Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Name: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-493628H51M3S
Total time: PT-493628H51M3S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 to 3 pound spaghetti squash; Light olive oil; Sea salt

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This Air Fry Spaghetti Squash is ready in under 30 minutes for the perfect gluten-free pasta alternative. Serve it with your favorite pasta sauce for a low-carb meal or side dish!

A woman's hand opening an air fryer basket with two halves of cooked spaghetti squash.

Why Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Air Fryer?

Spaghetti squash is a favorite gluten-free pasta alternative in the Cotter household. However, it’s not exactly the easiest to make. Luckily, the air fryer makes the whole process super quick and easy.

In addition to being super tasty, this air fryer spaghetti squash recipe is:

Made with just 3 ingredients and minimal prep time.
Cooked with a total time of less than 30 minutes.
Super versatile.
Gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan.
Great to prepare in advance and store for later.

close up: low carb pasta dinner with nightshade free tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese

What You’ll Need

We kept the ingredient list super simple for this quick air fryer spaghetti squash recipe.

A whole spaghetti squash on a white marble countertop.

Spaghetti Squash – Look for a large spaghetti squash that’s free from discoloration or bruises.
Light Olive Oil – We recommend using light olive oil to help roast the squash without impacting the taste. However, extra virgin olive oil or even avocado oil could also be used.
Sea Salt – Use as little or as much as you’d like.

How to Pick the Perfect Spaghetti Squash

The key to making the best spaghetti squash is to choose one that’s ripe and ready to eat. For example, a ripe squash is:

Firm
Golden or dark yellow in color
Free from soft spots or cracks

Pro-Tip: Test the ripeness of your squash by pressing your fingernail against the skin. If it holds firm and doesn’t sink in your squash is ready to cook and eat!

Tips for Success

Use the Right Size Squash. It can be tempting to buy the biggest squash you can find, but you’ll want to keep the size of your air fryer in mind! Pick one that can comfortably fit in the basket to avoid having to slice it up multiple times.
Adjust the Cooking Time. The size of your squash and the type of air fryer you use will determine how long it takes for your squash to cook. The larger the squash, the longer it will take. So, keep a close eye on it, and adjust the air frying time as needed!
Omit the Oil. Looking for an oil-free option? Lightly brush the squash with vegetable broth instead!

How to Air Fry Spaghetti Squash

Learning how to air fry spaghetti squash can be a little daunting if you’ve never done it before, but don’t worry! The process is easy.

Cutting the Squash

Use a sharp knife to slice the ends off the squash.
Then, slice the whole spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.

Two halves of raw spaghetti squash on a white marble countertop.

Two halves of spaghetti squash on baking sheet

Use a large spoon to scoop out and discard the spaghetti squash seeds.

Pro-Tip: Wrap a towel around the base of the squash to help hold it still as you cut.

Cooking the Squash

Drizzle the oil over the flesh (inside) of the squash, and add a sprinkle of salt.
Preheat the air fryer, and grease the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray.

A woman's hand closing an air fryer basket with two halves of raw spaghetti squash.

Two halves of air fried spaghetti squash in an air fryer basket.

Place the squash cut side up, and cook until it is tender and the strands easily separate with a fork.
Run a fork through the center of each side to separate the strands.

A fork peeling spaghetti squash strands from two halves of baked spaghetti squash.

A glass bowl filled with spaghetti squash strands on a white marble countertop.

Serving Suggestions

Feel free to mix and match any variety of fresh herbs, spices, sauces, and mix-ins to add flavor and make this air fryer spaghetti squash recipe your own! For instance, some great options include:

Sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Sauces like our nomato sauce, dairy-free alfredo, marinara sauce, or cilantro pesto.
Cheese like Parmesan cheese, feta, or shredded mozzarella.
Sweet ingredients such as a mixture of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon.
Flavor boosters like paprika, cayenne, chili powder, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh parsley.
Meat or meat alternative like gluten-free panko chicken, ground chicken meatballs, or vegan mushroom meatballs.

Overhead photo of two plates of spaghetti squash pasta topped with tomato sauce alternative.

How to Store and Reheat

Don’t worry if your spaghetti squash makes a lot at once. It stores super well so you can reheat it and enjoy it throughout the week!

To Store: Allow your leftover spaghetti squash to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container, and keep it stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To Freeze: Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container, and keep it frozen for up to 6 months.
To Reheat: Allow your squash to thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it in the microwave, air fryer, or oven just until it is heated through. Be careful not to let it burn!

More of Our Favorite

Gluten-Free Air Fryer Recipes

Common Questions

How do you soften spaghetti squash before cutting?

Make slits in the squash (like you would a potato), and microwave it for 4-5 minutes to help soften it before you begin making cuts.

Why is my spaghetti squash mushy after cooking?

The most common reasons squash turns out mushy are that too much salt was added, too much oil was used, or it was cooked too long. You want to add just a sprinkling of salt and a drizzle of oil. The squash should not be wet or soggy before you cook!

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No problem! Just slice your squash, arrange it cut side down on a greased baking sheet, and bake it in the oven at 400 degrees until it is fork tender.

How long does it take to cook spaghetti squash in the air fryer?

Of course, the cooking times will vary based on the size of the squash and the air fryer used. However, in general, we’ve found that a 2-pound squash takes about 11-13 minutes and a 3-pound squash takes about 16-18 minutes.