• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Bites of Wellness
  • Recipes by Course
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Side Dish
    • Dessert
    • Snacks
    • Soup
    • Salad
  • Recipes by Diet
    • gluten free
    • dairy free
    • low carb
    • high protein
    • low fat
    • vegan
    • vegetarian
    • paleo
    • whole30
  • Kitchen Essentials
  • Free Resources
  • Work With Me
    • About
    • Contact
Home / Recipes / Side Dish / Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Published December 22, 2020. Last updated December 29, 2020 by Samantha Rowland

Air fryer spaghetti squash after cooking.
Gluten FreeDairy FreeVeganWhole30PaleoKetoLow Carb

Air fryer spaghetti squash, a quick and easy way to cook perfect spaghetti squash noodles every time. Spaghetti squash cooked in the air fryer is never mushy or overcooked and it makes the best low carb pasta noodles! Use spaghetti squash noodles anywhere you would use regular pasta for a grain free, gluten free, keto and Whole30 friendly meal!

  • Facebook
Jump to Recipe

Air fryer spaghetti squash after cooking.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended. Please note I only recommend products that I personally use and trust. Please see my disclosure policy for more details.

3 reasons I love this recipe:

Spaghetti squash cooked in the air fryer is so easy to make and it is the perfect base for any meal! When you use the air fryer, you get perfectly shaped noodles that are tender but not mushy every single time!

Spaghetti squash can be used just like pasta! It’s low in calories, an easy way to add in more veggies to your diet, and it’s naturally gluten free (and grain free). You can use pasta sauce, creamy garlic sauce, or even make a salad out of spaghetti squash! The possibilities are endless and now you can guarantee perfectly cooked spaghetti squash every time.

I have tips on how to make spaghetti squash easier to cut into! If you have ever cut a spaghetti squash before, you know they have very tough skin and they can be a bit intimidating to cut! Not anymore!

Ingredients:

Spaghetti Squash

get my 10 greatest recipes ebook by signing up for my newsletter

GET 10 OF MY ALL TIME GREATEST RECIPES
IN THIS FREE EBOOK

Instructions:

(Optional to soften the skin) Start by carefully cutting two slits in the top of the spaghetti squash (like you would a baked potato) so that you can cook the squash whole for a few minutes in the microwave or oven.

Knife piercing the skin of spaghetti squash.

(Optional to soften the skin) Microwave the squash for 4 minutes on high. If you do not want to use a microwave, place the spaghetti squash whole in a preheating oven for 5-6 minutes (or if it fits whole in your air fryer, in the air fryer at 375F for 4 minutes).

After the squash has cooked whole, carefully remove it and place it on a cutting board. Now the skin should be much softer and easier to cut into. Start at the middle of the squash and using a large chefs knife cut down towards the base of the squash. You will want to work in small sections, pushing the knife in then leveraging it down towards the base of the squash. Work your way around the squash until you have come to top where the stem is. Use your hands to break the squash apart at this point (don’t try to cut through the stem).

Knife slicing spaghetti squash in half.

Now you should have 2 halves of the squash with seeds in the center. You will want to scrape out the seeds with a spoon.

Spoon removing the seeds of a spaghetti squash.

Place the spaghetti squash in the air fryer basket, skin side down, cut side up. If your basket is not large enough to fit both halves of the squash cut side up, you will have to stack them on top of each other (see photo) or cook each half separately. (You will see that my squash had to be cooked stacked on top of each other.)

Spaghetti squash in air fryer basket before cooking.

Cook the spaghetti squash in the air fryer at  375F for 25-30 minutes. Note: If you have to stack the squash, after about 15 minutes, pause the air fryer and carefully flip the squash so that the one on the top is now on the bottom and vice versa). Resume cooking the squash once flipped.

Spaghetti squash in air fryer basket after cooking.

After 25 minutes, carefully remove the one of the halves of squash from the air fryer (using tongs or an oven mitt in your hand). Take a fork and scrape the flesh, starting from where the seeds were and working your way towards the skin to create the noodles. You want to test to see if the squash is cooked. It will easily form noodles at this point. Taste one of the noodles to see if it needs to cook longer (it will still taste like raw squash if it needs to cook longer). If needed, put the squash back in the air fryer for 5 minutes to finish cooking.

Fork dragging across spaghetti squash to release noodles.

Once the squash is done cooking, carefully remove it from the air fryer and use a fork to scrape down the squash, releasing the noodles.

Tips on air frying a spaghetti squash:

The best tip is to choose a spaghetti squash that will fit in the basket of your air fryer. This usually means that you will need to get a smaller sized spaghetti squash or be willing to cook your squash in halves or quarters in the air fryer to accommodate the larger size.  Typically a squash around 2 pounds works well.

When picking out a spaghetti squash at the store, you are looking for a squash that is yellow, not pale or almost white. The color of the squash indicates its ripeness. Be sure the skin is unblemished (no bruises or dark marks that would indicate it was punctured). You want a squash that feels heavy for its size.

Spaghetti squash after cooking on a white plate.

How to serve spaghetti squash

You can use spaghetti squash like you would with any pasta. Although it is not an exact substitute, it can be a great way to get in more veggies or a lower carb way to enjoy some of your favorite dishes! Some of my favorite ways to serve spaghetti squash include mixing it with:

  • Homemade Marinara Sauce
  • Green Chili Sauce (for a fun Mexican twist)
  • Pesto or Sundried Tomato Pesto
  • Creamy Garlic Sauce (for a fun twist on fettucine alfredo)
  • Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
  • Creamy Asian Sauce
  • Use it as a base for salads like this Greek Spaghetti Squash Salad

Storage:

After cooking, spaghetti squash can be stored in an air tight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.  Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350F for 5 minutes or use the microwave.

If you decide to only cook ½ of your squash at a time, you can store the uncooked half of squash in the fridge for up to 4 days, covered.

Freeze leftover spaghetti squash in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months after scraping the squash away from the skin. Note: after freezing, the squash may not have the same texture as right out of the air fryer; you may find that it’s a bit more watery after defrosting.

Fork holding strands of spaghetti squash after air frying.

FAQ’s

How do you cook spaghetti squash so it isn’t watery?

Spaghetti squash gets watery when you over cook it. Overcooking the squash can be easy to do in the microwave, in the Instant pot, or in the slow cooker. Cooking the spaghetti squash in the oven or the air fryer helps keep it from getting watery. The constant air flow in the air fryer helps quickly cook the squash without overcooking it.

How do you cut open a spaghetti squash easily?

Cutting open the spaghetti squash can be the hardest part of this entire recipe. To make this easier, I recommend you take the extra time to cut slits in the top of the squash and microwave it whole for 4 minutes on high. This helps to soften the skin, which will make it easy to cut open. Having a sharp knife will also help with this.

How can I cook spaghetti squash quickly if I don’t have an air fryer?

I have the best resource for you! My top 3 ways to cook spaghetti squash quickly (using the oven, microwave and instant pot).

Spaghetti squash in air fryer after cooking.

More air fryer recipes to try:

  • Air Fryer Butternut Squash
  • Air Fryer Delicata Squash
  • Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts
  • Air Fryer Salmon
  • Air Fryer Broccoli Tots
★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
Spaghetti squash halves on a white plate after cooking.

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air fryer spaghetti squash makes perfect spaghetti squash every time, never mushy or overcooked and it makes the best low carb pasta noodles! Gluten free, vegan, keto, Whole30 friendly!
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy spaghetti squash, spaghetti squash air fryer
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 2
Author: Samantha Rowland

Ingredients

  • 1 spaghetti squash – about 2 pounds
  • 1 pinch salt – (optional)

Instructions

  • Start by piercing the squash with a knife 1-2 times (like a baked potato) so you can microwave the squash to soften the skin. This is an optional step.
  • Microwave the squash whole, 4 minutes on high. If you don't want to use the microwave you can also put the squash in a preheating oven for 5 minutes or so. This is an optional step.
  • Once the squash has cooked in the microwave, carefully remove it (it may be hot).
  • Cut the squash in half from the stem to the bottom, starting in the middle of the squash. Cut in small pieces (the skin is thick) from the middle down towards the bottom of the squash. Work your way around the squash, stop at the stem.
  • Use your hands to pull the squash apart, don't try to cut through the stem. Once you have two halves of the squash, use a spoon to remove the seeds.
  • Place the squash cut side up, skin side down in the air fryer. If you have a smaller air fryer like I do, you may have to stack the squash on top of each other. You want the bottom half to be skin side down, and the top half to be skin side up.
  • Place in the air fryer and cook at 375F for 25 minutes. If you have to stack the spaghetti squash, you will want to pause cooking after it's been cooking for 15 minutes. Carefully flip the squash so that the one on the bottom is now on the top. Continue cooking.
  • After 25 minutes, carefully remove one half of the squash from the air fryer (use tongs, an oven mit hand or 2 forks). Take a fork and scrape the flesh, starting where the seeds once were and working your way towards the skin. You will see that noodles are forming. Take a bite of one of the noodles to see if the squash is cooked through. If it still tastes like raw squash, you will need to cook it about 5 more minutes.
  • If needed, place squash back in air fryer and cook 5 more minutes at 375F.
  • After done cooking, carefully remove both halves of the squash and scrape the flesh, creating the spaghetti squash noodles.

You’ll Also Love These Amazing Recipes

  • Overhead shot of a large white bowl filled with Greek Spaghetti Squash Salad. Tomatoes and parsley surround the bowl and there is a white napkin and two forks off to the left.
  • Fork holding a bite of creamy spaghetti squash bake.
  • Bowl filled with air fryer butternut squash.
  • A large bowl with a rust colored bottom filled with creamy Asian vegan spaghetti squash recipe with chopsticks being held, plunging into the left side of the bowl

Notes

Tips on air frying a spaghetti squash:
  • You want to choose a spaghetti squash that will fit in the basket of your air fryer. This usually means that you want to get a smaller sized spaghetti squash or be willing to cook your squash in halves or quarters in the air fryer to accommodate the larger size.  Typically a squash around 2 pounds works well.
  • When picking out a spaghetti squash at the store, you are looking for a squash that is yellow, not pale or almost white. The color of the squash indicates its ripeness. Be sure the skin is unblemished (no bruises or dark marks that would indicate it was punctured). You want a squash that feels heavy for its size.
Storage:
  • After cooking, spaghetti squash can be stored in an air tight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.  Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350F for 5 minutes or use the microwave.
  • If you decide to only cook ½ of your squash at a time, you can store the uncooked half of squash in the fridge for up to 4 days, covered.
  • Freeze leftover spaghetti squash in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months after scraping the squash away from the skin. Note: after freezing, the squash may not have the same texture as right out of the air fryer; you may find that it’s a bit more watery after defrosting.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Amount per Serving
Calories
150
Fat
 
3
g
Carbohydrates
 
33
g
Fiber
 
7
g
Sugar
 
13
g
Protein
 
3
g
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Share a pic on Instagram @bites_of_wellness or tag #bitesofwellness

SHOP MY FAVORITE FAST MEAL MUST-HAVES

Use the buttons below to buy my must-have fast meal basics and don’t forget to visit my Amazon Shop!

A fast meal recommendation for an Immersion Blender (Amazon Affiliate Link)
A fast meal recommendation for an Instant Pot (Amazon Affiliate Link)
A fast meal recommendation for a silicone baking mat (Amazon Affiliate Link)
A fast meal recommendation for a Ninja Blender (Amazon Affiliate Link)
  • Facebook

SHARE THIS POST!

If you liked this post, share it with your friends and family!

  • Facebook
Previous Post: « Hemp Almond Flax Crackers
Next Post: Pesto Tuna Pasta »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Browse By Course

Breakfast Lunch Dinner Dessert Sides Snacks Soup Salad All Recipes

Browse By Diet

    Gluten FreeDairy FreeVeganWhole30PaleoKetoHigh ProteinLow CarbQuickVegetarian

Sam at Bites of Wellness

Hi, I’m Samantha. A personal trainer and nutrition coach. I’m here to help you get a healthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Learn More About Me →

Whole30 Favorites

Spoon in a jar of cilantro chimichurri sauce.

Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce (Whole30, Vegan)

Cast iron skillet filled with sun dried tomato shrimp.

Sun Dried Tomato Shrimp (Whole30 + Keto)

Wooden scoop in a bowl of whole30 taco seasoning

Whole30 Taco Seasoning (low FODMAP)

Air fryer basket full of delicata squash fries.

Air Fryer Delicata Squash

Spaghetti squash halves on a white plate after cooking.

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Vegan roasted red pepper sauce in a glass jar.

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce (Vegan + Whole30)

Most Popular Recipes

Overhead shot of bowl of best ever mushroom soup with a wooden handled spoon in the bowl on the left side of the bowl. Fresh mushrooms and thyme leaves surround the bowl and there is a grey striped napkin to the left of the bowl

Best Ever Mushroom Soup

Spoon full of broccoli cheese soup over a bowl.

Vegan Broccoli Cheese Soup

White Bean Mushroom Soup in a green and orange bowl with creamy mushrooms on the top, a red and orange napkin and a golden spoon next to the bowl

Best Ever White Bean Mushroom Soup

Bowl of protein puppy chow with a silver spoon scooping some out of the bowl.

Protein Puppy Chow (Gluten Free, Vegan)

Bowl of baked balsamic tofu with a spoon of Italian seasoning below.

Balsamic Tofu

Protein hot chocolate topped with whipped cream in a white mug.

Simple Healthy Protein Hot Chocolate (Dairy-Free)

Footer

Featured On

Bites of Wellness has been featured on countryliving.Bites of Wellness has been featured on buzzfeed.Bites of Wellness has been featured on women's health.Bites of Wellness has been featured on Boston Magazine.Bites of Wellness has been featured on Well and Good.Bites of Wellness has been featured on SHAPE.Bites of Wellness has been featured on PureWow.Bites of Wellness has been featured on PARADE.Bites of Wellness has been featured on Huffington Post.Bites of Wellness has been featured on Greatist.Bites of Wellness has been featured on Eat This Not That.

Recipes by Diet

  • Gluten Free
  • Dairy Free
  • Vegan
  • Paleo
  • Whole30
  • Low Carb
  • High Protein
  • Low Fat
  • Keto

Recipes by Course

  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Side Dish
  • Dessert
  • Snacks
  • Salad
  • Quick

Free Resources

  • Free Resources
  • Kitchen Essentials

Contact & Privacy

  • Work With Me
  • Contact
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Follow Me On Social!

© Copyright 2021 Bites of Wellness