Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake
Looking for a quick, delicious, and comforting meal? This Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake is the perfect solution! It combines the rich flavors of pizza with the cheesy goodness of pasta, all baked to perfection in the air fryer. Whether you’re feeding the family or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this dish will surely hit the spot.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni slices (or mini pepperoni)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil spray for greasing
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: While the pasta is cooking, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the pizza sauce, garlic powder, and oregano. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared air fryer basket. Top it with shredded mozzarella cheese and arrange the pepperoni slices on top. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
- Air Fry the Pasta Bake: Air fry the pasta bake at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. You can also check the pepperoni for crispiness if you prefer it a little more crispy.
- Serve: Once done, remove the pasta bake from the air fryer and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks:
- Pasta Shape: While penne works wonderfully, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle. The key is to ensure the pasta is al dente before mixing with the sauce.
- Homemade Pizza Sauce: For a richer flavor, you can make your own pizza sauce by blending crushed tomatoes with garlic, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of sugar. This adds a fresh taste to the dish.
- Cheese Variations: If you’re looking for more flavor, try mixing mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or even Parmesan cheese for a more complex cheesy flavor.
- Make it Vegetarian: If you’re not a fan of pepperoni or prefer a vegetarian option, try adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or spinach as toppings instead.
- Crispier Pepperoni: For crispier pepperoni, lay it out on a paper towel before adding it to the pasta bake. This will help remove excess grease and give the pepperoni a crispier texture when air-fried.
- Batch Cooking: If you have a larger air fryer or multiple baskets, you can double the recipe to serve more people. Just ensure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for the best results.
Notes:
- Air Fryer Models: Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and brand of your air fryer. It’s always a good idea to check the dish halfway through cooking and adjust the time if needed.
- Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply air fry at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again.
- Freezing: If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can freeze the assembled pasta bake (before air frying) for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then air fry as instructed.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use other meats instead of pepperoni?
A: Yes! You can use other pizza toppings like cooked sausage, grilled chicken, or even bacon bits for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the meat is cooked before adding it to the pasta bake.
Q: Can I make this recipe without cheese?
A: While cheese is a key ingredient in this recipe, you can omit it if you prefer a dairy-free option. You can replace the cheese with dairy-free alternatives or even try a cheesy vegan sauce for a similar taste.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta you like, including gluten-free options. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, you can double the recipe to serve more people, but you may need to cook it in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Just ensure that the pasta and toppings are spread evenly for the best results.
Q: What can I serve with this pasta bake?
A: This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara for extra flavor.
This Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleaser that combines two favorites: pizza and pasta. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta (or preferred pasta shape)
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pepperoni slices (or mini pepperoni)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil spray
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with olive oil.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with pizza sauce, garlic powder, and oregano. Stir until well coated.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into the air fryer basket. Top with mozzarella cheese and arrange pepperoni slices on top. Optionally, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Air Fry: Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pepperoni is crispy.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Pasta Variations: Feel free to use any pasta shape like rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle.
- Cheese Options: Mix mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a richer flavor.
- Make it Veggie: Substitute pepperoni with veggies like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for a vegetarian option.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Enjoy your Air Fryer Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Bake!