Air Fryer Stuffed Ziti Fritta

why make this recipe

Air Fryer Stuffed Ziti Fritta is a delicious and fun dish that captures the flavors of Olive Garden’s popular appetizer. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The air fryer makes it easy to achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior without deep-frying. Plus, it’s loaded with cheesy goodness that is sure to please everyone at the table!

how to make Air Fryer Stuffed Ziti Fritta

Making Air Fryer Stuffed Ziti Fritta is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create a tasty dish that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces Rigatoni or Ziti (Ziti tends to be too narrow so rigatoni is a great substitute)
• 1/4 cup Ricotta Cheese
• 1/4 cup Asiago Cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 cup Romano Cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 cup Mascarpone (can substitute with cream cheese)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 2 tablespoons Half & Half Cream
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
• Alfredo Sauce (optional)
• Marinara Sauce (optional)

Directions:

1. Pasta: Cook the rigatoni or ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let it cool slightly.
2. Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Asiago cheese, Romano cheese, Parmesan cheese, mascarpone, tomato paste, half & half cream, and eggs. Mix well until creamy and smooth.
3. Stuffing: Take each pasta tube and carefully fill it with the cheese mixture. Use a spoon or a piping bag for easy filling.
4. Breading: In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Roll each stuffed pasta in the breadcrumb mixture until well-coated.
5. Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed ziti. Air fry in batches for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serving: Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and serve hot with Alfredo or marinara sauce, if desired.

how to serve Air Fryer Stuffed Ziti Fritta

Air Fryer Stuffed Ziti Fritta is best served immediately while it’s hot and crispy. You can plate them and drizzle with your favorite sauce, such as Alfredo or marinara. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional cheese if you like. They make a fantastic appetizer or a side dish to go along with a salad or main course.

how to store Air Fryer Stuffed Ziti Fritta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are hot and crispy again.

tips to make Air Fryer Stuffed Ziti Fritta

• Make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up when filling and air frying.
• Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations for varied flavors.
• If you want extra crunch, you can spray the stuffed pasta lightly with cooking spray before air frying.

variation

You can add cooked meats like sausage or ground beef to the cheese filling for an even heartier dish. Additionally, adding spinach or other veggies into the cheese mixture can boost the nutrition and add color.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any tubular pasta like penne or cannelloni. Just make sure they are large enough to fill.

Can I freeze the stuffed ziti?

Yes, you can freeze the stuffed ziti before cooking them. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with Stuffed Ziti Fritta?

They pair well with a simple salad, garlic bread, or as a side to a main Italian dish.

Air Fryer Stuffed Ziti Fritta

---

• Author: earthsea
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A delicious and fun dish capturing the flavors of Olive Garden’s popular appetizer. Perfect for a quick dinner or a gathering with friends, it’s crispy and loaded with cheesy goodness.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces Rigatoni or Ziti
• 1/4 cup Ricotta Cheese
• 1/4 cup Asiago Cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 cup Romano Cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 cup Mascarpone (can substitute with cream cheese)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
• 2 tablespoons Half & Half Cream
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan
• 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
• Alfredo Sauce (optional)
• Marinara Sauce (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cook the rigatoni or ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let it cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Asiago cheese, Romano cheese, Parmesan cheese, mascarpone, tomato paste, half & half cream, and eggs. Mix well until creamy and smooth.
3. Take each pasta tube and carefully fill it with the cheese mixture using a spoon or piping bag.
4. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Roll each stuffed pasta in the breadcrumb mixture until well-coated.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed ziti. Air fry in batches for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and serve hot with Alfredo or marinara sauce, if desired.

Notes

For extra crunch, spray stuffed pasta lightly with cooking spray before air frying. You can add cooked meats or veggies to the cheese filling for variation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 100mg