Air-Fryer Spaghetti Sauce: Quick, Easy, And Delicious?

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of dishes, including spaghetti sauce. You can make a delicious roasted tomato spaghetti sauce in an air fryer while your pasta cooks, making it a quick and convenient option for a weeknight dinner. The air fryer's efficiency also means less energy consumption, which is beneficial with high energy prices.

You can also make baked spaghetti in an air fryer, which is a comforting dish with melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe involves cooking the sauce and pasta separately, then combining them in a baking dish and placing it in the air fryer to melt the cheese.

Additionally, you can make a cherry tomato pasta sauce in an air fryer, which is a simple vegetarian dish that can be scaled up depending on the size of your air fryer. This sauce is cooked in the air fryer while the pasta boils separately, making it a quick and easy option for one or two portions.

Air fryer spaghetti sauce ingredients

Air fryers are a brilliant way to make a quick and easy spaghetti sauce. The air fryer is more energy-efficient than an oven, and you can make a small quantity of sauce while your pasta cooks.

Tomato Sauce

A simple tomato sauce can be made with the following ingredients:

• Olive oil or rapeseed oil
• Garlic powder or fresh garlic, crushed or finely grated
• Oregano
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• Balsamic glaze (optional)
• Fresh basil

Halve your tomatoes and place them in your air fryer. Sprinkle over your herbs, garlic, and seasoning. Drizzle with oil and, if using, balsamic glaze. Air fry at 200C/400F for 12 minutes, until slightly charred. Place the roasted tomatoes in a food processor or blender with some fresh basil and a little pasta water. Blend until smooth.

Baked Spaghetti

For a baked spaghetti, you will need:

• Pasta
• Tomato pasta sauce (either jarred or homemade)
• Ricotta
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese
• Mozzarella

Cook your pasta according to the packet instructions, drain, and return to the pan. Mix in your tomato sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta and cream cheese. Add half your pasta to a cake pan, then spread over the ricotta and cream cheese mixture. Add half the parmesan, then cover with the remaining pasta. Top with the remaining parmesan and mozzarella. Place in your air fryer basket and cook at 160C/320F for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and browned.

Cherry Tomato Cream Sauce

For a creamy cherry tomato sauce, you will need:

• Cherry or grape tomatoes
• Garlic
• Mixed dried Italian herbs
• Double (heavy) cream
• Grated parmesan or vintage cheddar
• Pasta
• Basil or parsley

Toss your tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and some salt and pepper. Place in your air fryer basket and cook at 180C/360F for 8-10 minutes, until the tomatoes are browning. Add the cheese and cream and a little more salt and pepper, then mix through. When your pasta is cooked, drain and add to the pan. Stir through and serve with basil or parsley.

Meat Sauce

For a meat sauce, you will need:

• Olive oil
• Onion
• Ground beef, turkey, or chicken
• Salt and pepper
• Tomato sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Mozzarella
• Fresh basil

Add olive oil to a large, deep skillet or saucepan on medium-high heat. After a few minutes, add the onions and cook until tender. Add the meat, salt, and pepper to the pan and brown the meat. Add the tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning and stir. Carefully add the spaghetti and stir until the pasta is covered. Cook for five minutes, then move to a baking dish. Cover the pasta with mozzarella and place in the air fryer. Cook at 250F/121C for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Air fryer spaghetti sauce recipe

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder or fresh garlic
• Oregano
• Salt and pepper
• Balsamic glaze (optional)
• Tomatoes
• Basil
• Pasta

Method:

First, boil the water for your pasta. While the water is boiling, prepare your sauce.

Halve your tomatoes and place them in the drawer of your air fryer, or in an ovenproof dish if your air fryer has shelves.

Sprinkle your herbs, flavourings, and seasoning onto the tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze (if using).

Roast the tomatoes in the air fryer at 200C/400F for 12 minutes, or until slightly charred, soft, and juicy. If using an oven, they may need a few extra minutes.

Place the roasted tomatoes in a food processor or blender with some fresh basil and a generous splash of pasta water. You can also use a stick blender in a tall, large jug if you don't have a food processor or blender. Whizz until you have a smooth, silky sauce.

Toss the sauce through freshly cooked spaghetti and serve.

Tips:

This recipe can be made in a drawer-style or shelf-style air fryer, or even in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. If using an oven, simply cook the tomatoes for a few minutes longer.

You can add extra tomatoes for a thicker sauce, or simply double the recipe. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 4-5 days, or frozen for 3-4 months.

Variations:

For a baked spaghetti, try this recipe: cook spaghetti according to the package instructions, then mix in tomato sauce, ricotta, cream cheese, and parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese. Layer the spaghetti and cheese mixture in a cake pan and top with mozzarella slices. Place the pan in the air fryer basket and cook at 320F/160C for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and browned.

For a meat version, try this recipe: cook ground beef or chicken/turkey in a skillet with onion, salt, and pepper. Add tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir in cooked spaghetti and place in a baking dish. Cover with mozzarella and place in the air fryer at 250F for 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

You can also make spaghetti and meatballs in the air fryer! Simply form the beef mixture into meatballs and cook in the air fryer for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Boil the pasta according to the package instructions and make a marinara sauce by combining tomato sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Serve the spaghetti with the marinara sauce, meatballs, and grated parmesan.

Air fryer spaghetti sauce vs oven

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens, especially when cooking small quantities of food. They are quicker, more energy-efficient, and safer than ovens. However, when it comes to making spaghetti sauce, there are some differences between using an air fryer and an oven.

One of the key advantages of using an air fryer for spaghetti sauce is speed. Air fryers can cook spaghetti sauce in as little as 12 to 15 minutes, while ovens typically take longer. This makes air fryers ideal for quick weeknight dinners. Additionally, air fryers are more energy-efficient than ovens, which is an important consideration given the high energy prices.

Another benefit of air fryers is their versatility. They can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including frozen foods, grilled wraps, toast, and even baking. Air fryers are also great for roasting vegetables, which can be added to pasta, salads, sandwiches, or wraps. They can also be used for baking muffins, scones, cookies, and puddings.

When it comes to making spaghetti sauce, both air fryers and ovens can be used. Air fryers are perfect for making a small batch of sauce, while ovens are better suited for larger quantities. The recipe for air fryer spaghetti sauce typically involves roasting tomatoes with herbs, flavourings, and seasoning, and then blending them into a smooth, silky sauce. This sauce can be made directly in the air fryer drawer or in an oven-proof dish that fits on the air fryer shelf.

On the other hand, oven-baked spaghetti sauce usually involves cooking the sauce in a pan or pot on the stove. This allows for a larger batch of sauce to be made at once. Additionally, oven-baked spaghetti sauce can develop deeper flavours due to the longer cooking time. However, it is important to note that using an oven during hot summer months can increase the temperature inside the house, making it uncomfortable.

In conclusion, both air fryers and ovens can be used to make delicious spaghetti sauce, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Air fryers are quicker, more energy-efficient, and perfect for small batches of sauce. Ovens, on the other hand, are better suited for larger quantities and can develop deeper flavours due to longer cooking times. Ultimately, the decision between using an air fryer or an oven depends on individual preferences, the desired quantity, and time constraints.

Air fryer spaghetti sauce with meat

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of ground meat (beef, pork, or veggie protein)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 jar of spaghetti sauce
• Fresh basil (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 5 large ripe tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pinch of chilli flakes (optional)
• 1 pinch of garlic powder
• 1 pinch of salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon balsamic glaze
• A small handful of fresh basil

Instructions:

First, prep the meatballs by combining the ground meat, breadcrumbs, red onion, parsley, egg, and garlic salt in a bowl. Mix the ingredients thoroughly using your hands or a spoon. Roll the mixture into 1-1.5 inch meatballs.

Next, line your air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper and arrange the meatballs in a single layer, spaced at least half an inch apart. Cook the meatballs at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

While the meatballs are cooking, start preparing the tomato sauce. Halve the tomatoes and place them in the drawer of your air fryer or in an oven-proof dish that fits. Sprinkle the oregano, chilli flakes, garlic powder, and salt and pepper over the tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.

Roast the tomatoes in the air fryer at 200 degrees Celsius for 12 minutes or until slightly charred and juicy. If using an oven, the tomatoes may need a few extra minutes.

Once the meatballs are done, place them in a bowl and toss with 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce to coat.

Place the roasted tomatoes in a food processor or blender along with some fresh basil and a generous splash of pasta water. You can also use a stick blender in a tall, large jug. Blend until you have a smooth and silky sauce.

Finally, combine the pasta, sauce, and meatballs. Divide into servings and top with additional spaghetti sauce, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips:

• Use wet hands while rolling the meatballs to reduce mess and help shape them nicely.
• If your air fryer basket is small, you may need to cook the meatballs in batches.
• For a thicker coating of sauce on your pasta, add extra tomatoes or double the sauce recipe.

Air fryer spaghetti sauce with vegetables

Ingredients:

• 5 large ripe tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 pinch chilli flakes (optional)
• 1 pinch garlic powder
• 1 pinch salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon balsamic glaze
• A small handful of fresh basil
• 400g freshly cooked spaghetti

Optional extras:

• Onion
• Peppers
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Meatballs

Method:

• Boil the water for the pasta, then start making the sauce. Once the pasta is nearly cooked, scoop out some of the pasta water for the sauce.
• Halve the tomatoes and place them in the drawer of your air fryer or in an ovenproof dish that fits in your air fryer.
• Chop up your chosen vegetables and add them to the air fryer.
• Sprinkle the herbs, flavourings and seasoning on the tomatoes and vegetables.
• Drizzle with olive oil.
• Then drizzle with balsamic glaze (optional).
• Roast the tomatoes in an air fryer at 200c / 400f for 12 minutes until slightly charred, soft and juicy. They may need a few more minutes if you are using an oven.
• Place the roasted tomatoes in a food processor or blender with a few fresh basil leaves and a generous splash of pasta water.
• Whizz until you have a smooth, silky sauce.
• Toss the sauce through freshly cooked spaghetti and serve.

Tips:

• You can add extra tomatoes, season them the same way for a thicker coating of sauce on your pasta, or just double the recipe.
• This sauce can be made in a drawer-style or shelf-style air fryer (or oven if you don't have an air fryer).
• If you have the drawer style, you can cook the tomatoes directly in the drawer. If you have an air fryer with shelves, you can pop the tomatoes in an ovenproof dish that fits on the shelf.
• This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 4-5 days or frozen for 3-4 months.

Frequently asked questions