Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Name: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 medium spaghetti squash; salt

Air fryer spaghetti squash is quick and easy, taking just 15 minutes to prepare. Start by halving the squash, seasoning it to your liking, and then air fry until tender. Once done, you can serve it with a sprinkle of coarsely ground salt and freshly cracked pepper, or incorporate it into your favorite recipes.

Spaghetti squash is a versatile addition to your meals, whether as a delightful side dish or the star of a family dinner. In addition to learning how to cook spaghetti squash in the air fryer, you’ll also discover tips on selecting, storing, and presenting this side dish. Your kids are sure to give it their seal of approval, making it a new household favorite!

The versatility of the vegetable is one of the top reasons we look forward to cooking with squash. We share below different ways you can turn this veggie into a delicious and nutritious dish. We love using cooked spaghetti squash in our Spaghetti Squash Carbonara or substitution it for pasta in our Spaghetti Cups.

Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash
salt

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

ends removed from spaghetti squash with knife

spoon scooping seeds from spaghetti squash center

How To Make Spaghetti Squash In Air Fryer

Start off by prepping the squash.
Carefully cut the ends off of the squash. Slice in half lengthwise then scoop the seeds from the center. Spray with nonstick cooking spray and season with salt. Place cut side down onto the air fryer basket.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender. Let cool for 5 minutes then use a fork to remove the insides. Serve as is or in your favorite recipes.

spaghetti squash halves sprayed with avocado oil

coarse salt sprinkled on top of oiled spaghetti squash halves

spaghetti squash halves on air fryer tray face down

Ideas For Using Cooked Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash can easily turn your favorite pasta dishes into a gluten-free (and veggie-packed) version! Mix this spaghetti squash recipe with Gluten Free Alfredo Sauce, Gluten Free Pasta Sauce or sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
Make a Mediterranean version by drizzling the cooked spaghetti squash with olive oil then topping with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
Swap the rigatoni pasta in our Taco Pasta Bake with air-fried squash for a fun Taco Tuesday recipe.
Turn into a spaghetti squash side dish by replacing the pasta in our Gluten Free Pasta Salad, potatoes in Gluten Free Cheesy Potatoes or mixing with Instant Pot Broccoli and avocado oil.
Pair with cinnamon and brown sugar in a sauté pan to caramelize and serve sweet.
Toss with Gluten Free Stir Fry Sauce then mix with chicken, pork, or beef and your favorite vegetable combo.

Tips and Tricks

Choose the Right Squash: Look for a medium-sized spaghetti squash that feels firm and heavy for its size. This indicates freshness.
Safety First: Be very careful when cutting the squash, as it can be tough to slice through. Use a sharp knife and a stable cutting board. If you’re not comfortable with this step, you can also pierce the squash several times with a fork and microwave it for a few minutes to soften it slightly before cutting.
Scoop Out the Seeds: Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and the stringy pulp from the center of the squash halves. You can save the seeds for roasting if you like.
Nonstick Cooking Spray: Using nonstick cooking spray is a good idea to prevent the squash from sticking to the air fryer tray. You can also line the tray with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.
Cooking Time: The cooking time can vary depending on the size of your squash and the specific model of your air fryer. Start with 15-20 minutes, as you mentioned, but check the squash’s doneness by piercing it with a fork. It should be fork-tender, meaning the fork goes in easily.
Cooling: Let the cooked squash cool for a few minutes before handling. This makes it easier to work with and prevents burns.
Removing the Insides: Use a fork to scrape the flesh of the squash. The strands will start to resemble spaghetti noodles. You can scrape it all out and serve it as is or use it in your favorite recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to select a spaghetti squash?

First things first, look for a medium size (~2lb) squash as anything larger may not fit in the air fryer basket. Next, check the squash is free from bruises, blemishes, and cracks. You’re aiming to select a dry, firm, and deep yellow-colored squash that feels heavy for its size.

Can you freeze spaghetti squash?

Yes! To freeze, let the squash completely cool after cooking. Then, pack in an air-tight container or Ziplock bag before freezing for up to 3 months. Reheat by adding back to the air fryer or in the microwave or preheated oven.

How long do spaghetti squash last?

Cooked spaghetti squash will last up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. A whole squash can last up to 3 months at room temperature.

How else to cook spaghetti squash?

When looking for a hands-off approach to cooking squash, we have you covered with our How To Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Crockpot guide. Learn how to make spaghetti squash in the slow cooker in just a few simple steps. A gluten-free and dairy-free cooking method.

Can you keep squash seeds?

Squash seeds can be removed from the squash, baked then consumed just like pumpkin seeds. Makes a great afternoon or evening snack.

Storage Instructions

To properly store cooked spaghetti squash, ensure it’s completely cooled before handling. Place any leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store the container or wrapped squash in the refrigerator. Cooked spaghetti squash can typically be refrigerated for up to 3-5 days.

If you want to extend its shelf life further, you can also freeze it. To freeze, portion the squash into individual servings, place them in airtight freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, and label them with the date. Frozen spaghetti squash can remain good for several months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Proper storage will help maintain the squash’s quality and flavor.

Kids In The Kitchen

Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.

Use a fork to scrape cooked spaghetti squash from the shell
Spaghetti squash can be cooked in the air fryer, oven, microwave or on the grill
Not sure if you like spaghetti squash? Mix a few bites in a bowl with gluten-free pasta then try it with your favorite spaghetti sauce on the top.

More Squash Recipes

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash Recipe

Air fryer spaghetti squash takes just 15 minutes to cook. Simply cut the squash in half, season, bake then serve topped with coarsely ground salt and freshly cracked pepper or use in your favorite recipe.

Pin Recipe Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Servings 4

Equipment

Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash
salt

Instructions

⭐️Prep the squash. Carefully cut the ends off of the squash. Slice in half lengthwise then scoop the seeds from the center. Spray with nonstick cooking spray and season with salt. Place cut side down onto the air fryer tray.
1 medium spaghetti squash, salt
⭐️Preheat the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until fork-tender. Let cool for 5 minutes then use a fork to remove the insides. Serve as is or in your favorite recipes.

Notes

Select

First things first, look for a medium size (~2lb) squash as anything larger may not fit in the air fryer basket. Next, check the squash is free from bruises, blemishes and crackers. You’re aiming to select a dry, firm and deep yellow colored squash that feels heavy for its size.

Store

Cooked spaghetti squash will last up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. A whole squash can last up to 3 months at room temperature.

To freeze, let the squash completely cool after cooking. Then, pack in an air-tight container or Ziplock bag before freezing for up to 3 months. Reheat by adding back to the air fryer or in the microwave or preheated oven.

Serve

Serve as is or incorporate into one of these delicious recipes: Gluten Free Alfredo Sauce, Gluten Free Pasta Sauce, Taco Pasta Bake, Gluten Free Pasta Salad, Gluten Free Cheesy Potatoes, Instant Pot Broccoli, or Gluten Free Stir Fry Sauce.

CCK Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.