Step-by-step instructions on how to make air fryer spaghetti squash, plus tips on cooking it in a conventional oven, the microwave oven and electric pressure cooker - such as the Instant Pot.
Check out the below chart for comparisons on flavor, texture and cook time to determine the best way for you to cook spaghetti squash at home in your own kitchen.
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Want to make this recipe perfectly the first time? I want to help with that. So, check out this Table of Contents to see which sections of this post will help you the most.
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- ๐คทโโ๏ธ What is Spaghetti Squash?
- ๐ Cooking Methods Comparison for Spaghetti Squash
- ๐ง Main Ingredients + Notes
- ๐ฉโ๐ณ Instructions
- ๐โโ๏ธ Can I Roast Spaghetti Squash Whole?
- ๐ Can Spaghetti Squash be Cooked Ahead?
- ๐ฉโโ๏ธ Is Spaghetti Squash Keto-Friendly?
- ๐ Spaghetti Squash Recipe Ideas
- ๐ฅ More Veggie Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash (or Oven) with Tips
Spaghetti squash was not the first squash I fell in love with. It took some time.
It's a very mild tasting squash, and when everyone was raving about using it in place of wheat pasta noodles, I did not hop on board. I liked pasta just the way I'd always had it, thank you very much.
And confession: I wasn't completely sure how best to cook spaghetti squash.
Fast forward to today, I've cooked spaghetti squash in every way I can think of, except on the grill, and use it for a main pasta dish with pasta sauce, in a creamy spaghetti squash casserole, or as a simple, delicious side dish tossed with simple ingredients such as herbs and Parmesan cheese.
๐คทโโ๏ธ What is Spaghetti Squash?
- Spaghetti squash is a medium-sized squash with an oblong shape, and a creamy yellowish skin.
- This squash is available year round in most areas of the country, but is considered a winter squash.
- It has a mild flavor, making it a great vegetable for pairing with other flavors. Of all the winter squashes, this squash is the most flexible paired with your favorite sauce, whether it's a marinara sauce or alfredo sauce..
- When cooked to fork tender, its flesh easily separates into long strands resembling spaghetti noodlesโhence, the name spaghetti squash.
- With only 7.8 net carbs per 1 cup serving, versus 41.9 net carbs for 1 cup cooked regular spaghetti noodles, spaghetti squash is a fantastic for any low-carb diet.
๐ Cooking Methods Comparison for Spaghetti Squash
There are several different ways to cook spaghetti squash, ranging from a traditional oven, microwave oven, pressure cooker (like the Instant Pot), or air fryer.
Below is a quick comparison of the different ways to cook a typical 2 ยฝ to 3 pound spaghetti squash. All of the cook times, except the electric pressure cooker, assume that the squash is split in half, with pulp and seeds scooped out. The additional time provided is for preheating the equipment being used.
When using my Instant Pot, I cook the squash whole to prevent it from becoming too moist, as this can wash out the mild flavor of spaghetti squash. If you slice it in half, the cook time can reduce to 7 - 8 minutes.
| Cook time | Texture | Flavor | |
| Oven | 40 min + 20 min (preheat) | Al dente | Excellent |
| Microwave | 12 min + 0 min (preheat) | Soggy | Worst |
| Pressure cooker | 15 min + 12 min (preheat) | Moist | Good |
| Air Fryer | 15 min + 6 min (preheat) | Al dente | Best |
Each of these methods have their own advantages, but my favorite way to cook spaghetti squash is air frying it. As a bonus, it's easy to lightly season the squash when sliced in half to add additional layers of flavor.
As a note, it takes at least ยฝ teaspoon of seasoning per half of a squash for it to be noticeable. And 1 teaspoon is even better.
๐ง Main Ingredients + Notes
The secret to faster and easier meals often lies in the ingredients. For example, store-bought items and ingredients you make ahead and store in the refrigerator (or freezer) can turn a 60-minute recipe into a 30-minutes meal or less.
For the all of the ingredients, measurements and directions for cooking perfect spaghetti squash, go to the Recipe Card at the bottom of this post.
- Spaghetti squash
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products and foods I use in my kitchen. This means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. To view my entire storefront of recommended kitchen tools and equipment, check out my shop on Amazon.
๐ฉโ๐ณ Instructions
Here are step-by-step instructions for prepping and cooking spaghetti squash in the air fryer, with photos.
Step 1
Take a sharp knife and slice off the top and bottom of the squash.
Pro-Tip: If the skin is too tough, puncture the skin with a knife 2 - 3 times around where you'll cut it anyway to halve it. Place it in the microwave for 3 - 4 minutes. This softens the skin, making it easier to slice.
Step 2
Slice the squash in half, forming 2 halves. Try to get the two halves as equal as possible for even cooking.
Step 3
Using a metal spoon, dig into one end of the cavity, and scrape down the sides and bottom all the way to the other end to remove all the seeds and guts of the spaghetti squash. If there are loose strands that the spoon doesn't catch, kitchen scissors work great for these.
Step 4
Rub the squash cavity and skin with olive oil, and season. I like to use combinations of salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder.
Step 5
Place the squash face down in the air fryer basket, and air fry for approximately 15 minutes, depending on the size of your squash.
It's best to check the squash after 15 minutes to gauge how quickly it's cooking. To do this, gently scrape the tines of a fork across the bottom of the cavity. When it's ready, a gentle scrape will pull up golden strands of squash as shown above.
Step 6
If it's ready, use a fork to pull up all the strands you can, leaving only the skin behind. Heap it on a plate, or serve in the skin.
๐โโ๏ธ Can I Roast Spaghetti Squash Whole?
Yes! It will take longer, and cannot be seasoned ahead of time. It will also be moister, which is good or bad, depending on your own preferences.
If you choose to roast the squash whole, be sure to puncture it with a knife or fork, making several small slits to allow steam to escape.
๐ Can Spaghetti Squash be Cooked Ahead?
Yes! I often do this for an even faster weeknight dinner.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you don't have a ziptop kind of container that's large enough, use Ziplok bags, but double bag it to make sure it's as airtight as possible.
To reheat, place faced down on a baking sheet in a 350หF oven for 10 - 15 minutes, depending on the size of the squash. Once it's reheated, use a fork to pull up the strands.
Store any leftover spaghetti squash in an airtight container. I often use jars for this.
๐ฉโโ๏ธ Is Spaghetti Squash Keto-Friendly?
Yes! This type of squash is lower in carbs than other fall and winter squash.
1 cup cooked spaghetti squash = 10 grams of carbs and ย 7.8 grams of net carbs. (See the below note on net carbs.)
More good news is that spaghetti squash is aย nutrient-dense food, meaning itโs low in calories but high in several key vitamins and minerals.
(Net carbs do not take fiber or (some) sugar alcohols into account, because your body does not fully digest them and they do not impact your blood sugar.) Spaghetti squash provides 2.2 grams of fiber.
So, next time you want pasta, just ladle your favorite pasta sauce or balsamic roasted tomatoes over a plate of cooked spaghetti squash. And feel comfortable having seconds.
๐ Spaghetti Squash Recipe Ideas
If you're looking for ways to use spaghetti squash, here are some ideas:
- Toss the spaghetti squash noodles with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
- All of the above, and fresh herbs, such as oregano.
- Stir some pesto into the spaghetti squash.
- Spaghetti squash pasta with with a plant-based 'Meaty' Pasta Sauce, ready in 30 minutes with an air fryer.
- Use it in a creamy casserole with spinach.
๐ฅ More Veggie Air Fryer Recipes
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce
Air Fryer Bell Peppers with Basil and Feta
Air Fryer Asparagus How to Make
Crispy Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash (or Oven) with Tips
Ingredients
- 2 ยฝ pound spaghetti squash
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ยผ teaspoon kosher salt
- โ teaspoon black pepper
- ยฝ teaspoon onion powder
- ยฝ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375หF.
- Trim the ends of the spaghetti squash, turn it on end, and slice in half lengthwise. Try to slice it so the halves are as equal as possible.
- Pro-Tip: If the skin is too tough to easily cut through, puncture the skin with a knife 2 - 3 times, and place it in the microwave for 3 - 4 minutes. This softens the skin, making it easier to slice.
- Using a metal spoon, start at one end of the cavity, scoop out the seeds and pulp, and discard. A grapefruit spoon works great for this, but any metal spoon will work well.
- Rub the surfaces of the squash with oil, and sprinkle with the spices. Turn the squash halves upside down, and arrange in an air fryer basket.
- Roast in the air fryer for 15 minutes, or until fork tender.
- Check for doneness by gently scraping the tines of a fork down the cavity. If strands easily lift up, the squash is done.
- When done, remove and allow to cool slightly. Using the tines of a fork, scrape up the strands that form "noodles". Serve in the shells of the squash, or heaped onto a plate.
Andrea White
This is so incredibly helpful! Thanks for such a great guide!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. If you have any questions, just reach out to me.
Kayla DiMaggio
What a great idea! I have never thought about using Spaghetti Squash in the air fryer before! Now I can't wait to try it!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I'm totally sold on doing it this way now. It's sooooo easy!
connie
I havenโt prepared spaghetti squash before but now I will thanks to these great tips! Thank you!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I didn't try it for the longest time, and now I'm making it really really often. It's a great swap for traditional pasta.
Shelby
We've always done ours in the oven or in a pot of boiling water, I didn't even think of the air fryer!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
The air fryer is genius. I use it for so many things now.
Angie
Thank you for sharing this helpful information on cooking spaghetti squash. I've only cooked it in the microwave, and it turned out very good. However, I would like to try the air fryer and electric pressure cooker version. Great info!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I've made it all those ways, and for me, the air fryer is my favorite way so far!
Allyssa
Thank you so much for sharing this delicious and really tasty recipe! So easy to make as well! Highly recommended! Will surely have this again!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much Allyssa!! I'm so glad you liked it!
Priya Maha
My parents are vegetarians and I made these dish for them. It was absolutely delicious and they totally enjoyed the meal!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I'm thrilled it worked so well for you and your parents! Thanks for letting me know!
Liz
I've never tried making it in the air fryer. Thanks for the share!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I love finding all the ways I can use my air fryer. I still cook them in my Instant Pot at times, but the air fryer is my favorite way!
Amanda Dixon
Thanks for all these helpful tips! I just love using my air fryer, and it was a great way to cook spaghetti squash.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
You're so welcome, and I'm so happy you tried it and liked it! Thanks so much for letting me know!
Sharon
I never had thought to make spaghetti squash in the air fryer but now that I have, I don't think I can make it any other way. So easy!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Exactly how I feel! Thanks so much!
veenaazmanov
Healthy food and Healthy cooking definitely is a welcome. I have to try this amazing Air fryer cooking method.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I'm trying hard to eat more healthy, and my air fryer has been a great help with getting me excited about things like spaghetti squash. Thanks so much!
Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli
We love roasting our vegetables, and lately, we've been loving our air-fryer too! Will try for sure to bake spaghetti squash in the air fryer! So intrigued!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I think you'll love roasting it in your air fryer! Let me know if you try it!
Jacqueline Debono
I usually cook spaghetti squash in the oven. But I recently got an airfryer and want to give it a try a per your instructions! Useful post!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Definitely give it a go! I love all the ways i can use my air fryer ๐
Sara LaFountain
This spaghetti squash is so easy to make in the air fryer. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
You're so welcome! I agree - it's super super easy!
Natalia
Wow, this looks so tempting. I have never been an spaguetti squash fan because I thought it was blandโฆbut this may convert me. Worth a try!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I think it comes down to the sauces you put on it, or how you season it. Because the flavor is pretty neutral, it goes with so many things - just like wheat based pastas.
Chenรฉe
So glad I found these tips to make spaghetti squash this week! Thank you!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Let me know how it goes for you!! I've done it now a LOT, and can help if you have any questions.
Moop Brown
This recipe seems like a really healthy and tasty alternative for pasta. i'm looking forward to trying it!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
You won't regret it! It's a much better, keto-approved, way to pasta!