Air Fryer Baked Ziti
Air Fryer Baked Ziti is my go-to when I want classic Italian comfort food without heating up my oven. This hearty pasta dish layers tender ziti with rich tomato sauce, savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan that turn bubbly and golden on top. I make it for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, potlucks, and game day parties because it's quick, feeds a crowd, and everyone devours it. The ziti stays fresh in the fridge for 4 days or freezes for 2 to 3 months.
Ingredients
- 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
Here are my best tips for making this air fryer ziti recipe turn out perfect and satisfying every time.
Cook the pasta al dente: Undercook it slightly since it continues cooking in the air fryer with the sauce, and you don't want mushy ziti.
Use a Dutch oven that fits: Make sure your pot fits comfortably in the air fryer basket with enough clearance for air to circulate around it for even cooking.
Remove the basil sprigs: Take them out before adding the pasta or they'll get tangled in the ziti and be harder to fish out later.
Grate cheese fresh: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting, so grate your own mozzarella and Parmesan for the best texture.
Let it rest before serving: Give it 5 minutes after air frying so the sauce settles and you're not burning your mouth on molten cheese.
Store properly: Let the air-fried ziti cool before storing in an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 4 days or freezing for 2 to 3 months. Thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight before reheating in the air fryer, oven, or microwave.
Nutrition
Calories: 529kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 22gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 731mgPotassium: 398mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 228IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 224mgIron: 2mg
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