Air Fryer Spaghetti Casserole brings all the flavor and comfort of a baked pasta dish but cuts way down on time and effort. It’s layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, and a trio of cheeses that melt together perfectly in the air fryer. You’ll get that familiar baked pasta texture with a golden top that adds just the right touch of crispness to each cheesy bite.
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When I need something hearty that feeds a crowd without overcomplicating dinner, this dish is a solid go-to. I love that I can prep it ahead and freeze it and that leftovers can be stored easily and reheated well. Whether you’re feeding your family or just want something hearty without heating up the oven, this casserole makes dinner feel satisfying without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Air Fryer Spaghetti Casserole 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.
If you follow my simple steps, you’ll find how easy it is to pull off a delicious spaghetti casserole in no time—with an air fryer.
Cook the Ground Beef
Place the ground beef in a medium-hot pan and cook until it’s fully browned. You want to break it up as it cooks so that it’s crumbly and evenly done.
If there’s excess grease, drain it off before moving on.
Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic right into the pan with the beef. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes or so, until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, along with the water, oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and thicken slightly for a richer sauce.
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Coffee Cake
...and much more!
Boil and Chop the Spaghetti
While the sauce is simmering, boil your spaghetti in a separate pot until just al dente. Drain well, then chop the noodles into about one-third lengths, so mixing and serving will be much easier.
Mix the Casserole Together
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese. Stir well until the pasta is evenly coated and everything’s combined.
Assemble and Air Fry
Scoop the pasta mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish or one that fits your air fryer, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top.
Bake the dish in your air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 8 minutes or until the top is melted and bubbly with a light golden edge.
Garnish and Serve
Once it’s out of the air fryer, top with fresh basil for a little extra flavor and color. Serve it hot and enjoy!
Air Fryer Spaghetti Casserole
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (28-ounce) with juices
- 1 ½ cups water
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a pot to medium-high and add the beef. Cook until fully browned.1 pound lean ground beef
- Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 more minutes.1 cup diced yellow onion, 2 garlic cloves
- Add the tomatoes, 1 ½ cups of water, oregano, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes. Reserve.1 can diced tomatoes (28-ounce), 2 teaspoons dried oregano, Salt and pepper, 1 ½ cups water
- Chop the spaghetti in ⅓ds. Combine the sauce with spaghetti and ricotta cheese.8 ounces spaghetti, 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Transfer to a 9×13 casserole dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Bake in the air fryer at 350°F (180ºC) for 8 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy.Fresh basil for garnish
Notes
- Customize the Filling: Add extras like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cooked Italian sausage to switch up the flavor and use what you have on hand.
- Build the Flavor: Let the tomato sauce simmer for the full 15 minutes so it thickens slightly and deepens the flavor of garlic and orergano.
- Cut Pasta Short: Cutting the spaghetti into shorter lengths makes it way easier to stir together with the ricotta and sauce, and it also makes serving a whole lot less messy.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook your spaghetti just until al dente—it will keep its texture better when mixed with the sauce and won’t get too soft as it cooks again in the air fryer.
- Use the Right Dish: Make sure your casserole dish fits inside your air fryer and is oven-safe. A ceramic or metal baking dish usually works best.
- Even Cheese Topping: Spread the mozzarella and Parmesan all the way to the edges for an even melt and a better bite every time.
- Keep the Sauce from Drying Out: If your tomato sauce gets too thick, just add a bit of the pasta water to keep it nice and moist.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before scooping it out. It helps the layers set and makes each serving neater.
Nutrition
DO MORE WITH YOUR
AIR FRYER
This eBook is a collection of 86 recipes I make again and again in my own kitchen. If you love good food and easy instructions, this book was made for you.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Cheesy Egg Bites
∙ Broccoli Cheddar Soup
∙ Asparagus Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Coffee Cake
...and much more!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve pulled together some practical tips to help your air-fryer spaghetti casserole turn out great every time.
- Customize the Filling: Add extras like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cooked Italian sausage to switch up the flavor and use what you have on hand.
- Build the Flavor: Let the tomato sauce simmer for the full 15 minutes so it thickens slightly and deepens the flavor of garlic and orergano.
- Cut Pasta Short: Cutting the spaghetti into shorter lengths makes it way easier to stir together with the ricotta and sauce, and it also makes serving a whole lot less messy.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook your spaghetti just until al dente—it will keep its texture better when mixed with the sauce and won’t get too soft as it cooks again in the air fryer.
- Use the Right Dish: Make sure your casserole dish fits inside your air fryer and is oven-safe. A ceramic or metal baking dish usually works best.
- Even Cheese Topping: Spread the mozzarella and Parmesan all the way to the edges for an even melt and a better bite every time.
- Keep the Sauce from Drying Out: If your tomato sauce gets too thick, just add a bit of the pasta water to keep it nice and moist.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before scooping it out. It helps the layers set and makes each serving neater.
How to Store Leftovers
Once the dish has cooled completely, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat single portions in the microwave or pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F until heated through.
This spaghetti casserole freezes well, too—just portion it into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Spaghetti Casserole
This dish is already filling, but you can round it out with a few simple sides. Try it with garlic bread or a green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette.
If you want something warm on the side, roasted vegetables or sautéed green beans are great options to keep things balanced.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you’re into comforting dishes like this casserole, check out my other favorites:
