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With low-carb diets that eliminate gluten on the rise, more and more people are searching for that perfect pasta substitute. While most people opt for “zoodles”, made from cold zucchini, I much prefer the savory-sweet flavor and hot temperature of spaghetti squash. There are various ways to prepare spaghetti squash, from the oven to the slow cooker, but my personal favorite method is in the air fryer. Which begs the question of how to cook spaghetti squash in the air fryer. We’re so glad you asked!
Why Learn How to Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Air Fryer?
Spaghetti squash is easy to cook, for the most part, but it is really important not to overcook it. In fact, I recommend cooking spaghetti squash in the air fryer for two reasons:
- First, it’s faster. An average-sized spaghetti squash cooks in the air fryer in around 25-30 minutes. In the oven, it will likely take at least 45 minutes to cook perfectly.
- Second, the air fryer cooked texture will be better. What I have found in numerous cooking methods–microwave, slow cooker, pressure cooker, or conventional oven–is that it’s difficult to achieve the perfect texture. It’s either too raw or too mushy. In fact, when cooking in the slow cooker, spaghetti squash can become too mushy, congealed, or nearly liquid. However, air frying produces the perfect al dente texture.
Why Spaghetti Squash?
Whether you’re looking for a low-carb pasta alternative or simply want to try a delicious new veggie, the spaghetti squash is an excellent choice. I find that it has a sweeter flavor and more appealing texture than butternut squash, which is why spaghetti squash is a staple in my meal rotation. While this scrumptious squash is delicious as a stand-alone side to pork and chicken dishes, my favorite thing to cook is spaghetti squash “pasta”.
Now, I’m not going to lie. You and I both know that no vegetable on earth will ever be a satisfying replacement for the sinful delight of high-carb pasta. However, if you still like the comfort of pasta but are taking it easy on the carbs, spaghetti squash pasta is a delicious alternative. It tastes great with creamy alfredo sauce, as well as savory tomato gravy, and it’s much healthier than dried pasta.
Try one of these other great air frying recipes:
- Meatballs
- Garlic Panko Chicken Breast (goes great with Spaghetti Squash)
- Chicken Parmesan
- Garlic Bread
- 1 Spaghetti Squash make sure it fits in your air fryer basket!
- 1 tsp olive or avocado oil I prefer avocado oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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Cut the ends off your spaghetti squash, then split it lengthwise, creating two halves. Scoop the seeds out.
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Brush both halves with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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Place both halves, with the cut side up, in your air fryer basket and cook at 360 ° F | 183 ° C for 25-30 minutes.
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Halfway through cooking, use a fork to fluff the "spaghetti" to ensure even cooking.
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Serve as a side dish or use as "spaghetti" beneath sauce or tomato gravy.
Tools and ingredients used in this recipe:
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Does the squash go in the air fryer upside down on the pan
Thanks for pointing that out, it wasn’t clear. The cut side should be facing up.
I did mine in the air fryer and I put in tomatoes and garlic and it was absolutely delicious however it did burn it a little bit so I’m wondering if putting it upside down would be better I had sausage sausage and cherry tomatoes and garlic in there with butter salt and pepper but I left it maybe too long I don’t know anyway I did turn the heat down once I did that the meal starting to get a little better… Not so burnt LOL I’m learning it’s a process but I have to say my husband and I devoured the spaghetti squash, the tomatoes, garlic, and the Polish sausage with which was included in the meal… Sharp cheese shredded on top with a bit of Parmesan superb ♥️
Dee, I love the idea of adding tomatoes and garlic for the air frying! I will definitely try that next time.
She said cut side up.
I usually do cut side down, when i used the cut side up method I ended up with burnt shreds.
Love this. I’m new to using air fryer. Excited to learn different foods to cook.
Dawn, thank you kindly. It’s one of our favorites as well. If there is anything else that you would like us to add as a recipe, please let us know.
Happy Airfrying!
Thank you, this worked well, but we prefer longer strands, so I cut across the squash.
is the squash supposed to be crunchy?
Easy to make although I was surprised by how much scraping I needed to do to bring up the spaghetti. I have not enjoyed spaghetti squash in the past, but I liked this with a curry sauce, and I will make it again!
Do you set this on air fry or bake/roast setting?
Hi, Manny – All of our recipes are for the air fry setting (unless explicitly stated) since many air fryers don’t have other setting options.
I love my air fryer!! Cooking my spaghetti squash right now! Thanks for the tip!!
Can I cook frozen pot pies in the air fryer?
I have done so in the past. I didn’t set it for any particular time but I did cook it at 400* for about 8-10 min.
I have an easier time cutting out the seeds and later the strands with an avocado scraper after roasting. Then mixed it with some bottled marinara and fresh spinach. and topped with Parmesan. Yoummy.
Thank you for instructions. Going to try now
I have a Power Air Fryer Pro and it doesn’t have any Basket, only Rack like with little squares so How would you cook the Spaghetti Squash in it?
Hi, Pam – I would use that rack and air fry it the same way. It’s likely you may need more time to cook. Our Emeril Lagasse Power AirFryer doesn’t get up to temp so it takes longer to cook things – I don’t know if that’s common for toaster oven-style air fryers or just an Emeril thing as it’s the only one of that style we have used.
Thank You In Advance!
Our dinner tonight has saved by our air fryer because our oven conked out on us. Spaghetti squash is on the menu and now it will be cooked as per your directions. (An air fryer is really like a convection oven.) I will definitely add garlic and the last of our garden tomatoes to the squash, as per one of your readers.
I got two spaghetti squashes and thought I’d fix them for lunch. I sprayed them with olive oil and popped them in my air fryer. I chopped up a precooked hamburger and added Ragu and parmesan cheese. Mixed it all together and microwaved it all. Wow!!! Easy, tasty and gluten free!!!
very clear and good article easy to understand. Thank you
To the airfrying.net admin, Your posts are always well researched.