Air Fryer Stuffed Pasta Bites
Crispy air fryer stuffed pasta bites with a cheesy marinara filling, golden crumb coating, and warm marinara dip — perfect for snacks, parties, or appetizer night.
Quick Facts
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 28–30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
8 oz large rigatoni or ziti pasta tubes
¾ cup ricotta cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons marinara sauce, plus more for dipping
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
Olive oil spray
Fresh parsley, optional for serving
Directions
1. Cook the pasta tubes until just al dente. Do not overcook, or they may split when stuffed. Drain and let them cool slightly.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, 3 tablespoons marinara, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture into each pasta tube.
4. Set up three bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third.
5. Coat each stuffed pasta tube in flour, dip into egg, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 3 minutes.
7. Place the stuffed pasta bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil spray.
8. Air fry at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden, crisp, and hot inside.
9. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping and a sprinkle of parsley if desired.
Notes / Tips
Use large rigatoni or ziti tubes so they are easier to fill.
Cook the pasta only until al dente. Soft pasta can tear during stuffing.
A piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner cut off makes filling the pasta much easier.
Do not crowd the air fryer basket. The bites need space to crisp.
Spray the breaded pasta lightly with oil before cooking for a better golden crust.
Serve right away for the crispiest texture.
Variations
Spicy Stuffed Pasta Bites: Add red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce to the cheese filling.
Extra Cheesy Bites: Add more mozzarella or a small cube of mozzarella inside each pasta tube.
Pizza-Style Bites: Add finely chopped pepperoni and a pinch of oregano to the filling.
Garlic Parmesan Bites: Toss the finished bites with a little Parmesan and garlic butter after air frying.
Creamy Alfredo Dip Version: Serve with warm Alfredo sauce instead of marinara.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 340
Fat: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 41 g
Protein: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Note: Nutrition is estimated per serving and may vary depending on pasta size, cheese, breadcrumbs, and dipping sauce.
Looking for even more air fryer ideas?
Browse my Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners on Amazon for more easy meals, practical tips, and everyday air fryer recipes.
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