Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash: The Ultimate Low-Carb & Easy Pasta Alternative

Craving pasta but looking for a healthier, low-carb option? Look no further than this incredible Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash recipe! It’s the perfect swap for heavy noodles, offering a light yet satisfying meal or side dish. With just a handful of simple ingredients and the magic of your air fryer, you can effortlessly create tender, “noodle-like” strands of spaghetti squash that are both delicious and nutritious. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy summer side, or a cozy fall meal, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

For more delicious and healthy food ideas, be sure to explore other low-calorie options like my Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe. Having a collection of nutrient-rich recipes on hand makes healthy eating easy and enjoyable!

Why Air Fry Spaghetti Squash? The Quick & Healthy Choice

Spaghetti squash serves as an excellent, natural substitute for traditional spaghetti noodles, and cooking it in an air fryer makes the process incredibly fast and efficient. The circulating hot air ensures that the squash cooks perfectly and evenly, creating those signature “spaghetti” strands that are both fun to eat and wonderfully tender. It’s not just a time-saver; it’s also a fantastic low-carb alternative that delivers amazing flavor with minimal effort.

Many families, including mine, adore the simplicity and taste of air-fried spaghetti squash. While we still enjoy traditional pasta occasionally (because who can resist a good bowl of pasta?), this healthy squash option has become a favorite way to diversify our meals. Kids especially love watching the squash halves transform in the air fryer, revealing long, satisfying strands that truly resemble spaghetti. The first time we made it, their awe at the “noodles” was priceless, and now they sometimes even request spaghetti squash over angel hair pasta – a win for healthy eating!

Perfecting Spaghetti Squash in the Air Fryer

Whether you’re harvesting fresh winter squash from your garden or picking one up at the grocery store, this air fryer spaghetti squash recipe is incredibly adaptable and one of my absolute favorites. Don’t worry too much about the exact size of your spaghetti squash; as long as it fits comfortably in your air fryer basket, you’re good to go! This method is a massive time-saver and provides a fantastic low-carb alternative without sacrificing flavor. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can create such a delicious result.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium spaghetti squash
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 3 Tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

For exact measurements and a printable version, scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe card!

How To Make The Best Spaghetti Squash in the Air Fryer

NOTE: The cooking time for spaghetti squash will largely depend on its size and the specific model of your air fryer. A smaller squash may require less cooking time (e.g., 15-18 minutes), while a larger one might need slightly more (up to 30 minutes). All air fryers cook differently, so always check for doneness. You’ll know the spaghetti squash is perfectly cooked and ready to serve when its flesh can be easily pierced and fluffed with a fork.

Delicious Variations & Serving Suggestions

The beauty of air fryer spaghetti squash lies in its versatility. While delicious on its own with just salt, pepper, and parmesan, you can easily customize it to suit any palate or meal theme:

• For Creaminess: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a pat of butter after fluffing the squash for an extra rich and creamy texture.
• Boost the Nutrition & Flavor: Enhance your spaghetti squash with additional fresh ingredients. Try adding finely chopped sautéed onions, crumbled bacon bits, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or oregano.
• Sauce It Up: Transform your squash into a full “pasta” dish by pairing it with your favorite sauces. Classic marinara or tomato sauce, creamy alfredo, or vibrant pesto all work wonderfully. Just remember to choose low-carb sauces if you’re maintaining a keto or low-carb diet.
• Topping Fun: Think beyond the usual! Experiment with different low-carb toppings like roasted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms), crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
• Meal Pairings: Spaghetti squash makes a fantastic side dish for almost any protein. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, seared steak, or pork chops. It also works as a delightful base for vegetarian meals, topped with lentil bolognese or a hearty vegetable stir-fry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you eat the seeds from spaghetti squash?

Absolutely, you can! Much like pumpkin seeds, spaghetti squash seeds are edible and quite delicious when roasted. After you scoop them out, simply clean them, toss with a little olive oil and salt, and roast them in your air fryer or oven until golden and crispy. They make a fantastic, healthy snack!

What should I eat with Spaghetti squash?

Spaghetti squash is incredibly versatile! For a low-carb meal, pair it with a lean protein like grilled chicken breast, baked salmon, or a hearty steak. It’s also excellent with a fresh side salad, roasted vegetables, or even as a base for a stir-fry. If you’re not strictly low-carb, consider serving it with meatballs and marinara sauce for a classic twist, or with a rich mushroom ragu for a vegetarian option. Your taste buds are the limit!

How do you store spaghetti squash?

Once your air-fried spaghetti squash has cooled completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will remain fresh and delicious for 3-5 days. Keeping it cool and sealed prevents it from drying out or absorbing other food odors.

Can you freeze spaghetti squash?

Yes, freezing leftover air fryer spaghetti squash is a fantastic way to enjoy it later! The most important step is to let the cooked squash cool down completely before placing it in the freezer. Freezing it while still warm or hot can cause excess moisture to form ice crystals in the storage bag or container, leading to a soggy texture once thawed. Store it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 8 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the microwave or air fryer until warmed through.

Enjoy making this incredibly easy and delicious air fryer spaghetti squash recipe time and time again. It’s the perfect way to enjoy satisfying “noodles” without the heavy carbs, making healthy eating both simple and flavorful!

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love:

• Air Fryer Acorn Squash
• Air Fryer Butternut Squash
• Air Fryer Zucchini
• Air Fryer Yellow Squash
• Air Fryer Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

We Would Love to Hear From YOU!

Let Us Know What You Think!

Be sure to leave a review of this recipe and give it a star rating. Your feedback helps us improve and lets others know they should try it!

Tag Us In Your Photos! Are you on Facebook? If so, join our Easy Air Fryer Recipes Group (with hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer Foodie Fans!) and share your delicious creations! We love to see what you’re cooking up.

Are you on Instagram? Follow along and TAG US @airfryingfoodie.

Have a Question or General Feedback?

Jump down to the COMMENT section below and let us know! We’re always happy to help and appreciate your feedback on all of our posts.