If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying dish, look no further than air fryer spaghetti squash. With just a few ingredients and under 25 minutes of your time, you can enjoy a flavorful and filling meal that won’t weigh you down. Whether you’re a seasoned spaghetti squash lover or new to this veggie, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love this Dish
- It’s surprisingly filling, yet low in calories! That’s always a win in my books.
- It’s easy to prepare! Just slice the squash in half, toss it in your air fryer, and let it do its thing.
- It’s so flavorful and satisfying! While it can’t replace the sinful deliciousness of wheat pasta, it’s a comforting alternative that won’t disappoint.
- It’s incredibly versatile! Just like your favorite pasta dishes, you can jazz up spaghetti squash any way you like. Toss it with sautéed veggies, mix it with homemade pesto or tomato sauce, or even indulge in an Alfredo twist!
How to Pick Spaghetti Squash
Choosing the perfect spaghetti squash at the supermarket can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you make the right selection:
- Opt for a squash that’s not too big, around the 2 lb mark, to ensure it fits in your air fryer basket.
- Look for a squash that feels firm and heavy for its size, without any mushy spots.
- Check that the stem is firm and dry.
- Avoid squash with cracks, blemishes, or bruised spots.
- Choose a yellow squash for ripeness, as opposed to paler ones.
Why Air Fry Spaghetti Squash?
Air frying spaghetti squash offers several advantages:
- It’s faster! In just 20 minutes, you can have perfect spaghetti squash.
- It’s better! Air frying ensures an ‘al dente’ texture that strikes the right balance between mushiness and wateriness.
How to Make It
Making air fryer spaghetti squash is a breeze. Here’s a summary of the steps:
- Wash the squash thoroughly.
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise, ensuring even halves for even cooking.
- Scoop out the seeds.
- Place the halved pieces open side up in the air fryer basket.
- Drizzle with oil (optional) and sprinkle with your favorite seasoning.
- Cook until a fork easily pierces the flesh, approximately 20 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked squash to a bowl or dish and use a fork to fluff it up, creating long, noodle-like strands.
- Top with vegan parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, or enjoy it as is.
How to Store
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months, ensuring they are tightly sealed and completely cooled before storing. To reheat, use the air fryer, oven, or toaster oven until heated through.
Which Model Do I Need?
I use an 8qt Ninja Foodi for this recipe, but any air fryer that can accommodate the size of your squash will work just fine. Keep in mind that smaller models may cook the squash faster, so start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark.
What if I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No worries! You can still enjoy spaghetti squash by using your oven. Preheat it to 400 degrees F, cut and halve your squash, and season as directed. Then, bake it on a tray lined with parchment paper for 35-45 minutes until fork-tender and enjoy!
Variations
To add some excitement to your air fryer spaghetti squash, try these variations:
- Sauté some veggies like onions, peppers, mushrooms, and spinach and mix them in with your cooked squash.
- Pair your air-fried squash with your favorite marinara, pesto, or Alfredo sauce.
- Create a sweet version by using butter instead of oil, brown sugar instead of salt, and a dash of cinnamon.
- Use the veggie “spaghetti” to replace noodles or rice in your favorite stir-fry or curry dish.
- Toss in black beans, corn, tomatoes, and guacamole to make a spaghetti squash taco bowl.
Expert Tips
- Cut your squash in half as equally as possible for even cooking.
- Different air fryers cook at different speeds, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- The size of your spaghetti squash will affect the cooking time, so adapt accordingly.
- For an oil-free option, omit the oil and use a little vegetable broth to keep the squash moist during cooking.
More Air Fryer Recipes
If you’re enjoying your air fryer adventures, check out these other delicious recipes:
- Air Fried Hash Browns From Scratch
- Cauliflower Buffalo Wings w/ Air Fried Option
- Air Fried Carrots [Two Ways!]
- Healthy Air Fried Eggplant [Oil Free]
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen for more mouthwatering recipes! You can also follow Ekilove on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter to stay updated with the latest delicious food creations.
Buon appetito,
Rosa
