This clever pasta-cooking technique is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on kitchen space, as it takes advantage of an unexpected appliance to cook your noodles perfectly.
Cooking pasta on the hob is the traditional method, but this process is quick, efficient, and delivers delicious results with minimal effort.
With the right approach, making your favourite pasta in the air fryer is not only possible but also highly efficient, as demonstrated by Philips, the creators of the air fryer, and their in-house expert, Martin Senders.
The process is straightforward: simply place dry pasta in a heatproof dish, cover it with water, and cook at 200°C for 12–15 minutes in your air fryer, stirring halfway through.
Once the pasta is tender, add your sauce and cheese, then cook for an additional couple of minutes to give it a crispy, golden finish on top.
Martin shared: “While most people wouldn’t think to cook pasta in an air fryer, it can be a fantastic way to achieve perfectly tender noodles, especially when you’re pressed for time or short on hob space.”
The key to success is making sure the pasta is evenly submerged in liquid and properly covered, allowing for even cooking.
For dry pasta, simply add water and your favourite sauce, then cook at 200°C for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
This method isn’t just for busy weeknights; you can even use a heatproof mug to create a low-mess, delicious pasta meal for weekends or work-from-home days.
Taking advantage of the air fryer’s versatility, Martin suggests using it for pasta night in a variety of ways.
The expert recommended: “You can bake crispy, cheesy pasta bakes directly in the air fryer.
“After your pasta is cooked, top it with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan and air fry for up to seven minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.”
If you also fancy making a quick snack to keep on hand using your air fryer, you can also repurpose leftover pasta into a viral treat by making air fryer pasta chips.
Simply toss the leftovers in olive oil and your preferred seasonings, then cook for seven minutes at 200°C to create the perfect crispy, savoury bite for lunch.
