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Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 51 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 medium halves, serving 2 to 4
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash recipe offers a quick and healthy way to prepare a tender, flavorful vegetable base perfect for a variety of toppings. Using the air fryer cooks the squash to a perfect texture with a slight crispness, enhancing its natural sweetness and making it an excellent low-carb alternative to pasta.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh parsley, basil, or oregano (optional)
  • Minced garlic (optional, for garlic and herb variation)
  • Grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy twist)
  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne (optional, for spicy kick)
  • Marinara sauce and fresh basil (optional, for Italian style)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Squash: Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and stringy center to create clean halves ready for seasoning.
  2. Season the Squash: Brush the inside flesh lightly with olive oil and sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly. Add any preferred fresh herbs at this stage to maximize flavor infusion while cooking.
  3. Air Fry the Squash: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the squash halves cut side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 25-30 minutes, checking tenderness starting at 20 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  4. Scrape the Flesh: Once soft, use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. The texture should be tender with a slight crispness from air frying.
  5. Serve: Serve the fluffy strands as is or with your favorite toppings such as sauces, fresh herbs, or proteins to complete your meal.

Notes

  • Check tenderness early at 20 minutes to prevent overcooking, as air fryer models vary in heat intensity.
  • For added flavor, try adding minced garlic and herbs like basil or oregano before air frying.
  • Top with grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy variation that’s vegetarian-friendly.
  • Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
  • This recipe pairs well with marinara sauce and fresh basil for an Italian-inspired dish.