Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash (Just 2 Ingredients!)

Name: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2 lbs.); 2 Tablespoons olive oil; ⅛ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon pepper

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When I’m looking for a healthy side dish that my whole family will eat without complaints, this air fryer spaghetti squash is perfection! It’s a foolproof, mostly hands-off method, and it comes together with barely any prep work.

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Close up of cooked spaghetti squash twirled around a fork.

Spaghetti squash has always been one of my favorite vegetables to keep on hand. I love how it takes on whatever flavors I pair it with. I’ve cooked it every way you can imagine, too. My Baked Spaghetti Squash and Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash recipes are favorites at my house, but the air fryer version might be my favorite method yet.

Once it’s cooked, it is so versatile! I sometimes top it with alfredo sauce or dairy free pesto for a totally different meal.

Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite

This is the best spaghetti squash recipe because cooking spaghetti squash in the air fryer is faster than roasting it in the oven, and the texture turns out just right every time.

Free Air Fryer Cook Time Printable

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It also won’t heat up your kitchen the way the oven does. When the hot Arizona summers hit around here, that’s a big deal!

Plus, you can walk away once it’s in the basket and start on the rest of dinner while it cooks. Nothing beats that!

Two air fried spaghetti squash halves with stringy flesh inside, placed on a wooden surface.

Happy Kitchen Secrets

Here are my important mom-tested cooking tips for making air fryer spaghetti squash. I’ve made this countless times to save you from a failed attempt.

Microwave the squash for about 3 minutes before cutting it in half. This softens the flesh just enough to make it easier (and safer) to cut through.
If your squash is too big to fit in the basket, cook it in batches, one half at a time.
Rub the oil onto the flesh instead of just drizzling it. This helps it coat evenly instead of pooling in the center.
Check for doneness near the end of the cook time. Pierce the flesh with a fork. If it slides through easily, it’s done. If it’s still tough, give it a few more minutes.
When you air fry squash, cook time will vary depending on the size of your squash and the strength of your air fryer, so use the fork test rather than the clock to know when it’s ready.

Ingredients

You only need two ingredients to make this recipe!

Overhead view of pale yellow winter squash on a cutting board next to a small dish of olive oil and a sharp chef's knife.

Spaghetti squash, like butternut or acorn squash, is a winter squash, but you can usually find it in stores all year long. When you’re picking one out, look for a squash that will fit inside your air fryer basket with a little room on all sides.

For the olive oil, any high smoke point oil will work, so avocado oil makes an easy swap if that’s what you have on hand.

How to Make Spaghetti Squash in the Air Fryer

For the full instructions, scroll or jump to the recipe card! ⬇️

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Using a spoon to scoop seeds out of a winter squash.

Prep the spaghetti squash. Trim off the ends, then slice the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. If you want to save the seeds for roasting later, set them aside.

Two spaghetti squash halves on a cutting board drizzled with olive oil.

Season it. Rub the oil onto the flesh of each half, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Two uncooked spaghetti squash halves cut side up in an air fryer basket.

Cook the squash. Preheat your air fryer, then place the squash halves cut side up in the basket, like little bowls. Close it up and let it cook until the flesh is fork-tender.

Roasted spaghetti squash in an air fryer.

Fluff it up. Once it’s done, carefully remove the halves and set them on a plate. Use a fork to scrape and fluff the strands right out of the skins, and you’ve got your “spaghetti.”

Make it kid friendly: My kids think it’s the coolest thing that “noodles” can grow inside a vegetable! Once the squash is cooked and cool enough, let them help fork-shred the strands out of the skin. It turns a simple side dish into a fun little kitchen activity, and they’re always more excited to eat something they helped make.

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash Recipe FAQ

How do I store leftover spaghetti squash?

Let any leftovers cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can eat it cold in a salad or reheat it in the microwave, air fryer, or on the stovetop.

Can I freeze spaghetti squash?

Yes, it freezes really well! After cooking, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If you're freezing a big batch, it's best to store it in smaller, individual portions.

Can I eat spaghetti squash seeds?

Yes! Rinse and pat the seeds dry, then toss them with a little oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven at 300°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a crunchy snack.

Meal Prep Tips

When I meal prep, I like to cook one extra spaghetti squash so I have some ready to go for the week. It keeps in the fridge just as well as any other cooked vegetable, so it's easy to have on hand for a few days.

Having it ready ahead of time means I can pull it out for a quick side with dinner, toss it into a stir fry, or top it with marinara and meatballs for a fast lunch. It's an easy way to add a vegetable to a meal without any extra work on a busy night.

A fork shredding the cooked flesh of a roasted spaghetti squash still in its skin on a wooden surface.

Planning to make this recipe?

After you make it, please leave a comment and star rating below to let me know how it went!