How to Cook Spaghetti Squash: 4 Ways!
Learn everything you need to know about spaghetti squash including ways to cook it, when it’s in season, the nutritional value, and more!
Spaghetti squash is such a versatile veggie that can be served year-round. Many people love this squash compared to other varieties because it can be used as a pasta alternative, it’s full of fiber, low in carbs, naturally gluten-free and there are so many ways you can cook it!
It can be served with just about any meal as a healthy side dish, but as I mentioned before you can also give it the main course spotlight by serving it as pasta! Use my 6 Ingredient Marinara Sauce and just add some meat to make it an easy weeknight meal!
When is Spaghetti Squash in Season?
Peak spaghetti squash season starts in the fall and runs into the winter. However, most local grocery stores carry this variety year-round. Some veggies and fruit taste better when they are only offered during their season (like fresh corn and watermelon), but we have tried it throughout the year and still love it!
How to Cook Spaghetti Squash
Here are 4 different ways you can cook spaghetti squash based on what type of appliance you choose to use!
In the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees. If you are using the parchment paper liners don’t place these in until you are ready to add the squash halves.
Slice the squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and stringy pieces.
Drizzle with a little oil and season with salt and pepper. Feel free to add your favorite spices.
Once the air fryer has preheated, place them in the basket, flesh side down, and cook for 18 minutes.
Check the squash at the 15-minute mark. Depending on your model of air fryer you may need to increase or decrease the cooking time.
To serve, use a fork to pull out the “spaghetti” and serve with air fryer meatballs!
Oven Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and clean out the inside of the squash including the stringy stuff and seeds.
Cut the squash in half and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet flesh side down.
Roast them for about 45 minutes. Once they are done, you should be able to easily press a fork into the outer rind.
Cooking Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot
As long as your spaghetti squash is small to medium size and can fit in your Instant Pot, you don’t even have to slice it.
Pour in one cup of water, then add the trivet.
Cut a couple of slits or use a fork to pierce the squash a couple of times. Place the spaghetti squash on the trivet and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
Then slice it through the middle, remove the seeds, then use a fork to get out the spaghetti and serve!
Slow Cooker Spaghetti Squash
Poke the spaghetti squash all over and place it in the crockpot.
Cook on high for three hours.
Periodically check it to see if it needs rotating. Depending on the size, it may not need the full cooking time.
Once the outside is soft it’s ready to come out!
Then slice, scoop out the seeds, and serve.
How Long Does Spaghetti Squash Last?
Once they have been cooked, spaghetti squash will last up to 4 days in an airtight container when placed in the fridge.
Before cooking, they will sometimes last up to 2 weeks after you bring them home from the local market.
Can You Freeze It For Later?
Yes! After the cooked spaghetti squash has cooled completely, transfer it to a freezer friendly container or bag. It will stay fresh for about 2 months. If you decide to use a vacuum sealer, it will last longer closer to the 6 month mark.
The noodles will be a little softer by the time you thaw and reheat them.
Healthy Side Dish Recipes You Should Try:
- Paleo Sweet Potato Casserole
- Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
- Mediterranean Potato Salad with Tzatziki – No Mayo, No Mustard
- Honey Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Apples | 30 Minute Recipe
PIN ME FOR LATER
Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 Spaghetti Squash
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Olive Oil For air fryer version
- 1 Cup Water For instant pot version
Instructions
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
- Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees. If you are using the parchment paper liners don’t place these in until you are ready to add the squash halves. Slice the squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and stringy pieces. Drizzle with a little oil and season with salt and pepper. Feel free to add your favorite spices. Once the air fryer has preheated, place them in the basket, flesh side down, and cook for 18 minutes. Check the squash at the 15-minute mark. Depending on your model of air fryer you may need to increase or decrease the cooking time. To serve, use a fork to pull out the “spaghetti”.
Oven Baked Spaghetti Squash (Roasted)
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and clean out the inside of the squash including the stringy stuff and seeds. Cut the squash in half and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet flesh side down. Roast them for about 45 minutes. Once they are done, you should be able to easily press a fork into the outer rind.
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
- As long as your spaghetti squash is small to medium size and can fit in your Instant Pot, you don’t even have to slice it. Pour in one cup of water, then add the trivet. Cut a couple of slits or use a fork to pierce the squash a couple of times. Place the spaghetti squash on the trivet and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. Then slice it through the middle, remove the seeds, then use a fork to get out the spaghetti and serve!
Crock Pot Spaghetti Squash
- Poke the spaghetti squash all over and place it in the crockpot. Cook on high for three hours. Periodically check it to see if it needs rotating. Depending on the size, it may not need the full cooking time. Once the outside is soft it’s ready to come out! Then slice, scoop out the seeds, and serve.
