Air-Fryer Magic: Perfectly Cooked Stuffed Shells

Air fryers are a great way to cook stuffed shells, giving them a unique texture that you can't get from traditional baking. You can make lasagna stuffed shells or taco stuffed shells, and both are cooked in a similar way. First, you need to cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, ensuring they are fully cooked and not al dente. Then, you stuff the shells with your chosen filling, such as ricotta cheese or a mixture of ground beef, vegetables, and taco seasoning. Finally, place the stuffed shells in the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each shell, and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

How to prepare the shells for stuffing

To prepare the shells for stuffing, you should first cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Make sure the shells are fully cooked and not al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cool water. Then, cupping a pasta shell in your palm, place about a tablespoon of filling into the shell. You can use a variety of fillings, such as ricotta cheese, meat sauce, or carnitas. If you're using meat, make sure it's cooked and slightly cooled before stuffing the shells. Place a cube of cheese over the filling, and then wrap a second shell over the open side to form a "lid".

How to cook the filling

To cook the filling for stuffed shells in an air fryer, you will need to cook the ingredients separately before combining them. For example, if you are making taco-stuffed shells, you will need to cook ground beef, diced vegetables, and taco seasoning in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is brown and the vegetables are tender. Allow the filling to cool slightly before stuffing the shells.

If you are making lasagna-stuffed shells, you will need to cook the meat sauce separately before assembling the dish. You can also stuff the shells with ricotta cheese and top them with Colby Jack cheese and French parsley.

Once you have prepared the filling, you can begin assembling the stuffed shells. Cup a pasta shell in your palm and place about a tablespoon of the filling into the shell. If you are making taco-stuffed shells, you can wedge a stick of cheese over the filling. Then, wrap a second shell over the open side of the stuffed shell to form a "lid."

Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Set the stuffed shells in the basket, leaving a bit of space between each shell. Continue assembling the shells until the air fryer basket is filled. Then, you can begin cooking the batch.

How to assemble the dish

To assemble the dish, start by spreading a layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Then, take your pasta shells and stuff each one with ricotta cheese. Place the stuffed shells on top of the meat sauce in the baking dish. Top the shells with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with Colby Jack cheese and French parsley.

If you are making taco stuffed shells, cook your pasta shells in a large pot of boiling salted water until they are fully cooked. Drain the pasta and rinse with cool water. Cup a pasta shell in your palm and place about a tablespoon of carnitas into the shell. Wedge a stick of cheese over the carnitas and then wrap a second shell over the open side to form a lid.

How to cook the shells in the air fryer

To cook stuffed shells in an air fryer, first cook the pasta shells in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and rinse with cool water. Then, cupping a pasta shell in your palm, place about a tablespoon of filling into the shell. Wedge a stick of cheese over the filling. Wrap a second shell over the open side of the stuffed shell to form a 'lid'.

Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Set the stuffed shells in the basket of the air fryer, leaving a bit of space between each shell. Once the air fryer basket is filled, you can begin cooking the batch. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. The air fryer adds a unique texture to the dish that you can't get from traditional baking.

How to serve the dish

When serving stuffed shells cooked in an air fryer, it's important to be careful as the dish will be hot. You can serve the shells straight from the air fryer, but make sure you use an oven mitt to handle the basket.

If you want to add a little extra something to the dish, you could sprinkle some fresh herbs on top, such as French parsley. You could also serve the shells with a side salad, garlic bread, or some roasted vegetables.

If you're serving the shells as an appetiser, you might want to consider providing some dipping sauces, such as a tomato-based sauce or a creamy ranch dressing. For a main course, you could offer a choice of sauces, such as a meat sauce or a vegetarian option.

Finally, don't forget to provide your guests with napkins and, if needed, a plate and cutlery. Enjoy your delicious air-fried stuffed shells!

Frequently asked questions