Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

This delicious and easy recipe for air fryer spaghetti squash will show you another simple way to enjoy this healthy gourd. It is tender, perfectly cooked, and great for topping with spaghetti sauce or serving as a side dish to your favourite main.  

If you are looking for more Air Fryer Recipes don’t miss my air fryer breakfast potatoes, nachos, tilapia, tofu, tortilla chips, carrots, and fish tacos!

Let’s Make Spaghetti Squash in an Air Fryer

 

Spaghetti squash seems to be a less common vegetable for people to enjoy but it’s one I go back to again and again. I love cooking spaghetti squash to mix in with actual spaghetti and serve with a yummy homemade bolognese sauce. 

This tasty and unique squash is a member of the cucurbita family, which also includes pumpkins, zucchini and the other varieties of squash. When cooked it pulls apart into beautiful, noodle-like strands that can be enjoyed like a “spaghetti” or in other dishes. 

When it comes to preparing spaghetti squash in an air fryer, it’s incredibly simple, and creates a lovely flavour that is slightly caramelized on the top!

If you don’t own an Air Fryer yet (*affiliate link), I definitely recommend adding one to your must-have list.

This small kitchen appliance is incredibly easy to use and gives so many different foods that delicious crispy, crunchy fried edge that a deep fryer does… without the deep frying. 

Is squash good in the air fryer?

 

Heck yes! If you think spaghetti squash tastes delicious roasted in the oven, then you’ll absolutely love the air fryer version. 

One thing I enjoy especially is that the squash is not at all wet or soggy like it can sometimes get in the oven, instead it has a crispy roasted crust around the edges that slightly caramelizes and the spaghetti squash “noodles” are slightly al dente, but not crunchy. 

Other varieties of squash are also tasty in the air fryer, it really just comes down to perfecting the cooking time and temperature, which is often very similar to oven roasting but less time. 

Can you eat the skin of spaghetti squash?

 

While technically you can, it’s not really recommended. Think about it as like eating the skin of a banana… not so good.

The skin of a spaghetti squash is tough and firm, and even when roasted it still maintains its toughness. But the inside flesh can be cooked to a perfect tender consistency, and creates those noodle-like strands, perfect for a great substitute. 

Ingredients for Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash:

 

To make super flavourful breakfast potatoes that are crispy and have a savoury, satisfying flavour you will need a few ingredients listed below. Thankfully, there are not many ingredients required.

• spaghetti squash
• olive oil
• salt and ground black pepper
• paprika
• dried parsley

 

I enjoy my air fryer spaghetti squash with gluten-free spaghetti noodles and homemade beef bolognese sauce most often. But, I also love to make Spaghetti Squash Burrito Bowls like this too!

Tips for Making Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

 

When it comes to making these potatoes perfectly crispy and delicious, there are a few tips to follow for best results. 

1. Pierce the outer skin of the squash with a fork, as this will help it cook faster in the air fryer and tenderize the inner portion.

 

2. Be sure to scoop out all of the “loose” seeds and flesh inside.

 

3. Use olive oil to brush along the inside flesh (once cut and seeds removed) to retain moisture in the air fryer. 

 

4. Season the squash before and after frying for extra flavour.

 

Is spaghetti squash healthy? 

 

You bet! This winter vegetable is packed with nutrients and has many health benefits. According to Healthline spaghetti squash:

• Contains vitamin C, B5, B6, and minerals like manganese. All which play an important role in overall health.
• Has beta-carotene. A potent antioxidant that helps prevent chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. 
• Is an excellent source of dietary fibre. It can help boost digestive function and keep you regular!
• Can help support weight loss. It is low calorie and nutrient dense, plus being high in fibre, making it a great food to include as part of a healthy weight loss plan.

How To Make It Step by Step:

 

1. Wash the squash and dry with paper towel, then carefully cut it in half lengthwise (see cutting spaghetti squash tips here), and pierce the outer peel with a fork multiple times.

2. Scoop out the “loose” inner flesh and seeds, that pulls easily from the rest of the inner portion using a fork. 

3. Brush the inside of the squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and parsley. 

4. Place the squash cut side up in the air fryer basket (if you have a large air fryer you should be able to fit both halves inside. If it is a smaller air fryer like mine, you will have to do one half at a time).

5. Air fry spaghetti squash at 380 degrees f for 18-20 minutes, stopping at the 15-minute mark to check the tenderness of your squash. you want the skin to be easily pierced by the flesh closest to the outer peel, it should be done. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your squash – after the 15 minute mark, cook 2 minutes at a time, checking until done to preferred tenderness. 

6. Once done, scrape the inside flesh of the cooked spaghetti squash with a fork to pull the noodle-like spaghetti squash strands away from the peel. 

7. Sprinkle lightly with salt and any fresh herbs you desire and enjoy!

In my book, this air fryer spaghetti squash is a win. It’s are fast, tastes delicious, and makes a great, healthier alternative to regular spaghetti. 

 

Have you made squash in an air fryer? Tell me about it in the comments below and be sure to pin the photo after the recipe to save this one for later.

If you make this recipe I’d love for you to give it a star rating in the recipe box below. Ratings are huge for a little ol’ blogger like me!

 

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