Air-Frying Pasta: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular for their convenience and versatility. But can you use one to make pasta? The short answer is yes. You can cook pasta in an air fryer by either pre-boiling it or, in some cases, cooking it from raw. Air-fried pasta can be a tasty snack or a quick and easy meal, and it's a fun way to experiment with new textures and flavours in the kitchen.

Air fryer pasta recipe

Ingredients:

• Pasta (any short, sturdy shape like penne, farfalle, or elbow macaroni)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Water (for pre-cooking, if necessary)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Sugar
• Butter (optional)
• Milk (optional)

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Air-fryer-safe dish
• Baking dish (optional)

Method:

First, decide if you want to pre-cook your pasta. Pre-cooking is not necessary, but for dishes like pasta bakes, it can ensure the pasta is perfectly tender. If you choose to pre-cook, boil the pasta until it is slightly underdone, then toss it with oil.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Place your pasta in the air fryer basket, ensuring the pieces are spread out evenly. If you are adding sauce and other ingredients to create a complete dish, such as mac 'n' cheese, do so now.

Spray a light coat of olive oil over the pasta to prevent sticking and add texture. You can also season your pasta with herbs, spices, or a sprinkle of cheese to elevate the flavour.

Cook the pasta for about 8-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. Check the pasta for doneness and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.

If you are making a baked pasta dish, follow these additional steps:

• Combine melted butter, oil, seasonings, chopped veggies, raw pasta, red pasta sauce, salt, pepper, and sugar in a 7-inch round pan and mix.
• Add water and mix lightly, ensuring the pasta is submerged.
• Wrap the pan with aluminium foil, covering the base as well to secure it.
• Bake at 180C for 45 minutes. Uncover the foil and mix well.
• If the pasta feels dry, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and mix.
• Sprinkle cheese and chopped basil on top and bake at 200C for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese melts.

Remove the pasta from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your crispy, tender, and delicious air fryer pasta!

Can you boil pasta in an air fryer?

Boiling pasta in an air fryer is not possible. However, there are alternative methods to cook pasta in an air fryer.

Air Fryer Baked Pasta

One method is to cook the pasta in a baking dish inside the air fryer. This is a no-boil method where raw pasta is cooked in a mixture of water and sauce. The pasta is fully submerged in the mixture and baked until cooked through. This method does not require pre-cooking the pasta and can be used to make dishes such as baked pasta or pasta bakes.

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Another method is to cook boiled and drained pasta in an air fryer. The pasta is tossed with a small amount of oil and air-fried until crispy. This method gives the pasta a chip-like texture and is a great snack for kids and adults.

General Tips for Cooking Pasta in an Air Fryer

When cooking pasta in an air fryer, it is important to use a dish that fits inside the air fryer and is safe for use in the appliance. Additionally, pre-cooking the pasta by boiling it until slightly underdone can help achieve the desired texture, especially for dishes like pasta bakes. Short, sturdy pasta shapes are ideal as they allow hot air to circulate freely, ensuring even cooking.

In summary, while you cannot boil pasta in an air fryer, there are alternative methods to cook pasta using this appliance. These methods offer a unique texture and are a convenient option for quick and easy meals or snacks.

Air fryer pasta ingredients

Air fryer pasta is a fun and convenient way to cook up a tasty meal or snack. The ingredients you'll need will depend on the type of pasta dish you're planning to make.

Air Fryer Baked Pasta

If you're looking to make a baked pasta dish in your air fryer, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Butter and oil: For moisture and to prevent sticking.
• Seasonings: Chilli flakes, oregano, and finely chopped garlic are a great trio, but you can add others like Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar.
• Vegetables: Capsicum and mushrooms work well, but feel free to use any veggies you like.
• Pasta: Use raw, dried pasta in any shape that fits your baking dish. Fusilli and penne are good options.
• Pasta Sauce: You can use a store-bought tomato pasta sauce or make your own.
• Water: This is essential to cook the raw pasta through and create a moist dish.
• Cheese: Grated mozzarella or parmesan cheese adds a delicious, cheesy touch.
• Fresh herbs: Basil leaves add a nice flavour and garnish.
• Aluminium foil: This helps secure the baking dish and prevents overcooking.
• Baking dish: Choose a size that fits inside your air fryer, such as a 7-inch round pan.

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

For a fun snack, you can make crispy air fryer pasta chips. Here's what you'll need:

• Pasta: Use any short shape like bowtie, fusilli, penne, ziti, or elbow pasta. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti.
• Olive oil: Just a small amount is needed to toss with the pasta before air frying.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely grated parmesan adds a delicious touch, but you can omit it if preferred.
• Seasonings: Dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are great options. You can also add red chilli flakes for some spice.

Knorr White Cheddar & Broccoli Pasta

For a tasty, cheesy dish, you can make Knorr White Cheddar & Broccoli pasta in your air fryer:

• Knorr White Cheddar & Broccoli Sidekick: Follow the package instructions for the full list of ingredients.
• Butter: Cut into small pieces as per the package instructions.
• Water: Combine with milk and butter in an air-fryer-safe dish.
• Milk: Stir into the water and butter mixture.

Air fryer pasta cooking instructions

Ingredients

• Dry pasta (any shape you prefer)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Water (for pre-cooking, if necessary)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Air-fryer-safe dish
• Pan (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
• If necessary, break the pasta into small pieces that will fit in the air fryer basket.
• Place the pasta pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out evenly.
• Spray a light coat of olive oil over the pasta or toss the pasta with a little oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
• Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to promote even cooking.
• Check the pasta for doneness. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the desired texture is achieved.
• Remove the pasta from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips

• For a complete pasta dish, add sauce and other ingredients after cooking the pasta.
• Season your pasta before cooking to elevate your dish.
• For a no-boil option, add water to the sauce when baking. This cooks the pasta to perfection.
• If you're reheating pasta, cook it in the air fryer for 15 minutes at 170C.

Air fryer pasta serving suggestions

Air fryer pasta is a fun and convenient way to switch up your regular pasta routine, and it's a game-changer for those who want to explore new textures and flavours. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your air fryer pasta experience:

Pasta Chips

This viral sensation is an addictive snack that's perfect for kids and adults alike. Simply boil your favourite short pasta shape (like bowtie, fusilli, penne, or elbow pasta) al dente, drain it, and toss it with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and your choice of seasonings. Air fry until golden brown and crispy, and serve with your favourite dipping sauce. Suggested dips include pizza sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, honey mustard, or yogurt.

One-Pot Air Fryer Baked Pasta

For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try this no-boil baked pasta. In an air fryer-safe dish, combine melted butter, oil, seasonings (like chilli flakes, oregano, and garlic), chopped veggies (capsicum and mushroom work well), raw pasta, red pasta sauce, water, and grated mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and bake at 180C for 45 minutes. Uncover, mix well, and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes at 200C until the cheese melts. Serve immediately, or store it in the refrigerator for later.

Air Fryer Mac 'n' Cheese

Create a delicious and comforting mac 'n' cheese in your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Break short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or elbow macaroni into small pieces and place them in the air fryer basket. Spray or toss with olive oil to prevent sticking, and air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Once the pasta is cooked to your desired level of doneness, toss it with your favourite mac 'n' cheese sauce and serve!

Air Fryer Pasta Bake

For a heartier meal, try an air fryer pasta bake. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and combine water, milk, and butter in an air fryer-safe dish. Stir in the contents of a pasta and cheese package (like Knorr's White Cheddar & Broccoli Sidekick). Place the uncovered dish in the air fryer basket and cook for 18-20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Remove from the air fryer and let it stand for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

Frequently asked questions