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How long do you pressure cook spaghetti squash?
The answer is about 10 to 15 minutes at high pressure, depending on the size of your squash.
If you’ve ever wondered how long do you pressure cook spaghetti squash, the good news is that it’s one of the fastest and easiest ways to get those perfect, noodle-like strands.
Pressure cooking cuts the time down dramatically compared to oven roasting, which can take up to an hour.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how long to pressure cook spaghetti squash, how to prep it, and a few tips so yours comes out perfect every single time.
Let’s dive in.
How Long Do You Pressure Cook Spaghetti Squash?
When you pressure cook spaghetti squash, the total time depends on a few things, but the sweet spot is usually 10 to 15 minutes on high pressure.
Here’s how it breaks down:
1. Small Squash (2 to 3 pounds)
A small spaghetti squash will pressure cook in about 7 to 10 minutes at high pressure.
These smaller ones cook fast because the heat penetrates the flesh quickly.
If you cut it in half and remove the seeds first, you’re looking at the lower end of that range.
2. Medium Squash (3 to 4 pounds)
For a medium spaghetti squash, plan on about 10 to 12 minutes at high pressure.
This is the most common size you’ll find at the grocery store, so this is the range most people will use.
It’s also the range that gives you that perfect al dente texture without turning mushy.
3. Large Squash (4 to 5 pounds and up)
A large spaghetti squash needs about 12 to 15 minutes at high pressure.
Anything bigger than that might need a couple extra minutes, but don’t go overboard or the strands will turn to mush.
When in doubt, remember that you can always cook it a little longer, but you can’t undo overcooking.
4. Whole vs. Cut
You can pressure cook spaghetti squash whole or cut in half, and this affects the time.
A whole spaghetti squash takes a bit longer, usually 15 to 20 minutes, because the steam has to work through the skin.
Cutting it in half shaves off a few minutes and lets you scoop out the seeds first.
Most people cut it in half for faster, more even cooking.
How to Pressure Cook Spaghetti Squash Step by Step
Now that you know how long do you pressure cook spaghetti squash, here’s the simple process to follow.
1. Prep the Squash
Wash the outside of your spaghetti squash and cut it in half lengthwise.
Scoop out the seeds and the stringy pulp with a spoon.
If you’re cooking it whole, just pierce the skin a few times with a fork so steam can escape.
2. Add Water to the Pressure Cooker
Pour about 1 cup of water into the bottom of your pressure cooker or Instant Pot.
This creates the steam that does all the work.
If your cooker came with a trivet, place it in the bottom so the squash doesn’t sit directly in the water.
3. Place the Squash Inside
Set the squash halves cut-side up on the trivet.
If they don’t fit in one layer, you can stack them, but try to keep them from blocking the steam flow too much.
4. Seal and Cook on High Pressure
Lock the lid and set your pressure cooker to high pressure.
Set the timer for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of your squash.
Then let the pressure release naturally for about 5 to 10 minutes before doing a quick release.
5. Shred and Serve
Once it’s safe to open, carefully remove the squash with tongs.
Let it cool for a few minutes, then use a fork to scrape out the flesh.
It’ll come out in beautiful, spaghetti-like strands that are ready to toss with sauce, butter, or whatever you love.
Tips for Perfect Pressure Cooked Spaghetti Squash
A few small things make a big difference when you pressure cook spaghetti squash.
1. Don’t Overcook It
The biggest mistake people make is cooking it too long.
If you pressure cook spaghetti squash past 15 minutes for a medium squash, the strands get soft and watery.
Stick to the lower end of the range if you like a firmer, more pasta-like texture.
2. Drain Well After Cooking
Spaghetti squash holds a lot of moisture, especially when pressure cooked.
After you shred it, let it sit in a colander for a few minutes to drain.
This keeps your final dish from getting soggy.
3. Season After, Not Before
Hold off on salt and seasonings until after cooking.
Salting before can draw out extra moisture and affect the texture.
Once it’s shredded, that’s the perfect time to add olive oil, garlic, herbs, or your favorite sauce.
So, How Long Do You Pressure Cook Spaghetti Squash?
You pressure cook spaghetti squash for about 10 to 15 minutes at high pressure, depending on its size.
Small ones take closer to 7 to 10 minutes, while large ones need 12 to 15 minutes.
Cutting it in half speeds things up, and letting the pressure release naturally for a few minutes helps the texture come out just right.
Now that you know how long do you pressure cook spaghetti squash, you can skip the oven and have tender, noodle-like strands ready in a fraction of the time.
Give it a try, and you might never go back to roasting again.