Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

You are going to love this Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash! It's tender, caramelized, and slightly charred for a healthy and delicious side dish.

If you haven't tried spaghetti squash from an air fryer before, then you have to try this recipe. Cooking it this way creates the most delicious texture because it lightly chars and caramelizes the strands of squash. This bakes in the spices we'll be adding for a dish that's truly tasty.

This squash is unique because once it's been cooked, you can shred and fluff the strands until they look like spaghetti. Their mild flavor works well with seasonings and sauces and you can make lots of delicious additions to this simple recipe. It makes a delicious side dish or even a main course. It's versatile and convenient, with the squash being easy to make ahead and reheat when needed. Let's take a look at the ingredients you'll be using to make this delicious Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash.

Video Tutorial

Main Ingredients

• Spaghetti Squash.
• Spices. Paprika, garlic powder, and salt. 
• Oil. I used avocado oil, but you can use whatever type you like.

How to Make Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

1. First, wash the squash and wipe it dry with a paper towel. Place it on a cutting board, and with a sharp knife, cut the spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds.

2. Then, season the spaghetti squash halves generously with garlic powder (or onion powder), paprika, and salt.

3. Drizzle each half with oil (about ½ tablespoon each) and use your hands to spread the oil evenly.

4. Place the spaghetti squash halves into the air fryer basket, cut side up. Air fry them at 400°F for about 35 minutes, until some nice char marks show up and they are fork tender. Note, that cook time with vary, depending on the size of your squash.

5. Once they're cool enough to touch, scrape the strands out with a fork. I like to work from the outside in, fluffing them up and making spaghetti-like strands.

Tips for the best Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

• Pre-mix the seasonings. Instead of sprinkling them on and maybe doing so unevenly, pre-mix the seasoning for an even distribution. The easiest way to do that is to put them in a small jar, cover them with a lid, and shake well. 
• Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. For an easy time getting the seeds out, just use a spoon for scooping them. This makes scraping the sides so much easier and you get the little stringy bits out every time. Spaghetti squash seeds are edible, so feel free to save them. 
• Preheat your air fryer. This is important because if you add the spaghetti squash to a still-heating air fryer, the lower temperature will result in steamed squash rather than air-fried, and you'll lose that amazing texture.
• Spread the oil with your hands. Spread the oil on the spaghetti squash halves with clean, dry hands to do a really thorough job.

Variations to this Recipe

• Tweak the seasonings to your preference. You can use more or less of the seasonings in this recipe per what you like. Or try some chili pepper, Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, black pepper, or Berbere for a whole new flavor profile.
• Substitute the oil. If you want to use a different oil, then I suggest olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or soybean oil, as these are the best for an air fryer. Learn more here: Best Oils for Air Fryer.
• Add butter. For some extra flavor, top each spaghetti squash half with about half a tablespoon of butter during the last few minutes of air frying. This gives it lots of richness.
• Add tomato sauce. Once you've fluffed the strands of spaghetti squash, top them with some marinara sauce to mimic real spaghetti. Or you can do Bolognese , Alfredo sauce, or your favorite pasta sauce, just use spaghetti squash instead of pasta for a great low-carb meal. Sprinkle some chopped fresh basil on top. There are so many different ways to serve it! 
• Add cheese. Another great way to serve this spaghetti squash is to add some shredded cheese on top once you already fluffed it. Then, return it to the air fryer for a few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt. Your cheesy spaghetti squash boats are ready! It's a simple side dish that goes well with any meal.

How to Store and Reheat it

Store leftover spaghetti squash in an airtight container or covered with a plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It can be kept there for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the squash over medium heat on the stove-top or in the microwave. If you haven't removed it from the skin, you can also reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes.

What to Serve this with

• Proteins. Serve this Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash with Spinach Stuffed Salmon, Roasted Pepper Stuffed Chicken Breast, Air Fryer Pork Chops, or Cajun Shrimp.
• Soups. Enjoy this veggie with a bowl of Red Lentil Soup with Bacon, Turkey Cabbage Soup, Hearty Mushroom Soup, or Quick Orzo Soup.
• Salads. Pair it with a green salad, like this Wedge Salad, Greek Salad with Quinoa, Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad, or Leftover Turkey Salad.
• Vegetables. Serve this dish with some Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Parmesan Mashed Potato Cakes, Steamed Asparagus, or Onion Fritters.

I think air frying is the best way to cook spaghetti squash. Whether it's your first time dealing with this vegetable, or you are already familiar with it, this recipe won't disappoint. It is perfect for the low-carb diet, when you want a nice substitute for spaghetti. 

I hope you enjoy this delicious Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash recipe as much as I do. It's versatile, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients. Perfect for any night of the week.

More air fryer recipes to try:

• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Garlic Bread