Air-Fried Spaghetti Squash: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Spaghetti squash is a tasty, healthy, and low-carb alternative to pasta. It can be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal. The air fryer helps to create the perfect al dente texture, without the squash becoming too mushy or watery. This versatile dish can be served as a main or a side and can be customised with a variety of sauces, seasonings, and toppings.

How to prepare spaghetti squash in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 small spaghetti squash (about 2 pounds)
• 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Butter (optional)
• Parsley (optional)

Utensils:

• Measuring tools: 1/4 teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon, and 1 tablespoon
• Sharp knife
• Large spoon
• Air fryer

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Wash and dry the spaghetti squash.
• Cut a thin slice off the ends of the squash and then carefully slice it in half lengthwise (through the stem). Try to make the halves as equal in size as possible for even cooking.
• Use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds.
• Drizzle about one tablespoon of olive oil on the inside of the spaghetti squash, followed by salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Then, use your fingers to coat evenly.
• Place the seasoned squash in the air fryer cut-side up.
• Air fry at 350°F for 25–30 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
• Carefully remove the squash from the air fryer and use two forks to lightly scrape the inside of the squash and fluff up the noodles.
• Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, butter, and/or chopped parsley, or serve with your favourite sauce.

Tips:

• Don't skip the olive oil—it keeps the squash moist and helps create tender "noodles".
• Rub the seasonings in with your fingers to ensure the squash is evenly seasoned.
• Check the squash at the 20-minute mark to ensure it's not burning.
• If you want to make this recipe oil-free, use olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray, or add 1–2 tablespoons of vegetable broth.
• Use two forks to fluff up the noodles to avoid burning yourself.
• You can freeze leftover cooked spaghetti squash for up to 6 months.

What to serve with air-fried spaghetti squash

Air-fried spaghetti squash is a tasty, low-carb alternative to pasta. It can be served as a side dish or as a main course with a sauce. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried spaghetti squash:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried spaghetti squash can be served as a simple side dish with some butter, fresh herbs like parsley, and grated parmesan cheese.

With a Sauce

The "noodles" can be served with your favourite pasta sauce, such as a creamy alfredo or a tomato-based sauce.

With Meat

For a more substantial meal, serve the squash with chicken bolognese, or zucchini turkey meatballs. For a vegetarian option, stuff the spaghetti squash with marinara sauce.

With Seafood

Some sources suggest serving the squash with shrimp scampi or cubed chicken and mushrooms.

With Other Vegetables

Spaghetti squash can be served with roasted vegetables, such as roasted rainbow vegetables, or roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts.

Other Ideas

• Balsamic feta stuffed chicken
• Dairy-free tomato soup
• Everything bagel-crusted salmon
• Garlic bread
• Air-fried pork roast
• Air-fried chicken breast
• Air-fried thin pork chops
• Air-fried lamb chops

How to reheat spaghetti squash in an air fryer

Yes, you can make spaghetti squash in an air fryer! Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to reheat spaghetti squash in an air fryer:

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This is a slightly lower temperature than what you would typically use to cook the spaghetti squash, which is usually around 360°F.

Next, take your leftover spaghetti squash and place it in the air fryer basket. If you are reheating the squash strands only, you can place them directly in the basket. However, if you are reheating a whole spaghetti squash half, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces to fit in the basket.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the basket in the air fryer and set the timer. For reheating, the squash will only need to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or 2 to 3 minutes if you are just reheating the strands.

Finally, remove the spaghetti squash from the air fryer and enjoy! You can serve it as a side dish or use it as a low-carb substitute for pasta.

Tips for Reheating Spaghetti Squash in an Air Fryer:

• Store leftover spaghetti squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days.
• For best results, reheat the squash in the air fryer rather than the microwave or oven, as this will help maintain the texture and flavour.
• If you are reheating a large amount of spaghetti squash, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it is heated through.

How to pick the right spaghetti squash

Picking the right spaghetti squash is crucial for ensuring that it is ripe and ready to be cooked and enjoyed. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect one:

• Look for a matte, golden colour: A ripe spaghetti squash will have an even, golden colour with a rich matte finish. Avoid squashes with shiny, pale yellow skin as they are immature and not yet ripe. Any green spotting or streaking also indicates that the squash is not fully ripe.
• Feel for smooth, thick skin: Ripe spaghetti squash should have thick skin. You can confirm this by doing the fingernail test—if you can mark, puncture, or leave a dent in the skin with your fingernail, the squash is either unripe or overripe. Look for a squash with smooth skin, free of any dark, mushy spots or signs of mould.
• Choose a heavy squash: A fully ripe spaghetti squash will feel heavy for its size. Most weigh around four pounds, but some can reach up to eight pounds. The heaviness indicates that the flesh inside is ripe and ready to be turned into noodle-like strings.
• Check the stem and skin colour: Spaghetti squash is typically ready to be harvested in early fall through winter, around 50 days after the fruit set. Look for squashes with stems that have turned from green and supple to brown and hard. The vines will also start to turn brown.
• Perform the fingernail test: Press a fingernail against the rind of the squash. If it does not leave an indentation in the skin, the squash is ready for picking and eating.
• Inspect for visible damage: Dark spots and bruises indicate that the squash is ripe and may be approaching the overripe stage. Light-coloured or green spots suggest that the squash could benefit from more time to ripen.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating leftovers is an important part of meal prep and making the most of your food. Here is a detailed guide on how to store and reheat your air-fried spaghetti squash:

Storing:

After cooking your spaghetti squash in the air fryer, allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer the leftover squash to an airtight container. Make sure the container is suitable for refrigerator storage and that it has a tight-fitting lid to prevent the food from drying out. Store the container in the refrigerator, where the leftovers will keep for up to 5-6 days.

Reheating:

There are several ways to reheat your spaghetti squash, each with its own pros and cons.

Oven Reheating:

Pros: This method is the best for retaining the original texture and flavour of the roasted squash. The heat dries out the strands slightly, preventing them from becoming mushy.

Cons: It takes the longest time compared to other methods, around 10-15 minutes.

Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the desired amount of leftover squash on a baking sheet, spreading it out in a single layer. You can add a drizzle of olive oil or a little water to prevent drying, but be careful not to add too much. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Microwave Reheating:

Pros: This is the fastest way to reheat your squash, taking only a few minutes.

Cons: This method can affect the texture of the squash, making it softer or even mushy compared to oven reheating.

Instructions: Place the desired amount of leftover squash in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a tablespoon of water or broth to prevent dryness. Cover the bowl with a lid or loosely with a paper towel. Microwave on high power for 1-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender.

Stovetop Reheating:

Pros: This method is suitable if you plan to use the leftover squash in a dish that involves heat, like a stir-fry or a creamy sauce.

Cons: It requires more attention compared to other methods to prevent burning or drying.

Instructions: Heat a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the leftover squash and stir-fry for a few minutes until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the squash mushy.

Tips for Reheating:

• For best results when reheating in the air fryer, set the temperature to 300°F and heat for 5-7 minutes.
• If using the microwave, wrap the squash in a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.
• If you're reheating a large batch of squash, it's best to use the oven or stovetop methods to ensure even heating.
• You can also reheat spaghetti squash in a toaster oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Now you know how to store and reheat your air-fried spaghetti squash leftovers! Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal.

Frequently asked questions