Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

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4.74 from 15 votes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings

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Mildly sweet with sharp, cheesy parmesan, my low-calorie air fryer spaghetti squash features a classic flavor combination!

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash cooked and cut into half with strands inside the halves
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Making spaghetti squash for a delicious low-calorie dish has been wildly popular for the past decade or so. And of all the ways I’ve prepared it, air fryer spaghetti squash is definitely the best!

This is a flavorful, tender air fried spaghetti squash recipe that you can use with any combination of sauces and seasonings. I have my own recommendations in this post, but you can get so creative and make it exactly as you’d like. And with the air fryer, you’re not pushing around soggy, watery “noodles” – the texture is fantastic.

When it’s in season, there are so many ways to enjoy squash! Acorn and butternut round out my top three favorite ones to make in the air fryer. (And have you tried mac and cheese stuffed in an acorn squash? It’s unbelievable!)

Air Fryer I recommend: Large, easy to clean, square basket, burner on top and bottom. Click to see it.

How to Make Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees.

STEP TWO: Slice the ends off of the squash with a sharp knife and halve it lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon or melon baller.

Baste a tablespoon or two of oil on the tops and middle of the squash.

Spaghetti Squash cut in half on a cutting board with seeds cut out and melon baller to the side

STEP THREE: Put both halves in the air fryer basket side by side – if you need to trim the sides of the squash to make it fit, do so.

STEP FOUR: Air fry the spaghetti squash for 25 to 30 minutes until fork tender.

Raw spaghetti squash in air fryer

STEP FIVE: Remove the air fryer spaghetti squash from the basket and transfer to a plate. Season with salt and black pepper, then gently scrape the sides to release the spaghetti-like strands. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese overtop and mix.

STEP SIX: Serve right away and enjoy! 

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Air Fryer

First choose a good squash – one that’s firm with no soft spots, a bright yellow color, with the stem attached, and with no apparent cracks or blemishes

Your squash is done cooking when it’s easily pierced with a fork and when the flesh is easily combed into long strands

Finally, know that you don’t need to overload the seasonings to enjoy it! It has a naturally nutty, delicately sweet flavor. A conservative amount of salt, pepper, and any other seasoning of your choice will highlight the taste and make for a healthy, satisfying meal. 

Spaghetti Squash halve with a fork pulling out a bite of squash

Tips for Preparing Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

  • Those who are worried about watery noodles can sprinkle salt onto the halved squash ahead of time to help draw out some of that moisture. Wipe off the excess salt before you air fry the spaghetti squash.
  • Make sure your squash halves are the same size so that they cook evenly in the fryer.
  • If you’re wondering how to cook spaghetti squash in the air fryer whole: increase the temperature to 400 degrees and cook for 40 minutes until easily pierced by a fork. Note: this is only possible with a large air fryer – ideally an air fryer oven.

How Long to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Air Fryer

It takes a total of 30 minutes to air fry spaghetti squash. Depending on the size of the squash and model of the fryer, this can vary. Generally, the spaghetti squash is in the air fryer for 25 to 30 minutes. 

Cooked air fried spaghetti squash with parmesan still in the spaghetti squash halves

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash Variations

  • A dab of tomato sauce in this recipe is a great finishing touch that goes really well with the parmesan! Make it even cheesier with mozzarella cheese and create a perfect pizza-like flavor.
  • A bit of heat from paprika, cayenne, or chili powder is a great match for the nutty sweetness of the squash! Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, and thyme would round that palette out well. 
  • Butter and garlic powder, or even minced garlic, make for a very aromatic, Italian-tasting dish.

Any of the above can be mixed and matched to suit your preferences. That’s what I love about air frying spaghetti squash – it’s a blank canvas!

Closeup of the cooked air fryer spaghetti squsah with strands pulled

What to Serve With Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

How to Reheat Spaghetti Squash in the Air Fryer

Any leftovers should be refrigerated in an airtight container. Properly stored, they’ll last for up to a week.

  1. Preheat the fryer to a slightly lower temperature, 350 degrees.
  2. Air fry the spaghetti squash for 3 to 4 minutes, or just 2 to 3 if you’re only reheating the strands.
Cooked air fryer spaghetti squash halves cut open with strands pulled

More Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes

More Squash Recipes

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Air Fryer Weight Watcher Points per serving: 2

4.74 from 15 votes

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is roasted in the air fryer and topped with parmesan cheese for a simple vegetable side dish.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 1 spaghetti squash
  • 1-2 tablespoons of oil, optional, but preferrable
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees.
  • Cut the ends off of the spaghetti squash and slice it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds with a spoon or melon baller. Baste 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil on the squash.
  • Place the spaghetti squash in the air fryer side by side, cutting the long sides down if needed slightly to fit.
  • Cook for 25-30 minutes then remove the spaghetti squash from the air fryer.
  • Season with salt and pepper and comb down the sides of the squash to create spaghetti-like strands. Add in Parmesan cheese and mix.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

How to Reheat Spaghetti Squash in the Air Fryer:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees.
2. Place the leftover spaghetti squash halve in the air fryer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes (2 to 3 minutes for just the strands).
3. Remove from the air fryer and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 179kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 342mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g

This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.

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Hi, I'm Samantha!

Welcome to Everyday Family Cooking. I’m Samantha, a stay-at-home-mom of 2. I’m here to make cooking easier for your whole family and help you find new recipes to put in your regular rotation!

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4.74 from 15 votes (13 ratings without comment)

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7 Comments

  1. Relle says:

    Ooh great idea. This sounds delicious.

  2. Becca says:

    Great tip about the mellon baller – works so much better than the spoon I usually use!

    1. everydayfamily says:

      Yes! Isn’t it so much easier and faster?!

  3. Donna says:

    Sorry, I can’t post a picture because we ate it all. The air fryer works so much better than any other method of cooking spaghetti squash. This was the best recipe. I used a marinara sauce with this. I will definitely use this recipe again., soon.

  4. Donna says:

    5 stars
    Sorry, I can’t post a picture because we ate it all. The air fryer works so much better than any other method of cooking spaghetti squash. This was the best recipe. I used a marinara sauce with this. I will definitely use this recipe again., soon.

  5. JT says:

    5 stars
    Easy and yummy. Great with or without red sauce. I have some left and I can’t wait for lunch tomorrow!

    1. Sam says:

      Hi JT, So glad you enjoyed the recipe!