Perfectly tender and deliciously versatile, air fryer spaghetti squash is a game-changing dinner solution that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This foolproof method creates those iconic, pasta-like strands while using minimal oil and effort.
Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or simply love innovative cooking techniques, this 75-calorie per serving recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen. The air fryer’s magic touch ensures a wonderfully caramelized exterior while maintaining that ideal al dente texture inside.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti Squash: 1 whole fresh squash, picked for its firm texture and golden color
Instructions
- Preparation: Clean the exterior of the spaghetti squash thoroughly under running water
- Initial Cut: Remove the stem end of the squash using a sharp knife
- Halving: Carefully slice the squash lengthwise into two equal halves
- Cleaning: Remove all seeds from the center of each half
- Air Frying: Position both halves in your air fryer basket and cook at 360°F (183°C) for 20 minutes
- Finishing Touch: After cooking, use a fork to gently pull the squash flesh into long, pasta-like strands
- Serving: Serve your freshly prepared squash strands while still warm for the best taste
Time Requirements
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 75 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
Storage Tips
After cooking your spaghetti squash, let it cool completely before storing. Pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. The strands might release a bit of liquid while stored – that’s totally normal! Just drain it off before reheating. If you want to freeze it, spread the strands on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer bag. It’ll keep nicely for about 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Your air-fried spaghetti squash is like a blank canvas ready for yummy toppings! Try it with marinara sauce and meatballs for a low-carb pasta night. For a quick lunch, toss the warm strands with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese. You can also top it with butter and herbs, or use it as a base for stir-fries. It’s amazing how versatile this veggie can be!
Helpful Tips
Want to make cutting your squash easier? Pierce it a few times with a fork and microwave it for 3-4 minutes first – this softens it up nicely! To check if it’s done cooking, gently press the shell with your thumb – it should give a little. The strands should be tender but still have a slight bite to them, just like al dente pasta. If you’re having trouble getting long strands, remember to scrape crosswise – the squash’s fibers run horizontally around the width, not lengthwise!
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 whole spaghetti squash
Instructions
- Wash the outside of the spaghetti squash thoroughly.
- Cut off the stem end of the squash.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds of the squash and discard.
- Place squash halves into air fryer basket and cook for about 20 minutes at 360 degrees F (183 degrees C).
- Once cooked, use a fork to scrape out cooked squash in long, noodle-like pieces. Serve warm and enjoy!
