Air Fryer Stuffed Ziti Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat)
Crispy breaded ziti filled with creamy cheese and air fried until golden. An easy copycat appetizer for parties, snack boards, or family movie night.
Quick Facts
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 7–9 minutes
Total Time: 32–34 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Yield: 18–20 stuffed ziti
Ingredients
18–20 ziti or rigatoni pasta tubes, cooked al dente and cooled
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 tbsp marinara sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 large eggs
1 tbsp milk
3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
Olive oil spray
Warm marinara, for serving
Directions
1. Cook the pasta just to al dente, drain it, and let it cool completely.
2. Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, marinara, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Fill each pasta tube with the cheese mixture.
3. Beat the eggs with milk in one bowl. In another bowl, mix the Italian breadcrumbs and panko.
4. Dip each filled pasta tube into the egg, then coat well in the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Place the coated ziti on a tray and chill for 10 minutes to help them hold their shape.
6. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Lightly spray the basket and the coated ziti with oil.
7. Air fry for 7–9 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve hot with warm marinara.
Notes / Tips
Dry the cooked pasta well before filling so the coating sticks better.
Do not overfill the ziti, or the cheese can leak out.
Chilling before air frying helps the breading stay in place.
Spray the tops lightly with oil for a deeper golden crust.
Variations
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
Use provolone with mozzarella for a richer cheese flavor.
Serve with Alfredo instead of marinara for a creamy twist.
Use rigatoni for slightly smaller appetizer bites.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290
Fat: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 31 g
Protein: 14 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 430 mg
Nutritional values are estimated per serving.
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