Air-Frying Pasta: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason—they're versatile, convenient, and can cook food to perfection in a fraction of the time of traditional ovens. But can you cook pasta in an air fryer? The short answer is yes, and there are a few different ways to do it. You can make pasta chips, bake a pasta dish, or even cook pasta in the traditional form. The cooking time will depend on the type of pasta and the specific air fryer model, but you can expect it to be much quicker than cooking on a stovetop or in an oven.

Cooking Pasta in an Air Fryer

Air fryer pasta bake recipes

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook pasta bakes, with cooking times reduced compared to traditional ovens. You can cook pasta bakes in an air fryer in under 30 minutes, and some recipes take as little as 10 minutes.

Ingredients

The beauty of pasta bakes is that they are versatile and can be adapted to suit dietary needs and taste preferences. Here are some ingredients you can use:

• Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, elbow pasta, shells, spaghetti, or gluten-free lentil pasta.
• Sauce: Tomato-based pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade), white sauce (such as bechamel or cheese sauce), or a creamy Alfredo sauce. You can also add cream cheese to the red sauce.
• Cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, red Leicester, parmesan, vegan cheese, or a combination of these.
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, oregano, chilli flakes, or cayenne pepper for spice.
• Vegetables: Mushrooms, peppers, aubergine, squash, spinach, broccoli, or garlic.
• Meat: Ground turkey, beef, chicken, or bison. You can also use plant-based meat alternatives.

Method

The general method for making an air fryer pasta bake is as follows:

• Cook the pasta al dente in salted water.
• Prepare your chosen sauce and combine it with the cooked pasta.
• If desired, cook any vegetables and/or meat and add them to the pasta and sauce mixture.
• Transfer the mixture to a baking dish that fits inside your air fryer.
• Top with grated cheese.
• Place the baking dish in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C or 360°F until the cheese melts and turns golden brown, usually around 10 minutes.

No-Boil Option

Some recipes also offer a no-boil option, where you add water to the sauce to cook the pasta. This method involves adding raw pasta to a baking dish with sauce, water, and other desired ingredients, then cooking it in the air fryer until the pasta is fully cooked.

Air fryer pasta chips

Ingredients

• Pasta (rigatoni, farfelle, rotini, penne, or any other short pasta that can be easily picked up)
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Dipping sauce (optional)

Method

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and let it sit for 2 minutes.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Transfer the pasta to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Toss the mixture until evenly combined.
• Place a single layer of pasta in the air fryer basket.
• Cook the pasta in the air fryer for 5 minutes. Flip the pasta and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, until golden brown.
• Transfer the pasta chips to a paper towel-lined plate and break apart any that are stuck together.
• Repeat the process with the remaining pasta.
• Top with more Parmesan cheese and serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara or garlic sauce.

Tips

• The pasta chips can be stored in an airtight container and enjoyed as a snack throughout the day.
• For extra flavour, add onion powder, cayenne powder, or paprika to the seasoning mix.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the pasta chips in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes.

No-boil air fryer pasta

The no-boil air fryer pasta is a convenient and quick recipe that can be prepared in one pan. It is a simple, tasty, and saucy dish that can be made with any shape of pasta.

Ingredients

• Pasta (any shape)
• Pasta sauce (red or white)
• Water
• Cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, or cheddar)
• Butter
• Oil
• Seasoning (chilli flakes, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar)
• Vegetables (optional)

Steps

First, take a baking dish that fits inside your air fryer. A 7-inch round pan is a good size. Then, follow these steps:

• Add butter, oil, chilli flakes, oregano seasoning, garlic, capsicum, mushroom, raw pasta, red pasta sauce, salt, pepper, and sugar to the pan and mix.
• Add water and mix lightly. Ensure the pasta is submerged under the water.
• Wrap the pan with aluminium foil, covering the base and sides so that it is secure.
• Bake at 180°C for 45 minutes.
• Uncover the foil and mix well. If the pasta feels dry, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and mix again.
• Sprinkle cheese and chopped basil on top and bake at 200°C for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese melts.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• You can use store-bought or homemade pasta sauce.
• You can use any type of cheese, including vegan cheese.
• You can add cooked vegetables or protein of your choice to the pasta sauce.
• The baking time may vary depending on the shape of the pasta and the size of your casserole dish and air fryer model.

Air fryer pasta cooking times

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

If you are making pasta chips, you should first cook your pasta in a pot of salted water until it is tender but still firm to the bite. This should take around 8 minutes. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse it, and let it sit for 2 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (around 400°F). Transfer the pasta to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, stirring in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. You can also add red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Place the pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. Flip the pasta and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until both sides are crunchy.

Air Fryer Pasta Bake

If you are making a pasta bake, you should first cook your pasta al dente in salted water, as it will continue to cook in the air fryer. You can use any type of pasta, but shorter shapes like penne, rigatoni, elbow pasta, or shells are recommended as they hold more sauce. However, you can also use flat shapes like bowtie pasta or long noodles like spaghetti.

Once your pasta is cooked, mix it with your desired pasta sauce and toppings such as vegetables or meat. Place the pasta in a baking dish that fits inside your air fryer and top with grated cheese. Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for around 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your dish and air fryer model, so it is recommended to start checking the pasta after 8 minutes.

No-Boil Air Fryer Pasta

It is also possible to make a one-pan pasta dish in the air fryer without pre-cooking the pasta. Simply add raw pasta, water, sauce, and your desired seasonings to a baking dish that fits in your air fryer. The baking time may vary depending on the shape of the pasta. This method eliminates the need for boiling the pasta separately and can be a convenient option for busy days.

Air fryer pasta toppings

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook pasta quickly and easily. You can make a variety of pasta dishes in an air fryer, from baked pasta to pasta chips. The cooking time will depend on the type of pasta and the size of your air fryer, but on average, it takes around 8-10 minutes to cook pasta in an air fryer.

Now, let's talk about toppings! Here are some ideas for Air Fryer Pasta Toppings:

Cheesy Toppings:

• Mozzarella: This classic cheese is a popular choice for pasta dishes. It melts easily and adds a stretchy, gooey texture.
• Cheddar: Cheddar cheese adds a sharp, distinct flavour and pairs well with tomato-based sauces.
• Parmesan: Parmesan cheese, or "Parmigiano-Reggiano," has a nutty, savoury flavour and is often grated over pasta dishes.
• Red Leicester: Red Leicester is a British cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, slightly nutty taste.
• Vegan Cheese: For a plant-based option, vegan cheese alternatives are available that melt and stretch like traditional cheese.

Herb Toppings:

• Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a burst of flavour and a beautiful, bright green colour to your pasta dish.
• Oregano: Dried oregano flakes or fresh oregano leaves provide an earthy, Mediterranean touch to your pasta.

Spicy Toppings:

• Chilli Flakes: For those who like it hot, chilli flakes will bring the heat to your pasta.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes add a combination of mild spice and sweetness to your dish.

Other Toppings:

• Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, peppers, aubergine, squash, or capsicum can be mixed into your pasta for added texture and flavour.
• Meat: If you eat meat, you can top your pasta with cooked chicken, beef, or Italian sausage.
• Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy texture, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top of your pasta before serving.

Remember, the beauty of cooking pasta in an air fryer is the convenience and versatility it offers. You can get creative and experiment with different toppings to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions