Air Fryer Pasta Gnocchi (Print Version)

Deliciously crunchy pasta shells coated with herbs and spices, cooked to golden perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 9 oz medium pasta shells (conchiglie)

→ Oil & Seasonings

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, or thyme)
06 - 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
07 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional for Serving

08 - 1 oz grated Parmesan cheese
09 - Fresh parsley, chopped
10 - Marinara sauce for dipping

# How To Make:

01 - Boil pasta shells in salted water until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water, then thoroughly pat dry with paper towels.
02 - In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta shells with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Set air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3 minutes.
04 - Place pasta shells in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches to prevent overcrowding.
05 - Air fry shells for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
06 - Transfer to a bowl, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley if desired, and serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It turns leftover or ordinary pasta into something you actually want to snack on, not just tolerate.
  • The air fryer does all the work while you clean up or prep something else.
  • You can season these any way you like, from garlicky and herby to spicy or cheesy.
  • They stay crispy for hours, so you can make them ahead for a party or game night.
02 -
  • Dry the pasta thoroughly after rinsing, even a little water will make them soggy instead of crispy.
  • Don't skip the halfway shake, the shells on the bottom need airflow to crisp up properly.
  • If you're making a big batch, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you fry the rest.
03 -
  • Use day-old cooked pasta if you have it, it's drier and crisps up even faster.
  • If your air fryer runs hot, start checking at 10 minutes to avoid burning.
  • For a cheesy crust, toss the shells with a little grated Parmesan before air frying, not just after.
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