This air fryer spaghetti squash recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a low-carb, nutrient-packed alternative to traditional pasta. It’s easy to make, with minimal ingredients, and the air fryer cuts down cooking time significantly!
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Ingredients you will need
- Spaghetti squash: Look for spaghetti squash at your local grocery store, farmers' market, or health food stores. Choose one that feels firm and has no soft spots
- Olive oil: You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or melted coconut oil for different flavor profiles.
- Sea salt
- Black pepper (optional)
- Italian seasoning: If you don't have Italian seasoning, you can use a blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Fresh parsley for garnish
See recipe card for quantities
How to cook the spaghetti in the Air Fryer
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you prepare the spaghetti squash.
Prepare the Spaghetti Squash
Start by slicing the spaghetti squash in half width-wise. Be careful, as spaghetti squash can be tough to cut through. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard them.
Season the Squash
Drizzle the cut sides of the squash with olive oil and sprinkle sea salt, black pepper (if using), and Italian seasoning evenly over both halves.
Cook in the Air Fryer
Place the squash halves cut side up in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender. If your squash is larger, you may need to add a few extra minutes.
Scrape the Squash
Once done, remove the squash from the air fryer and allow it to cool slightly. Use a fork to scrape the flesh into strands, resembling spaghetti. Toss with fresh parsley and serve!
Why cut the spaghetti squash width-wise
- More Uniform Strands: When you scrape the flesh after cooking, cutting width-wise often results in longer strands of spaghetti-like texture, which can be more visually appealing and closer to traditional pasta.
- Better Fit in Air Fryer: Depending on the size of your air fryer, width-wise cuts may fit better in the basket, allowing for more even cooking..
Variations:
- Cheesy Spaghetti Squash: After cooking, mix in grated Parmesan or mozzarella for a cheesy flavor.
- Spaghetti Squash with Marinara: Serve with a warm marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a comforting meal.
- Garlic Butter Squash: Toss the squash strands with melted butter and garlic powder for a rich, savory dish.
Serve With:
- This air fryer spaghetti squash pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, meatballs, or a fresh garden salad. You can also use it as a low-carb base for your favorite pasta sauce.
Storage and Freezing Tips:
- Storage: Leftover spaghetti squash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked and cooled squash in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave or a skillet.
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 small spaghetti squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper optional
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you prepare the spaghetti squash.
- Start by slicing the spaghetti squash in half width-wise. Be careful, as spaghetti squash can be tough to cut through. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and discard them.
- Drizzle the cut sides of the squash with olive oil and sprinkle sea salt, black pepper (if using), and Italian seasoning evenly over both halves.
- Place the squash halves cut side up in the air fryer basket. Cook for 25 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender. If your squash is larger, you may need to add a few extra minutes.
- Once done, remove the squash from the air fryer and allow it to cool slightly. Use a fork to scrape the flesh into strands, resembling spaghetti. Toss with fresh parsley and serve!
Notes
- Can I cook a whole spaghetti squash in the air fryer?
Cooking a whole spaghetti squash in the air fryer is not recommended, as it will take much longer and may not cook evenly. It’s best to cut the squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and then air fry it. - Do I need to peel the spaghetti squash before cooking?
No, you do not need to peel the spaghetti squash. The skin becomes soft during cooking, but it is not meant to be eaten. After cooking, you can simply scrape the "spaghetti" strands from the skin. - How do I know when the spaghetti squash is done?
The squash is done when a fork easily pierces the flesh and you can scrape the strands without much resistance. If the strands still seem tough, cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. - Can I use different seasonings?
Absolutely! You can experiment with a variety of seasonings such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, or even curry powder depending on the flavor you want.
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