in perfect noodle-like spaghetti squash strands. Dress it up with your favorite noodle toppings and mix-ins!
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash (make sure it will fit in your air fryer)
- 1 Tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Wash the spaghetti squash and cut in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop all the seeds out.
- Rub the inside of both halves with the olive oil, then sprinkle each with some salt and pepper.
- Place in your air fryer basket. Turn it on to 360°F and cook for 25 to 35 minutes, depending on how big your squash is and which air fryer you have.
- Allow the squash to cool for at least 5 minutes. Run a fork along along grain of the spaghetti squash strands to loosen and remove them from the shell.
- Pair with your favorite noodle toppings and mix ins, such as marinara, alfredo or pesto sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 66
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 145 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2.2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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