Ready in 25 minutes, this air fryer spaghetti squash recipe makes for the perfect low-carb noodle alternative to pasta. Serve it for dinner with your favorite pasta sauce or as a side dish!
the best 25-minute air fryer spaghetti squash
On days I have more time to cook, I love making these roasted chicken parmesan stuffed spaghetti squash boats. But roasting spaghetti squash in the oven takes between 40 and 50 minutes, and I don’t have time for that most nights. That’s why I am so excited to introduce this air fryer recipe!
Air fryer spaghetti squash is super easy to make in under 30 minutes. It’s perfectly seasoned, and the noodles are tender and fluffy. It’s 100 times easier, and you don’t have to wait an extra 20 minutes for your oven to preheat. I will never bake another spaghetti squash now that I can air-fry them.
One of my favorite ways to serve air fryer spaghetti squash is with this chicken bolognese or these zucchini turkey meatballs. But, recently, I have loved it as a simple side dish with a bit of butter, parsley, and grated parmesan cheese. The options are endless!
Why you’ll love this air fryer recipe:
- Air fryer spaghetti squash takes 25 minutes to make.
- It’s much faster than roasting spaghetti squash in the oven for 50 minutes.
- The noodles are fluffy and super flavorful.
- Spaghetti squash is a great low-carb alternative to pasta.
- Easy to make and minimal cleanup.
- Makes for a great side dish with fresh parsley and butter.
- Or serve it with chicken bolognese or these zucchini turkey meatballs!
- Make this chicken parmesan stuffed spaghetti squash next for another delicious dish!
Ingredients needed
This air fryer spaghetti squash recipe calls for a few very simple ingredients. You need a whole spaghetti squash, olive oil, and a few seasonings. This recipe is healthy, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Spaghetti Squash: For this recipe, you need 1 small spaghetti squash, that’s about 2 pounds. Once air fried, the noodles are fluffy, seasoned, and the perfect low-carb substitution for pasta.
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: This helps soften the spaghetti squash as it air fries and makes the noodles fluffy and tender.
- Seasonings: You’ll need salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (optional) to lightly season the spaghetti squash. I love adding some freshly chopped parsley on top after air frying too.
Kitchen tools required
Here is a list of kitchen utensils you will need to make this easy air fryer spaghetti squash recipe.
- Air Fryer
- Spoon
- Two Forks
- Measuring Tools:1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, and 1 Tablespoon.
How to make air fryer spaghetti squash
Air frying is the easiest way to prepare spaghetti squash noodles! Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make them. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card.
Step 1:
First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
Step 2:
Next, wash and dry the spaghetti squash. Then, carefully slice it in half lengthwise (through the stem) and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. Drizzle about one tablespoon of olive oil on the inside of the spaghetti squash, followed by the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Then, use your fingers to coat evenly.
Step 3:
Place the seasoned squash in the air fryer cut-side up. Air fry at 350°F for 25 – 30 minutes total, or until the squash is fork tender.
Step 4:
Then, carefully remove the squash from the air fryer and use two forks to lightly scrape the inside of the squash and fluff up the noodles.
Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, butter, and/or chopped parsley. Alternatively, you can serve the spaghetti squash noodles in place of pasta in your favorite bolognese or sauce recipe. I love this chicken bolognese and these zucchini turkey meatballs.
Expert tips for air fryer spaghetti squash
Don’t skip the olive oil. Trust me, olive oil is a must in this recipe! It keeps the spaghetti squash moist during air frying and makes the noodles super soft and tender. If not, the spaghetti squash will be dry and can burn.
Rub the seasonings in with your fingers. This ensures that the spaghetti squash halves are evenly seasoned.
Check at the 20-minute mark. All air fryers are different, so make sure to check around the 20-minute mark to ensure the spaghetti squash halves are not burning.
Make this recipe oil-free. If you want to make this air fryer spaghetti squash oil-free, use olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray or 1 – 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth per half.
Use two forks to fluff up the noodles. Be careful you don’t burn yourself when you fluff up the noodles! I love using two forks.
What to serve with air fryer spaghetti squash
Air fryer spaghetti squash makes for a great side dish with some parmesan, butter, and chopped parsley, or you can enjoy it as a main dish and substitute it for pasta. Here are a few ideas on what to serve air fryer spaghetti squash with:
- Lemon Caper Pasta
- Chicken Bolognese
- Zucchini Turkey Meatballs (Keto)
- Balsamic Feta Stuffed Chicken
- Dairy Free Tomato Soup
- Everything Bagel Crusted Salmon
Frequently Asked Questions
Is spaghetti squash low-carb?
Spaghetti squash is lower in carbs compared to traditional pasta. Per 1 cup serving, there are 10 grams of carbs and 5 grams of net carbs. However, I do not consider spaghetti squash to be keto or super “low-carb.” One serving does fit into a low-carb diet.
Is spaghetti squash healthy?
Yes, spaghetti squash is a great healthy and nutrient-dense food. It is high in fiber to keep you full, packed with Vitamin C, and lower in calories than pasta or other types of squash.
How many net carbs are in a spaghetti squash?
There are 5 grams of net carbs per 1 cup (151 gram) serving of spaghetti squash.
Can I make this recipe oil free?
Yes! You can make this recipe oil-free by using olive oil cooking spray or avocado oil spray. You can also add 1 – 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth to each half.
Can you freeze spaghetti squash?
You can freeze cooked spaghetti squash for up to 6 months. Simply let it cool after baking, shred it, and then place it into freezer-safe bags.
How do you reheat frozen spaghetti squash?
When you are ready to enjoy, reheat frozen cooked spaghetti squash on the stovetop in a pot on low, in the microwave (wrapped in a damp paper towel) for 1 – 3 minutes, or in an oven-safe dish the oven at 350°F for 5 – 10 minutes.
What’s the best temperature to air fry spaghetti squash?
For best results, air fry spaghetti squash at 350°F for super fluffy and tender noodles. If the temperature is too high, the spaghetti squash will burn.
How long do I air fry spaghetti squash at 350°F?
Spaghetti squash takes about 25 to 30 minutes to air fry at 400°F.
How to store and reheat leftovers:
Storing: Store leftover air fryer spaghetti squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 – 6 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 5 – 7 minutes, in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5 – 10 minutes until warm, or in the microwave for 1 – 4 minutes until warm. If you are microwaving it, I recommend wrapping it in a damp paper towel.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Air Fried Parmesan Zucchini
- Air Fryer Baby Carrots
- Butternut Squash Curry
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
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