Air fryer spaghetti squash is an easy and simple side recipe. You start with a simple yellow squash, and what you end up with are these soft, golden strands that look just like noodles. It is light, slightly sweet and versatile.
The air fryer makes this whole process ridiculously easy. No long oven times or soggy results. The squash cooks evenly, gets that lovely caramelised edge, and the texture turns out perfect every single time. I love making it on days when I want something quick, healthy, and satisfying without much effort.
If you enjoy simple veggie sides, you might also like air fryer zucchini, roasted sweet potato cubes, air fryer sweet potato fries, baked sweet potatoes and sweet potato chips.
Ingredient Breakdown
Spaghetti Squash: I chose a medium one that had no spots. The halves fit easily in the air fryer basket.
Olive Oil: Keeps the squash moist and gives it that lovely roasted flavour.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning that lets the natural sweetness of the squash shine through.
Nutritional Yeast: It is optional, but I like the cheesy flavour it gives to the squash.
Instructions
Cut the squash into half lengthwise.
Then using a spoon, take out the seeds. Brush the squash halves with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper and any other seasonings that you are using.
Preheat your air fryer to 180C or 360F for 3 minutes. Place the squash halves in the basket, cut side up.
Air fry for 18-22 minutes until the flesh is tender and a fork slides in easily. That's how I check if it is done. You may need to adjust the time depending upon the size and type of your air fryer.
Take out the squash halves, and let them cool a bit. Then using a fork, gently scrape the inside. You'll see it turn into spaghetti-like strands. It is so satisfying!
Serve it as is or toss with more seasonings. You can also use it a low-carb variant to spaghetti and serve it with marinara sauce or pesto. You can also toss it with olive oil, garlic and some vegan cheese for a quick meal. It is a great side with a curry or in a veggie bowl.
Expert Tips
- Cutting the squash can be tricky since it is quite firm. I just use muscle power and plough through. But you can make the task slightly easier by microwaving it for 2-3 minutes first to soften slightly and then cutting it.
- The cooking time may vary depending on the squash size and your air fryer model, so start checking around the 20-minute mark.
- Don't overcook it. You want tender strands, not mushy ones.
- For extra flavour, sprinkle some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes before serving.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or on the stove with a little olive oil.
Air fryer Spaghetti Squash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. garlic powder optional
- 1 tsp. Nutritional yeast optional
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Instructions
- Cut the squash into half lengthwise. Then using a spoon, take out the seeds. Brush the squash halves with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper and any other seasonings that you are using.
- Preheat your air fryer to 180C or 360F for 4 minutes. Place the squash halves in the basket, cut side up. Air fry for 18-22 minutes until the flesh is tender and a fork slides in easily. That's how I check if it is done. You may need to adjust the time depending upon the size and type of your air fryer.
- Take out the squash halves, and let them cool a bit. Then using a fork, gently scrape the inside. You'll see it turn into spaghetti-like strands. It is so satisfying!
- Serve it as is or toss with more seasonings. You can also use it a low-carb variant to spaghetti and serve it with marinara sauce or pesto. You can also toss it with olive oil, garlic and some vegan cheese for a quick meal. It is a great side with a curry or in a veggie bowl.
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