Marianne Martinez
Spaghetti squash is a tasty, healthy, and nutritious dish that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. It's a great low-carb alternative to pasta, and can be served with your favourite pasta sauce, or as a side dish. This simple dish only requires a few ingredients, including olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable broth, and seasoning such as salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. The spaghetti squash should be cooked in the air fryer for around 20 minutes at 350-360°F, or until a fork can easily pierce the flesh.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 20-30 minutes |
| Oven temperature | 350-400°F |
| Oven type | Air fryer |
| Carbohydrate content | 10-17g per serving |
| Calories | 127-179kcal per serving |
| Ingredients | Spaghetti squash, olive oil, avocado oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, fresh parsley, black beans, corn, tomato, guacamole, marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, chicken, shrimp, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, fresh herbs |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut spaghetti squash for the air fryer
To cut a spaghetti squash for the air fryer, start by placing the squash on a large cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut off a thin slice from both ends of the squash. Then, carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise, through the stem. Try to make the halves as equal in size as possible for even cooking.
Once you have halved the squash, use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds and pulp. You can also wrap one half in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for later use. At this point, you can season the squash with olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable broth, and sprinkle with salt and pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
Place the seasoned squash in the air fryer basket, cut-side up. Make sure the squash is not stacked but placed side by side, with the hot air able to circulate around the cut sides for even cooking. Depending on the size of your squash and your air fryer, the cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
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Oil and seasoning options
Oil options for cooking spaghetti squash in an air fryer include olive oil, avocado oil, and vegetable broth. If you're looking for a crispier texture, consider using olive oil. For a healthier option, avocado oil or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.
When it comes to seasoning, the options are versatile. The most common seasonings include salt and pepper, which provide a conservative yet tasty highlight to the squash's natural nutty and sweet flavor. You can also add paprika, cayenne, or chili powder to give it a spicy kick. If you're looking for an earthy flavor profile, thyme, oregano, and basil are excellent choices. For a cheesy delight, sprinkle parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top. To make it even more indulgent, add panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic, herbs, and olive oil for a crunchy and flavorful topping.
If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your perfect blend. You can also try a sweet version by substituting butter for oil, brown sugar for salt, and adding a hint of cinnamon. Additionally, you can pair your air-fried squash with sauces like marinara, pesto, or alfredo, or toss in some black beans, corn, tomato, and guacamole for a taco bowl twist.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
The ideal temperature for cooking spaghetti squash in an air fryer is between 350°F and 360°F. If you want to cook the squash whole, increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for 40 minutes.
The cooking time will depend on the size of the squash and the model of the air fryer. Most sources recommend cooking spaghetti squash in the air fryer for 20 minutes at 350°F to 360°F. However, some sources suggest cooking it for 25 to 30 minutes at the same temperature range. It is important to note that smaller air fryers will likely cook the squash faster, so it is recommended to start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark. The squash is done when it is easily pierced with a fork and the flesh can be easily combed into long strands.
If you are cooking the spaghetti squash at a higher temperature of 400°F, it will take approximately 25 to 30 minutes to cook. It is important to note that this cooking time is for a 2-pound squash, and the cooking time should be adjusted accordingly if your squash is significantly smaller or larger.
For best results, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the squash. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the squash halves are of similar size to ensure even cooking.
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Reheating and storing instructions
Store leftover air-fried spaghetti squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5–6 days. When you are ready to serve again, thaw for 1 hour at room temperature before reheating.
For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 300°F for 5–7 minutes, in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes until warm, or in the microwave for 1–4 minutes until warm. If you are microwaving it, I recommend wrapping it in a damp paper towel.
You can also reheat frozen cooked spaghetti squash on the stovetop in a pot on low heat.
If you have leftover spaghetti squash halves, you can place them in the air fryer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes (2 to 3 minutes for just the strands).
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Spaghetti squash as a pasta substitute
Spaghetti squash is a tasty and healthy substitute for pasta. It has a sweet, nutty, and earthy flavour, and when cooked, it resembles al dente, angel hair-like pasta noodles. It is also a great low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, with 10 grams of carbs and 5 grams of net carbs per 1-cup serving.
To cook spaghetti squash in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Next, wash and dry the spaghetti squash. Then, cut off a thin slice from both ends of the squash and halve it lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds and soft centre. Drizzle olive oil on the inside of the squash, followed by salt and pepper, and other seasonings of your choice, such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder. Place the seasoned squash in the air fryer basket, cut-side up, and cook at 350°F for 20 minutes or until tender. Finally, use a fork to scrape the sides and create long strands of squash.
You can serve air fryer spaghetti squash with butter, garlic, or your favourite pasta sauce, such as marinara or alfredo sauce. It also goes well with parmesan and mozzarella cheese. For a sweet version, you can use butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. You can also use spaghetti squash as a substitute for noodles or rice in stir-fries or curry dishes.
Storing and Reheating Instructions:
Store leftover air fryer spaghetti squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days. To reheat, use the air fryer at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or the microwave for 1-4 minutes until warm.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 20 to 25 minutes to cook spaghetti squash in an air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 350°F to 360°F. If you want to cook the squash whole, increase the temperature to 400°F.
First, wash and dry the squash. Then, cut off a thin slice from both ends of the squash and halve it lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and soft centre. Brush the inner sides with olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable broth. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and seasonings of your choice.
After cooking, remove the squash from the air fryer and fluff up the inside with a fork to create spaghetti-like strands. You can also scrape the sides gently to release the strands. Top with parmesan cheese, butter, parsley, or your favourite pasta sauce.
