Air Fryer Pasta: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of dishes, but can you make pasta in one? The short answer is yes, you can. From baked pasta to pasta chips, there are several ways to make pasta in an air fryer.

One popular method is to cook the pasta in boiling water first, as you would normally, and then place it in an air fryer-safe dish with sauce and cheese. This can be a convenient way to make a small portion without having to heat up an entire oven. You can also make pasta chips by cooking the pasta, tossing it in oil and seasonings, and then placing it in the air fryer in a single layer to get a crunchy texture.

However, it's important to note that air fryers may not be ideal for cooking pasta dishes with a lot of sauce, as the circulating hot air can cause splattering. Additionally, while you can cook pasta in an air fryer, it may not be as efficient as traditional boiling, and it's recommended to undercook the pasta by a few minutes to prevent over-softening.

Air fryer pasta recipe and ingredients

Cooking pasta in an air fryer is an unconventional method that simplifies the cooking process and adds a delightful texture to the pasta. This approach is perfect for those seeking a new twist on their favourite dish, offering a quick and easy way to prepare pasta without sacrificing flavour or quality.

Ingredients

• Dry pasta (any shape, but shorter sturdier shapes like penne, farfalle, or elbow macaroni are ideal)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Water (for pre-cooking, if necessary)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

Additional Ingredients for a Pasta Bake

• Melted butter
• Seasonings (chilli flakes, oregano, finely chopped garlic)
• Chopped vegetables (e.g. capsicum, mushroom)
• Raw pasta (any shape that fits in a baking dish)
• Red pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Grated mozzarella cheese
• Basil leaves
• Aluminium foil

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
• Break the pasta into small pieces and place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out evenly.
• Spray or toss the pasta with a light coat of olive oil to prevent sticking and add texture.
• Cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking.
• Check the pasta for doneness and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.
• Remove the pasta from the air fryer and let it cool slightly before serving.

Alternative Method for a Pasta Bake

• Add melted butter, oil, chilli flakes, oregano, garlic, vegetables, raw pasta, red pasta sauce, salt, pepper, and sugar to 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. Serve immediately.

Can you boil pasta in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook pasta in an air fryer, but it's not quite as simple as boiling it in a pot. The air fryer method involves pre-cooking the pasta by boiling it until it's slightly underdone, then tossing it with oil, and finally air-frying it. This gives the pasta a unique texture—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

To cook pasta in an air fryer, first, make sure your pasta is either fresh or pre-cooked. Break the pasta into small pieces that will fit in the air fryer basket, then place the pieces in the basket, ensuring they are spread out evenly. Spray a light coat of olive oil over the pasta to prevent sticking and add texture. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. Check the pasta and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.

You can also make a complete pasta dish in an air fryer. For example, you can make a baked pasta by combining raw pasta, water, sauce, and other ingredients in an air-fryer-safe dish and cooking it for around 45 minutes. This method does not require pre-boiling the pasta.

Air-fried pasta is a fun and easy way to switch up your pasta routine and experiment with new textures and flavours.

How to cook pasta in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Pasta of your choice (raw or dried)
• Pasta sauce (red or white)
• Butter
• Oil
• Cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, etc.)
• Seasoning (chilli flakes, oregano, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, etc.)
• Vegetables (optional)
• Meat or tofu (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer-friendly baking dish
• Air fryer

Method

First, decide whether you want to cook your pasta in the air fryer or boil it separately first. Boiling the pasta beforehand will give you a nicer bite, but it is possible to cook the pasta directly in the air fryer if you add water to the sauce.

If you choose to boil your pasta first, cook it for 2-3 minutes less than the time recommended on the packet.

Next, mix your cooked (or raw) pasta with your choice of pasta sauce. If you are using raw pasta, add water to the sauce to ensure the pasta cooks through. You can also add vegetables and/or meat or tofu to the mixture.

Transfer the pasta to a baking dish. The size of the dish will depend on the size of your air fryer, but make sure there is a good airflow around the dish for even cooking.

If you don't want a crispy top to your pasta bake, cover the dish with foil.

Place the baking dish in the air fryer basket and air fry at 180C for 10-45 minutes, depending on the power of your air fryer.

If the pasta feels dry, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and mix.

Finally, sprinkle cheese on top and air fry at 200C for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

Serve immediately, or allow to cool and store in the fridge for up to three days.

Air fryer pasta vs oven-baked pasta

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to traditional ovens, and for good reason. They can cook food faster and more efficiently, without compromising on taste and texture. But how do they fare when it comes to cooking pasta bakes? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of using an air fryer for your pasta bake versus using a conventional oven.

Air Fryer Pasta Bake

Air fryer pasta bakes are a convenient and quick option for those short on time or wanting to save on energy costs. One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer for your pasta bake is that you can make a single-serve portion without having to heat up your entire oven. This makes it a great option for those cooking for one or two people.

Air fryer pasta bakes are also a good choice if you're looking for a low-effort, low-cost meal. You can use dried pasta, jarred sauce, and pre-grated cheese for a simple, budget-friendly dinner. However, you can also get creative and use fresh pasta, homemade sauce, and a variety of different cheeses if you're feeling more adventurous.

Another benefit of the air fryer method is that it typically takes less time to cook your pasta bake compared to an oven. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or when you're short on time.

Oven-Baked Pasta

While air fryers offer convenience and speed, there are some instances where using a conventional oven may be preferable. If you're cooking for a larger group of people, an oven may be more suitable as it can accommodate larger portions.

Oven-baked pasta also allows for more even cooking throughout the dish. With an air fryer, you may need to stir the pasta or rotate the dish to ensure even cooking, especially if you're making a larger batch.

Additionally, if you're looking for that classic, crispy top on your pasta bake, an oven may give you better results. While you can achieve a crispy top in an air fryer, it may require some experimentation with temperature and timing to get it just right.

Both air fryers and ovens have their pros and cons when it comes to cooking pasta bakes. If you're short on time, cooking for one or two people, or looking for a more energy-efficient option, an air fryer is a great choice. However, if you're cooking for a larger group, seeking that perfect crispy topping, or wanting the most even cook throughout your dish, a traditional oven may be the better option. Ultimately, it may come down to personal preference and the specific needs of each cooking occasion.

Air fryer pasta chips

Ingredients

• 2 cups of pasta (any shape)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

First, cook your pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese to the bowl. Stir until well combined.

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F/198°C for about 2 minutes. Place the pasta in the air fryer basket/tray in a single layer. Cook at 390°F/198°C for 6 minutes. Open the air fryer, stir the pasta, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pasta chips are golden and crispy.

Serve the crispy air-fried noodles with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as homemade chipotle sauce, marinara sauce, or garlic sauce.

Tips

• To ensure even cooking, use pasta of the same size, not too large or thick.
• Avoid using crumbled or broken pieces of pasta.
• Choose a pasta shape that is easy to grab and dip, such as rigatoni, penne, farfalle, or rotini.
• For extra flavour, toss the cooked pasta in herbs and spices before placing it in the air fryer.
• Adjust the cooking time to your preference, as frying for too long may result in hard and dry pasta chips.

Frequently asked questions