• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Spring Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Order Meal Prep
  • Courses
  • About

Allianna's Kitchen

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Spring Recipes
  • Recipes
  • Order Meal Prep
  • Courses
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Spring Recipes
    • Recipes
    • Order Meal Prep
    • Courses
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Allianna's Kitchen » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Published: Jan 5, 2022 · Modified: Aug 24, 2024 by Allianna Moximchalk · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Easy Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

    40 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    jump to recipe / print recipe

    This Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash recipe makes for a simple side dish and requires minimal clean up and hassle! Spaghetti squash is a wonderful lower carb alternative that is keto friendly. Cooking it in the air fryer is the easiest way to cook it!

    Spaghetti squash sliced in half and on a silver baking tray with a spoon.

    Spaghetti squash is a great replacement for any pasta dish. I love to make my Paleo Pad Thai and serve it over this spaghetti squash recipe. I love to prepare this recipe in advance to prepare for the week ahead. That way I can just heat up to serve as a side to any dish or replace pasta in a dish as well.

    If you like easy vegetable recipes like this one, check out the Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole, Roasted Bok Choy, Lemon Garlic Asparagus, and Blanched Broccoli Recipe on my blog!

    Jump to:
    • Why You Will Love This Recipe
    • Simple Ingredients
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Step by Step Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQ’s
    • Other Easy Vegetable Recipes You Will Love
    • Are you interested in a list of my go to healthy alternatives?
    • Easy Spaghetti Squash In The Air Fryer

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    • This dish is so easy to make with less than 5 ingredients!
    • This delicious recipe is not only simple to make but also is easy to clean up as well.
    • Spaghetti squash is a great way to get your kids to eat extra vegetables!
    • This dish is gluten free, dairy free, low carb friendly, soy free, paleo, whole30 friendly, vegan, and keto friendly.
    • This recipe would be a great replacement for pasta in my Dairy Free Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe.
    • This is the perfect way to have a last minute healthy side for any meal in less than 30 minutes.

    Simple Ingredients

    Labeled spaghetti squash ingredients photo.
    • Spaghetti squash-ha! I have found that my grocery store carries them all year round.
    • Sea salt & pepper-To taste.
    • Cooking oil spray-I like using avocado oil cooking spray. I get mine at Costco but any kind of oil spray will work.

    See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

    Substitutions and Variations

    • If you are following an autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet, you will want to omit the black pepper.
    • For additional flavor, you can add garlic or herb seasonings as well.
    • Cheese-Some may like to sprinkle parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese on top. I am dairy free so sometimes I will add a little bit of vegan parmesan cheese. Who does not love a cheesy topping, especially when it is paired with alfredo sauce which happens to be my favorite pasta sauce.
    • Marinara sauce-Totally optional, but a good tomato sauce will add a lot of flavor. If you try to limit your intake of tomatoes, check out my easy Nomato Sauce Recipe. I love using spaghetti squash to make my Paleo Chicken Parmesan as the main meal over regular spaghetti because it is a better lower carb option. 
    • Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, other fresh herbs- All are good seasoning options, although I like my spaghetti squash plain.
    • Brown sugar-If you are going for a sweeter route.
    • Olive oil-If you want to make “noodles and butter” you can use olive oil instead of butter to add texture to your squash.

    This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turns out in the comments below!

    Step by Step Instructions

    Uncooked spaghetti squash sliced in half on a baking sheet with a spoon next to it.

    Photo 1: First, using a sharp knife and cutting board, you will cut sides of the squash. Then you will cut the squash down the middle longways.

    Uncooked spaghetti squash with seeds being scooped out of each half with a spoon on a tray.

    Photo 2: Next, you will scrap out all of the seeds out of each half of the spaghetti squash with a spoon.

    Uncooked spaghetti squash sliced in a half on a silver baking sheet seasoned.

    Photo 3: Then, you will heavily spray each half of spaghetti squash with cooking oil spray and season with salt and black pepper.

    Sliced and seasoned spaghetti squash in an air fryer base.

    Photo 4: Next, you will place the spaghetti squash cut side facing cup in the air fryer. Then, you will cook in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes. The cook time may vary based on how big your spaghetti squash halves are. Inside of the squash should feel soft when it is done being cooked. 

    Cooked halved spaghetti squash on a baking tray with a fork next to it.

    Photo 5: Once the squash is done cooking, you will use a fork to scrape the filling out. This will create the stringy appearance of “spaghetti.”

    Expert Tips

    • Tip # 1: Spaghetti squash can he difficult to cut! If you are having a hard time, you can spear the squash with a fork a few times and place in the microwave for 5 minutes. This will soften the squash and make it easier to cut in.
    • Tip # 2: If you want less water content from the squash, you can let your spaghetti squash sit with coarse salt on it for 10-20 minutes before cooking to help draw out the liquid. You will just want to wipe off and season with oil afterwards and not add additional salt.
    • Tip # 3: When preparing this in advance or storing extras in the refrigerator there will be extra liquid that collects in the bottom of the container that is from the squash.

    Recipe FAQ’s

    What kind of air fryer do you recommend?

    I have had this air fryer for years and am obsessed! Not only does it air fry but it also works as an instant pot, sauté option, and so much more! However, any kind of air fryer will work but make sure it is at least an 8 quart size. 

    What makes spaghetti squash such a great side dish?

    First, it is a great lower carb spaghetti alternative that is a lot lighter than regular pasta! Spaghetti squash is a great way to get your vegetables in but still eat “pasta” for dinner. Since it is lower carb it is perfect for those doing a lower carb or keto like diet! It is naturally AIP (Autoimmune Protocol Friendly), Whole30 and paleo friendly. 

    Why should I cook it in the air fryer?

    Cooking spaghetti squash in the air fryer is by far the easiest way! The oven takes far longer than the air fryer and the texture is just so much better when you cook it this way. 

    What should I serve it with?

    I love eating spaghetti squash with just a little bit of salt and pepper, but also love eating it with red sauce! It would also go great as a pasta alternative to my recipes for Paleo Chicken Parmesan, Whole30 Shrimp Pesto Pasta, and Paleo Pizza Casserole.

    How should I store my leftovers?

    You can store your leftover spaghetti squash in an airtight container for up to 5 days. 

    Cooked air fryer spaghetti squash on a tray and garnished with fresh green herbs and a gold fork.

    Other Easy Vegetable Recipes You Will Love

    • kale and mushrooms on a pretty plate
      Sauteed Kale And Mushrooms
    • close up photo of dehydrated kale chips in a bowl with nutritional yeast on top
      Dehydrated Kale Chips
    • instant pot zucchini with red pepper flakes in a bowl
      Instant Pot Zucchini
    • maple brussel sprouts on a plate with pomegranate
      Balsamic Maple Brussel Sprouts

    Are you interested in a list of my go to healthy alternatives?

    Download your FREE guide below

    download here
    Easy air fryer spaghetti squash on a plate with fresh green herbs.

    Easy Spaghetti Squash In The Air Fryer

    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Diet Gluten Free, Low Calorie
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes minutes
    Servings 3 servings
    Author Allianna Moximchalk
    101kcal
    Cost $3
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Equipment

    • Air fryer at least 8 quarts

    Ingredients

    • 1 spaghetti squash
    • cooking oil spray I like avocado oil
    • 1/2 tsp sea salt to sprinkle
    • 1/2 tsp black pepper to sprinkle

    Instructions

    • Cut the ends off of the spaghetti squash. Then, cut the spaghetti squash longways in half. Scoop out the seeds and heavily spray the squash with the cooking spray oil. Sprinkle the sea salt and pepper on squash. Place the squashes face up in the air fryer. Cook on 400 degrees F for 20 minutes.

    Notes

    Storage: This dish can be stored in the refrigerator in an air tight container for up to 5 days.
    Nutrition: The nutrition for this recipe is an estimate and the calorie counts are not guaranteed.  It is based on 3 servings. 
    Servings: This recipe should yield 3 servings. 
    If you poke the spaghetti squash with a fork multiple times and place in the microwave  for 4-5 minutes to make it easier to cut in half.
    Minimal clean up required spaghetti squash recipe
    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 442mg | Potassium: 352mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 388IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Tag me on instagram @alliannaskitchen!

    More Gluten Free & Dairy Free Side Dish Recipes

    • Stuffed mushrooms on a brown and white plate with fresh parsley on top.
      Gluten-Free Stuffed Mushrooms
    • Roasted cauliflower and carrots on a brown plate with fresh parsley on top.
      Roasted Carrots and Cauliflower
    • Close up photo of pesto orzo salad in a blue bowl with tomatoes and pine nuts on top.
      Pesto Orzo Salad
    • close up photo of tomatoes in the air fryer with seasoning on top
      Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lori says

      February 07, 2022 at 8:25 pm

      5 stars
      Low carb, super flavorful, easy to make.. cannot beat it!

      Reply
      • Allianna Moximchalk says

        February 08, 2022 at 11:43 am

        Thanks for reviewing!

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Allianna Headshots

    Hi, I'm Allianna! Allianna's Kitchen started by accident after battling an undiagnosed autoimmune disease for nearly my whole life.

    More about me →

    GLUTEN FREE DINNER RECIPES

    • steak date night dinner 1
      Steak Date Night Dinner with Garlic Aioli
    • gluten free fried shrimp 3 scaled
      Gluten Free Fried Shrimp
    • cooked frozen pork chops with chives on top on a white plate with a gold fork
      Easy Frozen Pork Chops In The Air Fryer
    • halibut fish tacos on a pale blue plate
      Halibut Fish Tacos

    EASY WHOLE30 RECIPES

    • Beetroot dip on a plate with crackers and fresh parsley on top.
      Simple Beetroot Dip Recipe
    • close up photo of ginger apple pork in a bowl
      Apple Ginger Pulled Pork
    • dairy free lobster bisque in a bowl with a gold spoon and garnished with lemon, fresh green herbs, and red pepper flakes.
      Dairy Free Lobster Bisque
    • juicy filet mignon on a plate
      Air Fryer Filet Mignon

    GLUTEN FREE APPETIZERS

    • peanut butter and jelly chicken wings on a plate with limes
      Peanut Butter And Jelly Wings
    • Stuffed mushrooms on a brown and white plate with fresh parsley on top.
      Gluten-Free Stuffed Mushrooms
    • Gluten free pigs in a blanket in a pile on a plate.
      Gluten Free Pigs In A Blanket
    • Pretty french onion dip in a silver bowl with potato chips and chives on top.
      Vegan French Onion Dip Recipe

    EASY MOCKTAIL RECIPES

    • honey simple syrup 2
      Honey Simple Syrup
    • orange lime cranberry mocktail 4
      Cranberry Mocktail Recipe
    • Clear glass with a brown drink and a cinnamon stick in it.
      Pear Cocktail Recipe
    • Grapefruit mocktail in a glass with jalapeño slice and grapefruit slice.
      Easy Grapefruit Mocktail Recipe

    Footer

    • Recipes
    • My Courses
    • Meal Prep Services
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Contact
    • About Me
    • Blog
    • Privacy Policy
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Allianna’s Kitchen 2025 - All Rights Reserved

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.