Recipe Snapshot

PREP + COOK TIME: 20
METHOD: Air fryer
OTHER TOOLS: knife and cutting board
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 4

Cooking spaghetti squash in the air fryer is the key to perfectly roasted, golden strands every time! Lightly seasoned squash makes a quick and easy side to serve with main dishes or as a hearty protein or veggie bowl base. Try spaghetti squash as a low-carb pasta alternative, then top it with traditional meat sauce or other flavors!

white plate holding one shredded spaghetti squash half topped with marinara, cheese, parsley, with fork lifting squash, with air fryer, bowls of cheese and parsley in the background

What’s To Love About This Recipe

In the air fryer, it’s simple to roast spaghetti squash halves, resulting in tender, noodle-like strands with lightly golden edges.
This veggie side is healthy, low-carb, and low-calorie, making it a delicious substitute for rice or pasta. It has a very pleasant texture and can be used in many different dishes.
Some methods require an hour or more of roasting to get the squash just right, but with the air fryer, you can cut the time in half and prep this right before dinner.
Spaghetti squash makes a hearty base for veggie or protein bowls, or you can add it to casseroles with cheeses and sauce. It’s also a wonderfully simple side with just butter and seasonings!
If you want to try more veggies in your diet, spaghetti squash is a versatile choice! It’s nutrient-packed, leaving you feeling full and satisfied, and it easily absorbs other flavors.

Ingredients Needed

Spaghetti squash – This squash has unique strands that closely resemble spaghetti in shape and color. It has a nice buttery flavor that is delicious when roasted with oil and seasonings. Choose a medium spaghetti squash (about 2-3 pounds) for the best texture.
Olive oil – Brush on 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to help the squash roast in the air fryer and develop a golden, lightly flavored finish.
Salt and black pepper – Add salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors and adjust the amount as preferred.
Optional seasonings – Other delicious options for spaghetti squash include a touch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning, served with tomato sauce or other Italian-inspired ingredients.

ingredients to include 1 spaghetti squash, olive oil, wooden bowls and spoons of salt and pepper, and white bowl of Italian seasoning

How To Make Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Pierce the squash a few times with a knife, then microwave it for 2-3 minutes to soften slightly.
Carefully cut the squash lengthwise into two halves, and scoop out the seeds (save them for roasting if you like).

two halves of spaghetti squash on wooden cutting board

two halves of squash on wooden cutting board with seeds scooped out and spoon on side

Brush the inside of each half with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings.

two halves of squash with hand holding spoon of salt over squash, surrounded by bowls and spoons of pepper and salt with bottle of olive oil

Preheat the air fryer to 370 ℉.
Place the squash halves, cut-side up, in the basket.

two seasoned and oiled squash halves in air fryer

Air fry for 15-20 minutes, depending on size. The squash is ready when the strands easily pull apart with a fork but are still slightly firm.

two air fried spaghetti squash in air fryer

Let the squash cool slightly, then use a fork to scrape the long “spaghetti” strands from each half.

two air fried spaghetti squash on wooden cutting board, with hand holding fork and shredding squash

Add your favorite toppings, sauces, herbs, or cheeses.

overhead view of cutting board holding two shredded spaghetti squash with hand holding spoon of marina, applying to one squash, surrounded by bowls of cheese, marinara, parsley, and seasoning

Pro Tips

Choose a squash with no soft spots or discolorations and with the base of the stem intact to preserve freshness. A yellow-golden squash will be ripe, whereas one with a greenish tint won’t be mature enough.
The best size squash for the air fryer is 2-3 pounds so that the halves fit comfortably without overcrowding.
Cutting widthwise (like a bowl shape) gives noticeably longer, more noodle-like strands. Lengthwise cuts usually fit better in most air fryers.
If the squash feels mushy after cooking, reduce the oil and lower the temperature to 360 ℉ the next time, or cook the cut-side down longer.
For crisped edges, place the shredded squash back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
To make the squash safer and easier to cut (especially for larger squash), pierce the squash a few times with a fork, then microwave it briefly before cutting to soften it.
To avoid mushy squash:
- Use a moderate amount of olive oil.
- Do not overcook.
- Optionally cook the cut-side down for part of the time.
If desired, you can save the seeds to roast separately for a tasty snack. Rinse them off, toss with oil and preferred seasonings, then bake at 300 ℉ on a cooking sheet for 15-30 minutes, or until dry and toasted.
Squash is fully cooked when the strands pull apart easily with a fork, but are not watery or collapsing.
Add sauces and additional flavors to the squash after cooking to keep the strands from getting soggy.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

A small amount of avocado oil is a good swap for olive oil.
There are so many delicious ways to customize the squash after cooking and make it a gourmet side! Try these combinations after shredding the squash for a tasty upgrade:
- Browned butter and crispy sage
- Garlic butter and Parmesan
- Lemon zest and parsley
- Basil pesto
- Spicy chili crisp and toasted walnuts
- Crumbled feta and sautéed spinach
- Marinara and shredded mozzarella (mini spaghetti-squash “boats”)

How To Serve Spaghetti Squash

Serve spaghetti squash as a healthy vegetable side with main dishes such as Baked Lemon Butter Tilapia or Herb Marinated Air Fryer Chicken Skewers, and add a fresh salad. The shredded squash also makes a delicious base to top with salmon or roasted vegetables. Add a pat of butter or an extra drizzle of olive oil, and season as needed.

Spaghetti squash is also a tasty option served with tomato-based meat sauces or marinara and plenty of cheese for a lasagna-style casserole dish. Try adding pesto or alfredo sauce to make a wholesome, filling, low-carb dish. And, if you’re looking for extra protein, add Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs as a perfect pairing!

white plate holding one shredded spaghetti squash half topped with marinara, cheese, parsley, with fork inserted, air fryer, bowls of cheese and parsley in the background

Storing and Reheating

How To Best Store Leftovers

Fridge

Store leftover squash in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is generally not recommended due to texture changes (although I have tried it and still enjoyed it later!).

How To Best Reheat Leftovers

Reheat leftover squash briefly in the air fryer to restore texture, rather than microwaving.