Imagine transforming a humble vegetable into a magical, pasta-like dish that's both incredibly delicious and guilt-free! This air fryer spaghetti squash recipe is about to revolutionize your healthy eating game, offering a stunning alternative to traditional pasta that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you'll create a mouthwatering side dish that's so good, you won't believe it's actually a vegetable!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes while you prepare the spaghetti squash.
- Carefully cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Be cautious, as the skin can be tough.
- Once halved, scoop out the seeds and any stringy pulp from the center of each half using a spoon. Discard the seeds and pulp.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to create a flavorful oil mixture.
- Brush the inside of each spaghetti squash half generously with the olive oil mixture, ensuring that the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Place the seasoned spaghetti squash halves in the air fryer basket, cut side up. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
- Cook the spaghetti squash in the air fryer for about 25 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily shredded with a fork. Check for doneness after 20 minutes, as cooking times may vary based on the size of the squash.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the spaghetti squash from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Let it cool for a few minutes.
- Using a fork, gently scrape the flesh of the spaghetti squash to create spaghetti-like strands. Be sure to scrape all the way to the skin.
- Transfer the spaghetti squash strands to a serving bowl. Optionally, drizzle with additional olive oil and season with more salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately as a healthy side dish or a base for your favorite pasta sauce. Enjoy your delicious air-fried spaghetti squash!
Tips
- Choose a medium-sized spaghetti squash for the best texture and cooking consistency.
- Use a sharp, sturdy knife when cutting the squash and always cut carefully to avoid accidents.
- Don't skip seasoning - the olive oil and spice mixture is crucial for adding flavor to the mild squash.
- Make sure to space the squash halves in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Test doneness by easily piercing the flesh with a fork - it should be tender but not mushy.
- For extra flavor, try topping your spaghetti squash with grated Parmesan, fresh herbs, or your favorite marinara sauce.
- Leftover spaghetti squash can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the air fryer or microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 73kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
