Air Fryer Baked Ziti is the weeknight dinner hack I wish I’d discovered years ago. The air fryer creates a bubbly, golden top with crispy edges while keeping the pasta tender underneath. That combination of melted mozzarella and Parmesan is pure comfort. You’ll go back for thirds before you know it.
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I make this for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, potlucks, and game day parties because it comes together quickly and feeds a crowd. It’s kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and perfect for family gatherings when you want hearty comfort food without hours in the kitchen. The air fryer makes it easier than traditional baking, and the ziti stays fresh in the fridge for 4 days or freezes for 2 to 3 months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Baked Ziti with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
You’ll love how quickly this comes together, and the air fryer does all the heavy lifting with the cheese.
Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil in a large pasta pot with a strainer lid. Cook the ziti until al dente according to package directions, then drain and set aside. You want the pasta slightly firm but not fully cooked since it’ll continue cooking in the air fryer with the sauce.
Brown the Sausage
Heat the olive oil in an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven that fits in your air fryer over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a meat chopper or a wooden spoon as it cooks. The sausage should have some caramelized bits for extra flavor.
Sauté the Aromatics
Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. You’ll smell the garlic as it releases its oils, and the onion should turn translucent.
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Simmer the Sauce
Add the chopped tomatoes, basil sprigs, and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
The sauce will thicken slightly, and the flavors will meld together. Covering with a lid helps trap the heat and moisture for a richer sauce.
Combine the Pasta
Remove and discard the basil sprigs. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the drained ziti to the pot and stir with a wooden spoon until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any bits from the bottom.
Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Don’t stir them in. You want the cheese sitting on top so it creates that bubbly, golden layer in the air fryer.
Also, freshly grated cheese from a box grater melts better than pre-shredded.
Air Fry Until Bubbly
Bake in the air fryer at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a lightly golden top. The mozzarella will stretch when you scoop it, and the Parmesan will crisp up around the edges.
Keep an eye on it through the last few minutes to avoid burning, and use oven mitts to carefully remove the Dutch oven from the air fryer since it’ll be very hot.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the ziti cool for a few minutes before serving; the sauce will be extremely hot right out of the air fryer. Serve warm with garlic bread or a crisp green salad on the side. Enjoy!
If you’re taking this to a potluck or gathering, let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes first so it’s not steaming hot but still warm. Keep the Dutch oven covered with its lid or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil to trap the heat. Place it in an insulated carrier or wrap the pot in a thick towel to retain warmth during transport.
Air Fryer Baked Ziti
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound sweet Italian sausage casings removed
- ¼ cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28-ounce can tomatoes, roughly chopped
- A few sprigs of fresh basil
- 1 cup water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated fresh mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente, then drain and set aside.1 pound ziti pasta
- In a large Dutch oven that fits in your air fryer, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.2 tablespoons olive oil
- Add the crumbled sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Stir in the onion and garlic and sauté for another 2–3 minutes until softened.1 pound sweet Italian sausage, ¼ cup diced onion, 3 cloves garlic
- Add the chopped tomatoes, basil sprigs, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes.1 28-ounce can tomatoes, roughly chopped, A few sprigs of fresh basil, 1 cup water
- Remove and discard the basil sprigs. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add the drained ziti to the pot and stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.Salt and black pepper
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.1 cup grated fresh mozzarella cheese, ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Bake in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a lightly golden top.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a side of garlic bread or a salad!
Notes
Nutrition
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How to Store Leftovers
Let the ziti cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so add a splash of water when reheating in the air fryer, oven, or microwave to loosen it back up.
For freezing, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat, stirring, until warmed through.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Baked Ziti
Garlic bread is my go-to because it soaks up the extra sauce perfectly, and a simple Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch. You could also serve roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli for a lighter side, or a crisp green salad with Italian dressing to balance the richness of the cheese and sausage.
If you want something heartier, add meatballs or Italian-style roasted chicken thighs to make it a feast. If you’re serving a crowd, set out a pitcher of iced tea or sparkling water with lemon to complement the tomato sauce without competing with the bubbly, cheesy comfort that makes baked ziti so satisfying.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you love this, you’ll want to try my other easy air fryer recipes.
