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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.