Discover the perfect way to cook spaghetti squash in Air Fryer. This quick and flavorful method yields tender strands of squash with a delightful caramelization.
Spaghetti squash is a popular vegetable known for its unique stringy texture that resembles spaghetti noodles when cooked. Whether you're following a low-carb diet, seeking a gluten-free option, or simply looking to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, spaghetti squash in the air fryer is a delightful choice that will leave you satisfied and craving more.
So, grab your air fryer and embark on a culinary journey with spaghetti squash as your versatile companion.
Quick Tip: Check out our guide to Buying the Perfect Spaghetti Squash every time.
Ingredients You Need
To cook spaghetti squash in the air fryer, gather the following ingredients;
- Spaghetti Squash: Make sure to get a perfect ripe spaghetti squash. It should be firm and golden yellow.
- Olive oil: You can use any plant-based oil as a substitute.
- Garlic Powder: You can also use fresh minced garlic.
- Salt and Pepper: to taste.
- Optional: additional herbs and spices such as dried herbs, chili flakes, fresh herbs, and lime can be added to elevate the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Spaghetti Squash
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and a delightful caramelization of the squash.
- Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Take caution when cutting as the outer skin can be tough.
- Once halved, scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of the squash using a spoon. You can discard the seeds or save them for later use, such as roasting.
Seasoning the Squash
- Brush the cut sides of the spaghetti squash with olive oil, ensuring the entire surface is coated. The oil will enhance the flavor and prevent the squash from drying out during the cooking process.
- Season the squash with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any additional herbs or spices of your choice. This is an opportunity to get creative and add flavors that suit your taste preferences.
Air Frying the Squash
- Place the seasoned spaghetti squash halves cut-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they fit comfortably without overlapping. If your basket is small air fry in batches.
- Cook the squash at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your squash and desired tenderness. To check for doneness, insert a fork into the squash, which should easily penetrate the flesh.
Removing and Shredding the Squash
- Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts, as it will be hot.
- Allow the squash to cool for a few minutes until it's safe to handle. Then, using a fork, gently scrape the flesh of the squash, starting from the outer edges and working your way toward the center. As you scrape, the flesh will separate into long, spaghetti-like strands.
Classic Flavors for Air fried Spaghetti Squash
Once spaghetti squash is Air fried, you can enhance its flavor with classic and complementary ingredients. Here are some classic flavors to consider:
- Garlic and Herbs: Toss the spaghetti squash with minced garlic, dried or fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano, along with a drizzle of olive oil. These aromatics add depth and earthiness to the squash.
- Pesto: Toss your spaghetti squash with a vibrant pesto sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. It adds a burst of flavor to the mild squash strands.
- Parmesan and Black Pepper: Sprinkle vegan parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper over the air-fried spaghetti squash for a simple yet delicious flavor combination. The cheese adds richness, while the black pepper provides a subtle kick.
- Lemon and Herbs: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the roasted spaghetti squash and sprinkle it with herbs like parsley, basil, or dill. The bright acidity of lemon pairs well with the squash's mild flavor, and the herbs add freshness.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze or reduction over the roasted spaghetti squash for a touch of tanginess and sweetness. The caramelized notes of the balsamic complement the natural sweetness of the squash.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast a medley of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini alongside the spaghetti squash. The roasted vegetables add additional flavors and textures to the dish.
Remember to season with salt and pepper to taste before air frying. These classic flavor combinations can serve as a starting point, and you can customize them based on your personal preferences and creativity.
Cooked Spaghetti Squash Storage
Properly stored cooked spaghetti squash can be a convenient addition to future meals. Whether you're preparing it in advance or saving leftovers, following these steps will help maintain its quality and flavor.
- Allow it to cool: Let the cooked spaghetti squash cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent moisture buildup and maintain its texture.
- Separate the strands: Use a fork to gently separate the spaghetti squash strands from the outer skin. This will make it easier to store and reheat later.
- Portion and pack: Divide the spaghetti squash into portion-sized containers or resealable bags. Make sure to leave some space for expansion if using bags. Alternatively, you can store it in a large airtight container.
- Refrigeration: If you plan to use the cooked spaghetti squash within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. It can typically be refrigerated for up to 3-5 days. Ensure the container or bag is sealed tightly to prevent any odors from permeating.
Freezing and Reheating
If you want to store the cooked spaghetti squash for longer, freezing is the best option. Place the portioned spaghetti squash in freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out any excess air and seal tightly. Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Freezing duration: cooked spaghetti squash can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. It's best to consume it within this timeframe for optimal quality.
- Thawing and reheating: When you're ready to eat the stored spaghetti squash, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat it in the microwave or warm it in a skillet with a little oil or butter. Stir gently to heat evenly and avoid overcooking.
What to Eat with Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is a versatile vegetable that pairs well with a variety of flavors and ingredients. Here are some delicious options for what to eat with spaghetti squash
- Vegan Biryani: Make a splendid holiday meal with a perfect vegan biryani and spaghetti squash strands flavored with lime and mint as a side.
- Spicy Tahini Sauce: Top your cooked spaghetti squash with a creamy Spicy Tahini Sauce. Add some fresh herbs like basil and oregano for extra freshness.
- Stir fry Tofu: This spaghetti squash pair well with some stir fry tofu strips to make a complete meal.
- Roasted chickpeas and beans: Add some roasted chickpeas and beans to your spaghetti squash for a protein-packed and well-rounded dish. Season them with herbs and spices that complement the flavors of the squash.
Yes, squash can be cooked in an air fryer and it can turn out delicious. Air frying squash can result in a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. It's a healthier alternative to deep-frying as it requires less oil.
Spaghetti squash can be hard to cut due to its tough outer skin and dense flesh. The difficulty in cutting spaghetti squash is primarily attributed to its thick and rigid structure. The skin of the squash is often thick and can be challenging to penetrate with a regular knife. Additionally, the flesh of the spaghetti squash is firm and requires significant force to cut through.
Spaghetti squash can become mushy after cooking if it is overcooked or if it contains excessive moisture. Overcooking can lead to a loss of texture and result in a soft, mushy consistency
Yes, air frying is generally faster than roasting. Air fryers use a convection mechanism that circulates hot air rapidly around the food, resulting in faster cooking times compared to traditional oven roasting. The circulating hot air in an air fryer helps to cook the food more evenly and quickly, often reducing cooking times by up to 25% or more.
More Air Fryer Recipes
If you like this recipe and want some more vegan fall recipes checkout
Spaghetti Squash in Air Fryer
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Medium Size Spaghetti Squash
- 2 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ Tsp Salt
- ¼ Tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Spaghetti Squash
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and a delightful caramelization of the squash.
- Carefully slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Take caution when cutting as the outer skin can be tough.
- Once halved, scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of the squash using a spoon. You can discard the seeds or save them for later use, such as roasting.
Step 2: Seasoning the Squash
- Brush the cut sides of the spaghetti squash with olive oil, ensuring the entire surface is coated. The oil will enhance the flavor and prevent the squash from drying out during the cooking process.
- Season the squash with salt, pepper, garlic powder and any additional herbs or spices of your choice. This is an opportunity to get creative and add flavors that suit your taste preferences.
Step 3: Air Frying the Squash
- Place the seasoned spaghetti squash halves cut-side down in the air fryer basket, ensuring they fit comfortably without overlapping. If your basket is small air fry in batches.
- Cook the squash at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your squash and desired tenderness. To check for doneness, insert a fork into the squash, which should easily penetrate the flesh.
Step 4: Removing and Shredding the Squash
- Once the spaghetti squash is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs or oven mitts, as it will be hot.
- Allow the squash to cool for a few minutes until it's safe to handle. Then, using a fork, gently scrape the flesh of the squash, starting from the outer edges and working your way towards the center. As you scrape, the flesh will separate into long, spaghetti-like strands.
Notes
Nutrition
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Kiara says
Loved it 😃
Billy says
Very well explained recipe. Delicious every time i make.