This is the easiest Air Fryer Pasta Bake recipe that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Simply cook your favourite pasta, mix with pasta sauce, top with cheese and cook in the air fryer.
It is prepared with simple ingredients just like my One Pot Ricotta and Lemon Pasta .
- Ingredients for Air Fryer Pasta Bake (cheese and tomato)
- How to make Pasta Bake in Air Fryer
- Serving Suggestions
- Storage
- Air Fryer Recipes
If you’re wondering whether you can cook pasta bake in the air fryer? Let me tell you that you absolutely can and even in less time than oven baking thanks to the air fryer method!
Imagine a hearty pasta casserole topped with gooey cheese . Yum! Have you tried cooking your Vegetarian Eggplant Parmigiana in the air fryer? Or maybe this creamy Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese ?
This is a great recipe for the whole family and a great option for a quick dinner. It is budget-friendly and easily customised to suit dietary needs.
I love that this pasta casserole recipe is super versatile and you can prep as little or as much as you want. I always use a homemade pasta sauce and cheese sauce but both are easily available in supermarkets and would drastically reduce the time.
The air fryer works by circulating hot air and crisps up the exterior of food.
This recipe is particularly useful if you are making pasta for lunch or to serve 2 for a main meal. No need to turn on the oven for and the cooking time is reduced.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pasta Bake (cheese and tomato)
Full recipe with measurements can be found in the recipe card below where you can also leave a star rating
Pasta
The type of pasta you use is up to you. I like to use penne, rigatoni, elbow pasta or shells as they hold the most sauce however flat shapes like bowtie pasta are also fine to use.
You can make Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti if you use spaghetti instead of pasta shapes.
Gluten free pasta – for a healthy meal high in protein and gluten-free, use lentil pasta. I used lentil pasta to make these Tik Tok Air Fryer Pasta Chips . These crunchy pasta chips make for an healthy and easy snack instead of potato chips.
Pasta sauce – I have used sundried tomato and olive pasta sauce that I prepared in my Instant Pot
You can use store bought or my homemade marinara sauce
Add Indian flavourings like in this Indian style masala pasta .
White sauce – you can buy store-bought bechamel sauce or make your own homemade cheese sauce
Alternatively, mix in cream cheese with the red sauce
Cheese – I have used cheddar cheese. Other options include mozzarella, red leicester, parmesan cheese to name a few. You can also use vegan cheese.
Seasoning – I have used Italian seasoning. You may want to add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper for extra flavor
Variations
You may want to add in chopped vegetables such as mushrooms, peppers, aubergine or squash. Before adding to the dish, sauté in a frying pan with a little olive oil for 3-4 minutes.
How to make Pasta Bake in Air Fryer
I have used the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer but you can use any other.
Start by cooking the pasta until just al dente as it will continue to cook in the air fryer.
Mix the cooked pasta with your choice of pasta sauce. I mixed tomato pasta sauce with a homemade cheese sauce.
Add any extras such as cooked veggies and/or seasoning.
Transfer the pasta to a baking dish. Which baking dish you use will depend on the size of your air fryer.
Top with plenty of grated cheese.
Place the baking dish in the air fryer basket.
Air Fryer at 180C or 360F for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and is golden brown and bubbling.
The pasta bake time will vary based on size of your casserole dish and air fryer model.
As a rule of thumb, I suggest starting from 8 minutes and upwards for any pasta dishes for example Air Fryer Baked Macaroni and Cheese .
Serving Suggestions
I love pasta for a quick lunch or dinner. A simple side salad would go great but you could also try this Tuscan White Bean Panzanella or Grilled Zucchini Ribbon Salad
This delicious Red Grape, Rosemary and Goat’s Cheese Focaccia works wonders as a side.
To get some protein into your meal, try this Chickpea salad with creamy avocado dressing
A batch of air fryer breaded mushrooms or air fryer avocado slices or air fryer cauliflower also make a great side.
For a low carb side, try these crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries (Courgette Fries) .
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can also prepare this pasta bake in advance and either keep in the fridge or freezer prior to cooking.
Cooked pasta bake can be frozen and reheated directly from frozen. Simply cover with foil and either cook in the air fryer or the oven until piping hot through.
Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Baked Potato (Microwave first) . Jacket Potatoes are first cooked in the microwave to make them soft and fluffy then air fried for crispy skin
Air Fryer Frozen Spring Rolls . Make crispy spring rolls from frozen. An easy snack that doesn’t require deep-frying.
Air Fryer Garlic Fries . Crispy fries are so easy to prepare in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Chestnuts . A great recipe for the holidays. I use my cooked chestnuts in Chestnut Hummus
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
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Air Fryer Pasta Bake
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Casserole dish Must be suitable for oven use. My dish is 22cmx18cm
Ingredients
- 250 grams pasta uncooked
- 500 grams pasta sauce I mixed tomato sauce and cheese sauce.
- 75 grams cheddar cheese
Optional
- 1 cup mixed vegetables cooked
Instructions
- Start by cooking the 250 grams pasta until just al dente as it will continue to cook in the air fryer.
- Mix the cooked pasta with your choice of 500 grams pasta sauce .
- I mixed tomato pasta sauce with a homemade cheese sauce.
- Add any extras such as cooked veggies 1 cup mixed vegetables and/or seasoning.
- Transfer the pasta to a baking dish. Which baking dish you use will depend on the size of your air fryer.
- Top with plenty of grated cheese. 75 grams cheddar cheese
- Place the baking dish in the air fryer basket.
- Air Fryer at 180C or 360F for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and is golden brown and bubbling.
- The pasta bake time will vary based on size of your casserole dish and air fryer model.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Air Fryer Pasta Bake
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Casserole dish Must be suitable for oven use. My dish is 22cmx18cm
Ingredients
- 250 grams pasta uncooked
- 500 grams pasta sauce I mixed tomato sauce and cheese sauce.
- 75 grams cheddar cheese
Optional
- 1 cup mixed vegetables cooked
Instructions
- Start by cooking the 250 grams pasta until just al dente as it will continue to cook in the air fryer.
- Mix the cooked pasta with your choice of 500 grams pasta sauce .
- I mixed tomato pasta sauce with a homemade cheese sauce.
- Add any extras such as cooked veggies 1 cup mixed vegetables and/or seasoning.
- Transfer the pasta to a baking dish. Which baking dish you use will depend on the size of your air fryer.
- Top with plenty of grated cheese. 75 grams cheddar cheese
- Place the baking dish in the air fryer basket.
- Air Fryer at 180C or 360F for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and is golden brown and bubbling.
- The pasta bake time will vary based on size of your casserole dish and air fryer model.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
This is the ULTIMATE Air Fryer Chips recipe! These Air Fryer Triple Cooked Chips have a crispy exterior and are soft and fluffy inside .
These home cut chips are easier to make than the original version. Perfect as they are or as a side to your favourite meal!
Dunk them into this sour cream and chive dip !
You can easily make triple cooked chips without a fryer!
I should add here that when I say “chip”, I mean the British potato chip or what is known as “fries” in America.
Triple cooking chips really is the ultimate way to prepare the humble potato. These three steps ensure your chip is as crispy outside and fluffy inside as it can be.
I think of them as the Tom Cruise of chips. The best of the best.
If you have the will power to actually wait through three steps, your reward is so worth it.
What are triple cooked chips?
Triple cooked chips are a type of potato chip (French fries) that are cooked three times , resulting in a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. They were developed by English chef Heston Blumenthal.
The first step involves blanching the potatoes in hot water until they are soft but not fully cooked. Then they are removed and allowed to cool down.
This process allows for small cracks to develop in the surface in which oil can cling to make the potato extra crunchy. A bit like the process of roasting potatoes.
The second step is where the partially cooked chips are fried at a lower temperature . Once done, they are removed and the heat of the oil is increased to fry again.
This stage allows for a rigid outer layer to form to allow the chips to withstand the high temperatures of the final fry. Simply frying once does not remove all of the moisture from the interior of the chip and leads to soggy exteriors.
The final step is to fry the chips at a higher temperature to give them a final crispiness and golden brown colour. They are then drained, seasoned and served hot.
Triple cooked chips are typically served in high-end restaurants and require more time and effort than traditional chips.
The result is a deliciously crispy and fluffy chip that is worth the extra effort.
So, what are air fryer triple cooked chips?
Air Fryer triple cooked chips are chips that are air fried rather than deep fried. The initial step of blanching the chips remains the same but then the double fried process all happens in the air fryer.
These chips are similarly crispy outside and soft inside but without the excess fat from the oil. I find them easier to make and safer than worrying about standing by a deep fat fryer filled with hot oil.
The taste will not 100% replicate the deep-fried version but as far as Air Fryer Chips recipes go, I think this version comes close.
They resemble Air Fryer Chunky Chips but have better texture thanks to the recipe method.
I often use my air fryer for Air Fryer Garlic Fries , Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries , Garlic Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes and these Indian Masala Chips/Fries
Ingredients for Triple Cooked Chips
Potatoes
For the best results, use potatoes high in starch. In the UK, use King Edward or Maris Piper. US readers can go for russet potatoes.
You can get away with using all rounder potatoes too.
Whether you choose to peel is totally up to you. I have peeled my potatoes.
Be sure to cut the potatoes as evenly as possible so that they all cook at the same rate. You want to cut in chunky chips shape .
Cooking oil spray
I prefer cooking oil spray over normal oil simply because its easier to use. However, another oil such as sunflower or vegetable would work just as well.
Salt – salt is adding during the blanching stage and for seasoning.
Best potatoes for chips
The best potatoes for making homemade chips are high-starch potatoes such as Russet or Maris Piper potatoes. These types of potatoes have a low moisture content, which helps them to crisp up well during frying. This results in a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Avoid waxy potatoes as they have a higher moisture content and a lower starch content. This can result in a less crispy texture.
When selecting potatoes for making chips, choose firm, unblemished potatoes that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. It’s also important to wash the potatoes thoroughly before cutting them into chips to remove any excess starch.
Ultimately, the best potatoes for making chips will depend on personal preference and availability.
I sometimes use all rounder potatoes as they are much cheaper and easier to get hold of and the results are not bad.
How to make triple cooked chips in air fryer
I have used my Instant Pot Pro Crisp but you can use any air fryer brand.
First, prep your potatoes.
Wash well and peel the potatoes.
Cut into thick cut chips with a sharp knife. Ensure the potatoes are cut evenly. I went for 1cm wide or basically chunky chips size.
Place the cut potato chips as you cut them in cold water to prevent the potatoes going brown
Next, boil the chips before air frying (first cook)
You can use any large pot here.
Place the chips in a saucepan with plenty of cold salted water. Bring the water to a gentle boil and cook until the potatoes are partially cooked but still firm.
To check, prick the potatoes with a knife – the knife should meet a little resistance.
Drain the potatoes and let them cool completely on a wire rack or place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 140°C (280°F). Second Cook
Once preheated, carefully add the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Add a generous coating of cooking oil spray or brush with oil.
Air fry for 8-10 minutes or until a crust forms but there is no colour on the chips.
Remove the chips temporarily from the air fryer basket.
Third cook – Now, preheat the air fryer to 170°C (340°F) and carefully add the chips again, cooking them for a further 5-10 minutes, until they are crispier and golden-brown.
Adjust the temperature so that they do not burn too quickly at the edges.
Sprinkle the chips with salt or flavoured salt to taste while they are still hot.
Serve the triple cooked chips immediately, with your choice of dipping sauce or as a side dish for your favourite meal.
Pro Tips
- Use potatoes that have high starch content for crispier chips.
- Ensure to cut all the chips approximately the same size.
- Blanch the potatoes until they are soft but not totally cooked through.
- You may have to adjust the timings, temperature based on your air fryer model and type of potato.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket – this leads to steaming rather than air frying.
- Shake the air fryer half way and add more oil.
Serving Suggestion
I love chips as they are with a bit of salt and vinegar but after all this effort, it is worth making them into a whole meal.
I like to pair chips with a delicious protein like these Sundried Tomato Chickpea Cakes .
For a fusion meal, Tawa Burger and chips go great!
You cannot beat a Vegan Cornish Pasty with these chips and lashings of gravy. Vegan Curry Puffs with a Thai filling are a good alternative.
For a pizza and chips meal, try these Air Fryer French Bread Pizza which you can customise with your own toppings.
Go chip shop style with homemade chip shop style curry sauce using curry masala powder .
For weekend comfort, go for a vegetarian pie and a simple side salad.
Use in this Chinese takeaway salt and pepper chips recipe .
Storage
These chips are best eaten immediately after cooking when they are at their crispiest.
If you are not planning on eating them immediately, you could complete step 2 (air frying at low temperatures) and keeping in the fridge. Then, air fry on high heat and serve.
You can store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer until hot through.
I have not tried to freeze these chips once cooked but you could freeze them after completing step 2 then air fry the last step from frozen.
Air Fryer Potato Recipes
Baked Potato in Air Fryer (Microwave first)
Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes . These Mexican flavoured potatoes make a great side
Air Fryer Indian Potatoes . Aka Bombay Potatoes
Sliced Potatoes in Air Fryer Our readers favourite!
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
- YouTube
Air Fryer Triple Cooked Chips
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer Instant Pot, Tefal, Ninja, Philips, Tower
Ingredients
- 4 potatoes Maris Piper, Kind Edward, Russet or All rounders
- 1 tbsp cooking oil Or other oil such as sunflower or vegetable oil
Instructions
First, prep your potatoes.
- Wash well and peel the 4 potatoes
- Cut into thick cut chips with a sharp knife. Ensure the potatoes are cut evenly. I went for 1cm wide or basically chunky chips size.
- Keep them in cold water.
Next, boil the chips before air frying
- You can use any large pot here.
- Place the chips in a saucepan with plenty of cold salted water.
- Bring the water to a gentle boil and cook until the potatoes are partially cooked but still firm.
- To check, prick the potatoes with a knife – the knife should meet a little resistance.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool completely on a wire rack or place in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Air Fry Chips
- Preheat your air fryer to 140°C (280°F).
- Once preheated, carefully add the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Add a generous coating of cooking oil spray or brush with 1 tbsp cooking oil
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes OR until a crust forms but there is no colour on the chips.
- Remove the chips temporarily from the air fryer basket.
- Now, preheat the air fryer to 170°C (340°F) and carefully add the chips again, cooking them for a further 5-10 minutes OR until they are crispy and golden-brown.
- Adjust the temperature so that they do not burn too quickly at the edges.
- Sprinkle the chips with salt or flavoured salt to taste while they are still hot.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
