Air Fryer Pasta Gnocchi (Printable Version)

Golden, crispy pasta shells tossed with herbs and spices, cooked to perfection with a crunchy finish.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 9 ounces medium pasta shells (conchiglie)

→ Oil & Seasonings

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

→ Optional for Serving

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

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Boil pasta shells in salted water until just al dente following package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
02 - Toss cooled pasta shells with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
04 - Spread pasta shells in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
05 - Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until shells are golden and crisp.
06 - Transfer to a serving bowl and, while hot, sprinkle with Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with marinara sauce.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It transforms something ordinary into an addictively crunchy snack that feels way more impressive than it actually is.
  • Ready in under 30 minutes with pantry staples, making it perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute hunger pangs.
  • Endlessly customizable—change the seasonings, swap the pasta shape, or add heat depending on your mood.
02 -
  • Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so drying the pasta after cooking is non-negotiable—don't skip this step thinking it won't make a difference because it absolutely will.
  • Air fryer temperatures and times vary wildly by brand, so watch your first batch closely and adjust the time slightly if they're browning too fast or too slow.
  • These are best eaten immediately, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container and re-crisp them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes before serving.
03 -
  • Let cooked pasta cool completely to room temperature before air frying, not just to a warm state, because residual heat interferes with crisping.
  • If you're making these for a crowd, you can toss the pasta with seasonings ahead of time, then air fry in batches right before serving while everything stays fresh.
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