Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
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Making air fryer spaghetti squash transforms it into a tender and flavorful pasta alternative with a hint of caramelization, all while maintaining its natural goodness. Spaghetti squash can be an easy dinner idea and is a favorite at our house.
If you’re looking for a healthier and fuss-free way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable, then you’re in for a treat. There are simple steps to prepare this dish, making perfect, guilt-free spaghetti squash every time.
Get ready to savor a low-carb, gluten-free, and incredibly delicious meal that will satisfy your cravings while keeping your health goals in check. And I have a secret to making it easy without cutting off your arm trying to prepare the vegetable.
Ninja air fryer spaghetti squash
The Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Oven is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines several cooking functions in one, offering convenience and efficiency for home cooks. Key features of the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Oven include:
- Air Frying: The appliance uses convection technology to circulate hot air around your food, providing a crispy and golden finish without the need for excessive oil. You can air fry a wide variety of dishes, from french fries to chicken wings, with a fraction of the calories and fat of traditional frying methods.
- Roasting and Baking: The Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Oven allows you to roast and bake dishes to perfection. You can prepare everything from roasted vegetables to delicious homemade cookies and cakes. I love this feature and hardly use my big oven any more.
- Dehydrating: This appliance includes a dehydrating function, which lets you make your own dried fruits, jerky, and other snacks without any preservatives or additives.
- Toasting and Broiling: It also doubles as a toaster and broiler, so you can make crispy toast, melt cheese on top of casseroles, or achieve that perfect broiled finish on dishes like lasagna.
- Spacious Interior: With its roomy interior, the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Oven can accommodate larger meals, making it suitable for families or gatherings. You can even cook a whole turkey in it!
- Multiple Cooking Presets: The appliance often comes with a range of preset cooking functions and temperature settings, making it user-friendly and allowing you to achieve consistent results.
Enjoy your Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash made in the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Oven, and get creative with your choice of sauces and seasonings to make it a delicious and healthy meal! Here are some of our favorite ways to flavor our spaghetti squash:
- Crack Chicken Spaghetti Squash
- Stuffed Creamy Spinach Spaghetti Squash
- Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
This air fryer spaghetti squash can be made in any kind of air fryer, it doesn’t have to be the ninja foodi. You can also bake them in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer. It just takes a little bit longer.
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized spaghetti squash
- Olive oil optional
- Salt and pepper optional
Instructions
- Wash the spaghetti squash thoroughly and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel. Next, place it in the air fryer at 375 for about 30 minutes. This will soften it up enough to cut easily.
- Remove it from the air fryer oven. You can let it cool a little bit or just grab it with a pot holder and cut it in half lengthwide.
- Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and the stringy inner membrane from both halves of the squash. You can discard the seeds or save them for roasting later, similar to pumpkin seeds.
- Lightly drizzle the inside of the squash halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. This step is optional but can enhance the flavor. Also, you can season with some of our great spaghetti squash ideas.
- Place the prepared spaghetti squash halves cut-side down on the air fryer basket or tray of your Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Oven. Make sure they fit comfortably without overcrowding the oven.
- Air fry the spaghetti squash at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15-20 more minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your squash and the specific model of your Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Oven. The squash is done when the flesh is tender and easily separates into spaghetti-like strands with a fork.
Nutrition
Can you freeze spaghetti squash
Yes, you can freeze spaghetti squash, but it’s important to do it correctly to maintain its quality and texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to freeze spaghetti squash:
- Start by cooking the spaghetti squash.
- Allow the cooked spaghetti squash to cool to room temperature. This step is crucial to prevent condensation inside the freezer bag.
- After it has cooled, use a fork to separate the strands of the spaghetti squash from the skin. Gently scrape the flesh out of the shell and into a bowl.
- Portion the spaghetti squash into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. It’s a good idea to portion it in amounts you would typically use in a single meal to avoid thawing more than needed each time.
- If using freezer bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing them. This helps prevent freezer burn and preserves the quality of the squash.
- Don’t forget to label each container or bag with the date of freezing so you can keep track of how long it’s been in the freezer.
Spaghetti squash can be frozen for several months, typically up to 6-8 months, without significant loss of quality. When you’re ready to use the frozen spaghetti squash, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost function on your microwave. Reheat it as needed, and it should still retain much of its original texture and flavor.
Calories in a spaghetti squash
Spaghetti squash is a low-calorie vegetable, making it a popular choice for those looking to reduce calorie intake. The calorie content in spaghetti squash primarily comes from carbohydrates, as it is relatively low in fat and protein. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the calorie content in 1 cup of cooked, plain spaghetti squash:
- Calories: Approximately 42-45 calories
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2 grams
- Protein: Approximately 1 gram
- Fat: Less than 1 gram
Keep in mind that the calorie count can vary slightly depending on the size and variety of the spaghetti squash and how it’s prepared. These values provide a general idea of the calorie content in cooked spaghetti squash without any additional toppings or sauces.
