Perfectly Fried Pasta: Air Fryer Cooking Times Explained

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook pasta, with the added benefit of reducing cooking time compared to traditional ovens. The circulating hot air in an air fryer crisps up the exterior of the pasta, creating a golden, bubbling dish. While specific cook times vary depending on the pasta type and air fryer model, most recipes recommend cooking pasta in an air fryer for around 18-20 minutes at temperatures between 170-390°F (76-198°C). This method eliminates the need for boiling the pasta separately, simplifying the cooking process and reducing preparation time.

Air fryer pasta bake recipes

Air fryers are a great way to cook pasta quickly and conveniently, and they can be used to make a variety of pasta bakes. Here are some recipes and tips to get you started:

No-Boil Baked Pasta

This recipe is perfect for busy mornings or quick dinners. It's a one-pan dish that doesn't require boiling the pasta separately. You will need raw pasta, red pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade), water, butter, oil, chilli flakes, oregano, garlic, capsicum, mushroom, salt, pepper, sugar, and cheese. Simply mix all the ingredients in a baking dish, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the water-sauce mixture. Cook in the air fryer until the pasta is cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Macaroni and Cheese

For this classic comfort food, you can use pre-cooked macaroni. Toss the pasta with olive or avocado oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Cook in the air fryer for 4 minutes at 375°F/190°C for a slight crunch. Alternatively, you can cook the macaroni according to the package directions, mix with pasta sauce, top with cheese, and cook in the air fryer until the cheese melts.

Baked Feta Pasta

This famous TikTok recipe is a breeze to make and can be easily adapted for an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F/185°C. In a baking dish, toss tomatoes with olive oil, place feta in the middle, drizzle with more oil, and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta browns. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to the package directions, then stir in the sauce, spinach, basil, and pasta water to loosen. Season to taste.

Customizable Pasta Bake

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit dietary needs and personal preferences. You can use any type of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, elbow pasta, shells, or gluten-free lentil pasta. For the sauce, you can use store-bought or homemade options like marinara, Alfredo, bechamel, or a spicy Arrabbiata. Add protein with ground meats like turkey, beef, chicken, or plant-based alternatives. Include vegetables like mushrooms, garlic, squash, spinach, or peppers, sautéing them first if desired. Finally, top with your choice of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or vegan options. Mix the ingredients and cook in a baking dish in the air fryer at 360°F/180°C for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Tips

• Always use a baking dish that fits inside your air fryer.
• If using raw pasta, ensure it's fully submerged in liquid to cook properly.
• Line the base of the baking dish with aluminium foil to prevent overcooking or burning.
• If making ahead, store covered in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer at 360°F/180°C for 7-10 minutes.

No-boil pasta in an air fryer

You can cook pasta in an air fryer without boiling it first. This method is perfect for busy mornings or quick dinners, and it's so convenient without compromising on taste and texture.

Ingredients

• Pasta (any shape that fits in your baking dish)
• Water
• Pasta sauce (red sauce, white sauce, or homemade)
• Cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, or any other variety)
• Seasoning (oregano, chilli flakes, garlic, salt, pepper, sugar, Italian seasoning, etc.)
• Vegetables (mushrooms, peppers, aubergine, squash, etc.)
• Oil

Instructions

• Mix all the ingredients, except the cheese, in an air fryer-friendly baking dish. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the water and sauce mixture.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminium foil, securing it tightly so it doesn't blow off in the air fryer.
• Place the covered dish in the air fryer and bake at 180°C or 360°F for 45 minutes.
• Uncover the dish and mix well. If the pasta feels dry, add a few tablespoons of water and mix again.
• Sprinkle cheese on top and bake at 200°C or 390°F for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
• Let the dish stand for 3-5 minutes to thicken before serving.

Tips

• You can also cook the pasta in an oven if you don't have an air fryer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as air fryers tend to cook faster than ovens.
• You can use precooked pasta in the air fryer to crisp it up and add flavour.
• 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 temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking pasta in an air fryer depend on the type of pasta dish you are preparing. For example, the air fryer temperature for cooking pasta chips is different from that for a pasta bake.

Air fryer pasta chips

To make pasta chips, preheat your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Drizzle cooked pasta with olive oil and stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Arrange 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.

Air fryer pasta bake

For a pasta bake, preheat the air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius or 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the pasta to a baking dish that fits inside your air fryer. Top with grated cheese and place the dish in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. 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 baked pasta

You can also cook baked pasta in an air fryer without boiling the pasta first. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes. Combine water, milk, and butter in an air fryer-safe dish. Add raw pasta and sauce, making sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the dish and cook for 18-20 minutes at 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Open the basket and stir the pasta at the 10-minute mark.

It's important to note that air fryers cook much faster than ovens, so the cooking time may vary, and you should check your pasta regularly to prevent overcooking or burning.

Air fryer pasta chips

Ingredients:

• Pasta of your choice
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Dipping sauce of your choice (optional)

Method:

First, cook the pasta according to the package instructions to achieve an al dente texture. It is important to ensure the pasta is not overcooked as it will continue to cook in the air fryer. Drain the pasta and do not rinse it. Let it sit for a couple of minutes.

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Transfer the cooked pasta to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as onion powder, red pepper flakes, or roasted red pepper.

Place the seasoned pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook the pasta in the preheated air fryer for 5 minutes. Then, flip the pasta and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Remove the pasta chips from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Break apart any pasta chips that may have stuck together. Let them cool completely before serving. Top with grated parmesan cheese and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, garlic sauce, or a homemade chipotle dipping sauce.

Enjoy your crunchy, salty, and delicious air fryer pasta chips!

Air fryer pasta with sauce and cheese

This is a simple, quick, and delicious recipe for air fryer pasta with sauce and cheese. The best part is that you can make it in one pot, and there's no need to boil the pasta separately!

Ingredients:

• Pasta (any shape that fits in your baking dish, such as penne, rigatoni, elbow pasta, or shells)
• Pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Water (if using raw pasta)
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, red Leicester, parmesan, or vegan cheese)
• Seasoning (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, etc.)
• Optional: cooked vegetables (mushrooms, peppers, aubergine, squash)
• Optional: butter, chilli flakes, oregano, garlic, capsicum, sugar

Instructions:

• If using raw pasta, add water to the sauce to ensure the pasta cooks through. You can also add butter, chilli flakes, oregano, garlic, capsicum, and sugar to the sauce for extra flavour.
• Mix the sauce and raw pasta in a baking dish that fits inside your air fryer. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce.
• Top with grated cheese.
• Place the baking dish in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 180°C or 360°F.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbling. The baking time may vary depending on the shape of the pasta and the size of your air fryer, so keep an eye on it!
• If the pasta feels dry, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and mix before baking again.
• For an extra crispy topping, add a handful of cheese on top and put it back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes.
• Enjoy your delicious, cheesy air fryer pasta!

Tips:

• You can also make pasta chips in the air fryer by cooking the pasta first, tossing it with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt, then air-frying at 200°C for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can make this recipe in an oven. However, the cooking time will be longer.

Frequently asked questions