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

Air fryer spaghetti squash is a tasty, low-carb alternative to pasta. It's also incredibly easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes. All you need is a spaghetti squash, some olive oil, and a few seasonings. The squash is first cut in half and then cooked in the air fryer for around 25 minutes. Once cooked, the insides are fluffed up with a fork to create noodles. This dish can be served as a main course or as a side, and you can add your favourite sauce or toppings.

Choosing the right spaghetti squash

• Size: Ensure the spaghetti squash is not too big and will fit inside your air fryer basket. Aim for one that weighs around 2-3 pounds.
• Ripeness: Look for a squash with a matte, golden yellow colour. Avoid those with green spots or streaks, as they are not fully ripe. Ripe spaghetti squash will also have a dull, non-shiny skin.
• Texture: Choose a firm spaghetti squash with smooth, thick skin. It should feel heavy for its size, and you should not be able to puncture the skin with your fingernail. Avoid any with soft or mushy spots.
• Stem: Select a squash with a dry, short, and rounded stem. Ensure the stem is intact and firm, not mushy or bruised.
• Storage: If you plan to store your spaghetti squash before cooking, choose one with a hard rind. This will help it last longer. Store it in a cool, dry, and dark location.
• Cracks and blemishes: Avoid spaghetti squash with cracks, blemishes, or bruised spots, as these may affect the taste and texture.

By following these guidelines, you'll be sure to choose a spaghetti squash that is ripe, fresh, and ready for air frying!

Preparing the squash

Firstly, you will need to select a good spaghetti squash. Choose one that is firm, with no soft spots, and a bright yellow colour. The stem should be dry and firm, and the squash should be free from any major blemishes or cracks. The ideal weight is around 2 pounds, but it should not be too big, or it might not fit in your air fryer.

Once you have selected your squash, it's time to start preparing it. Begin by washing the squash to remove any dirt or residue. Then, use a sharp knife to cut a thin slice off both ends of the squash. This will create a stable base for when you cut it in half.

Next, carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise, trying to make the halves as equal in size as possible for even cooking. Use a spoon or a melon baller to scoop out and discard the seeds and pulp. You may want to wrap one half in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for future use, as one half of a squash is usually enough for a single meal.

Now it's time to season the squash. Drizzle or brush olive oil, avocado oil, or another oil of your choice over the flesh of the squash. Make sure to coat it evenly. Then, sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the oiled flesh. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a combination of these. Use your fingers to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Your squash is now ready to be placed in the air fryer!

Air-frying the squash

Air-frying spaghetti squash is a quick and easy way to cook this tasty, low-carb alternative to pasta. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Squash

First, wash and dry the spaghetti squash. Then, carefully slice it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out and discard the seeds. If you wish, you can save the seeds to plant later.

Step 2: Season the Squash

Drizzle olive oil, avocado oil, or another oil alternative on the inside of the squash. Then, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Use your fingers to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Air-Fry the Squash

Preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 375°F. Place the seasoned squash in the air fryer basket, cut-side up. If your squash is too big for the basket, you can trim the sides. Air-fry for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender.

Step 4: Fluff the Squash

Once the squash is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Use two forks to fluff up the inside of the squash, creating spaghetti-like strands.

Step 5: Serve the Squash

Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese, butter, and/or chopped parsley. Alternatively, serve the squash as a substitute for pasta with your favourite bolognese or sauce. Enjoy!

Adding toppings and seasonings

Once your spaghetti squash is cooked, it's time to add your toppings and seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with your favourite herbs and spices.

Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and parsley. You can also add grated parmesan cheese, butter, or olive oil for extra flavour and texture. If you're feeling adventurous, try something sweet like brown sugar and cinnamon, or spicy like cayenne or chili powder.

Don't be afraid to experiment and find the combination that you like best. You can also serve your spaghetti squash with a side of marinara, pesto, or alfredo sauce for an extra flavour boost.

Reheating and storing leftovers

Storing and reheating spaghetti squash is easy and convenient. If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five to six days.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are a few different ways to reheat them. For the best results, you can reheat the spaghetti squash in an air fryer at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can use an oven or toaster oven and heat it at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or simply use a microwave for 1-4 minutes. If you do use a microwave, it is recommended to wrap the spaghetti squash in a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Frequently asked questions