Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Name: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-470902H3S
Total time: PT-470902H3S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 to 3 pound spaghetti squash; Light olive oil; Sea salt

Learn how to make Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash with just three ingredients and less than 30 minutes! It makes for the perfect gluten-free side dish or low-carb pasta alternative for all your favorite meals.

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

Table Of Contents

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Why Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Air Fryer?
Is Squash Good in the Air Fryer?
Is Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash Healthy?
What You’ll Need
How to Pick the Perfect Spaghetti Squash
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in Air Fryer
Tips for Success
Flavor Variations
Serving Suggestions
How to Store and Reheat
Common Questions About This Easy Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash Recipe
More Gluten-Free Air Fryer Recipes

Why Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Air Fryer?

Spaghetti squash is one of our favorite vegetables (Well, it’s technically a fruit, but we won’t get into that debate today.). However, it’s not exactly the easiest to make.

If you’ve ever tried to slice and bake one, you know what we’re talking about! Luckily, the air fryer makes the whole process super easy and quick.

Two halves of spaghetti squash shells filled with spaghetti squash noodles on a sheet pan.

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.

Is Squash Good in the Air Fryer?

You bet it is! Cooked in the air fryer, spaghetti squash becomes tender and just a little crisp. Plus, its sweet flavor is enhanced by the cooking process. Pair it with your favorite seasonings or sauces, and you’ve got a flavor-loaded recipe that’s good for you, too!

Two halves of baked spaghetti squash in a black air fryer basket.

Two halves of baked spaghetti squash on a silver baking sheet

Is Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash Healthy?

Yes! Spaghetti squash is loaded with health benefits.

For instance, it:

Is a good source of vitamin C and vitamin B6.
Is rich in manganese, pantothenic acid, and niacin.
Provides lots of fiber.
Is low in fat and calories.

What You’ll Need

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

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:

A whole spaghetti squash on a white marble countertop.

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!

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in Air Fryer

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.

Tips for Success

Looking for ways to make this recipe even easier? We’ve got you covered!

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!

Flavor Variations

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:

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

Sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Sauces like our Nomato sauce, tomato sauce, marinara sauce, pesto sauce, or even alfredo sauce.
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.

Serving Suggestions

Spaghetti squash in the air fryer works as a tasty substitute for pasta or noodles in all your favorite dishes. However, it also pairs well as a delicious side dish with a variety of protein sources! For instance, some of our favorite pairings include:

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!

Common Questions About This Easy Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash Recipe

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.

More of Our Favorite

More Gluten-Free Air Fryer Recipes

Looking for more ways to put your air fryer to use? Check out the gluten-free air fryer recipes below!