Air Fryer No-Boil Baked Pasta Recipe

Why I Love This Recipe

This One-Pot Air Fryer Pasta is a game-changer when it comes to quick, easy, and delicious weeknight dinners. The best part? You can make the whole dish in one pot—no boiling water or stovetop mess required! The combination of gooey melted mozzarella, flavorful red pasta sauce, and perfectly cooked fusilli makes this pasta irresistible. With the added bonus of sautéed garlic, chili flakes, and fresh basil, it’s packed with flavor. And because it’s all made in the air fryer, clean-up is a breeze. This dish is a must-try for any pasta lover!

One-Pot Air Fryer Pasta Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 2-4 servings

Ingredients

• ½ tablespoon Butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)
• 2 teaspoons Chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon Oregano seasoning
• 6 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
• 1 capsicum (bell pepper), cut into 2-inch sticks
• 150 grams Mushrooms, quartered
• 150 grams Raw Fusilli pasta
• 300 grams Red pasta sauce
• 250 grams Water
• ½ cup Grated mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   In a 7-inch round, air fryer-friendly pan (a glass or metal pan works great), combine the following ingredients:
   • Melted butter
   • Oil
   • Chili flakes
   • Oregano seasoning
   • Chopped garlic
   • Capsicum (bell pepper), cut into sticks
   • Mushrooms, quartered
   • Raw Fusilli pasta
   • Red pasta sauce
   • Salt, pepper, and sugar
     Mix everything well, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed in the pan.
2. Add Water:
   Pour in 250 grams of water and stir lightly to mix. Make sure that the pasta is submerged under the water to ensure it cooks properly during the air-frying process.
3. Cover with Foil:
   Wrap the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Cover the base of the pan as well to make sure it’s secure. Only covering the rim may cause the foil to come off while cooking, so ensure it’s fully covered.
4. Cook in Air Fryer:
   Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Place the pan in the air fryer and bake for 45 minutes.
5. Mix and Add Cheese:
   After 45 minutes, uncover the foil. Give the pasta a gentle mix. If the pasta feels a bit dry, add 2-3 tablespoons of water and stir it in.
6. Top with Cheese and Basil:
   Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese and chopped basil leaves on top. Return the pan to the air fryer and bake at 200°C (390°F) for another 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   Once the cheese has melted, remove from the air fryer. Serve immediately, and enjoy this creamy, cheesy pasta!

Tips & Tricks

• Submerge the Pasta: It’s important to ensure that the pasta is fully submerged in the water-sauce mixture before baking to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors.
• Add More Water if Needed: If after baking the pasta looks dry or is undercooked, add a little more water and mix it in before adding the cheese and returning it to the air fryer.
• Customizable Veggies: Feel free to swap out the capsicum (bell pepper) or mushrooms for other veggies like zucchini, spinach, or even cherry tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
• Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is the go-to cheese for this recipe, you can mix in some parmesan, cheddar, or gruyere for added depth of flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add more chili flakes for a spicier version or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like extra heat.

Recipe Notes

• Water Ratio: Ensure that the pasta is properly submerged in water before cooking. This is key to making sure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.
• Air Fryer Variance: Air fryers can vary in temperature, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on the pasta during the cooking process, especially the last few minutes when adding cheese.
• Resting Time: Let the dish sit for a minute or two after baking. This allows the sauce and cheese to settle for a creamier texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type you use. For thinner pasta like spaghetti, you may need slightly less time.

2. Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, cooked sausage, or even crumbled bacon for added protein. Just mix it in with the pasta before cooking.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. When reheating, cover it with foil and bake in the air fryer at 180°C for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

4. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes! You can bake this dish in a conventional oven at 180°C (350°F) for 35-40 minutes. Cover with foil during the baking process and uncover for the final few minutes to melt the cheese.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and place it back in the air fryer at 180°C for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. If using the microwave, cover it with a microwave-safe lid and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad: Pair this rich and cheesy pasta with a fresh green salad to balance the meal.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of crispy garlic bread for a comforting and filling dinner.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus make a great healthy side.

This One-Pot Air Fryer Pasta is an easy, cheesy, and super satisfying meal that can be prepared quickly with minimal effort. The air fryer does all the hard work, and the result is a deliciously creamy pasta that will have everyone asking for seconds! Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or a parent looking for a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your weekly rotation

Nutrition: