Imagine transforming a simple vegetable into a restaurant-worthy dish with just one kitchen gadget - your air fryer! This Air Fryer Whole Spaghetti Squash recipe is about to revolutionize your meal prep, offering a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta that's both incredibly delicious and ridiculously easy to make. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a culinary magic trick that turns a humble squash into golden, tender spaghetti strands that will have everyone asking, "How did you do that?"
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Spaghetti squash, 1 whole
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Carefully wash the whole spaghetti squash under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully pierce the squash in several places to allow steam to escape during cooking. Make sure the holes are about 1-2 inches deep and evenly distributed around the squash.
- Pat the squash dry with paper towels to ensure the olive oil will adhere properly.
- Drizzle the entire squash with olive oil, using your hands to evenly coat the entire surface. This will help create a crispy exterior and prevent sticking.
- Generously season the squash with salt and freshly ground black pepper, rotating to cover all sides.
- Place the whole squash in the air fryer basket, positioning it so it doesn't touch the sides of the basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cut the squash in half.
- Set the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 25-30 minutes, turning the squash halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting.
- Check the squash for doneness by inserting a knife. It should slide in easily when fully cooked. The exterior should be golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove the squash from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to cool slightly.
- Using oven mitts, carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
- Use a fork to scrape the flesh, which will naturally separate into spaghetti-like strands. Serve immediately with your favorite sauce or as a side dish.
Tips
- Always choose a firm, heavy spaghetti squash with a vibrant yellow color for the best results.
- Pierce the squash carefully to prevent potential steam buildup that could cause splitting.
- Use high-quality olive oil for better flavor and even coating.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - this ensures proper air circulation and even cooking.
- For extra flavor, experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, Italian herbs, or red pepper flakes.
- Let the squash rest after cooking to make it easier to handle and improve texture.
- If your squash is particularly large, you might need to cut it in half before air frying.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and warmth, pairing with marinara, pesto, or your favorite sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 42kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
