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Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti

Name: Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti noodles; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or Italian sausage, optional); 1/2 cup onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 24 ounces marinara sauce; 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded ); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated ); 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

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This Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food! Extra cheesy, crispy and delicious, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti served in a dish with melted cheese on top.

Made with layers of spaghetti, tomato sauce and gooey melted cheese, this dish takes everything you love about baked spaghetti and makes it even more delicious! The air fryer cooks it to perfectly golden and bubbly in just minutes.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep or a cozy night in. It’s simple, satisfying, and versatile. You can add meat, extra veggies, or keep it simple! However you choose to make it, I’m sure you’ll love this recipe as much as I do!

For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this decadent Million Dollar Baked Spaghetti, Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe or this Instant Pot Spaghetti!

Cheesy and golden Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti served fresh in a casserole dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: It only takes a few minutes to prepare this recipe, so you can make it when you need a quick and easy dinner.
Cheesy Perfection: Made with layers of mozzarella and Parmesan, this Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti has the perfect golden, bubbly top we all love!
Customizable: You can use any extra toppings and add-ons, like beef, sausage, or keep it vegetarian. This dish is easy to adapt to your preferences!
Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike! I mean, who doesn’t love a super cheesy pasta dish?

Plate of Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti topped with melted cheese and herbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients needed for Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti on kitchen table.

Spaghetti noodles – The base of this dish. Cook them al dente to avoid overcooking during baking. I recommend Number 5 spaghetti!
Meat (optional) – If you want meat in your dish, add in some ground beef or Italian sausage. Leave it out for a vegetarian version or use tofu.
Marinara sauce – Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce. I used my trusted Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe!
Cheese – Go crazy with the cheese! I like to use a combination of ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan.
Seasonings – Keep it simple with seasonings by using oregano, basil, garlic and onion.

How to Make Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti

Step-by-step preparation of spaghetti with olive oil, browned ground beef, sautéed onion and garlic, marinara sauce, and seasonings in a skillet.

Step One: Prepare the spaghetti according to the package directions. Drain, drizzle with olive oil and set aside. Brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet, drain any excess fat, and add the onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, then stir in marinara sauce and seasonings. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Mixing cooked spaghetti with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese in a large bowl.

Step Two: In a large bowl, mix the cooked spaghetti with the sauce. Add ricotta cheese and stir until evenly combined.

Step Three: Spray an air fryer-safe baking dish with cooking spray. Add half the spaghetti mixture, top with half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then repeat with the remaining layers.

Baked spaghetti in an air fryer with melted, golden cheese, garnished with fresh parsley.

Step Four: Place the dish in the air fryer and set cook time for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let the baked spaghetti rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Make Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti for a quick, cheesy, and delicious dinner! This easy recipe combines pasta, marinara, and melted cheese for a comforting meal ready in no time.

Variations

Vegetarian Baked Spaghetti: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce for a veggie-packed version. For extra protein you can use tofu or tempeh.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy twist.
Cheese Lovers: Because you can never have too much cheese, add an extra layer of cheese! I like to use shredded provolone or mature cheddar.
Pesto Spaghetti: Mix in a few tablespoons of pesto with the marinara sauce for a fresh flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing taste.

Cheesy Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti served with golden, bubbly cheese and fresh parsley garnish.

Tips & Tricks

Use an Air Fryer-Safe Dish: Make sure your baking dish fits comfortably in your air fryer basket or tray without touching the sides.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti just until al dente to avoid it becoming too soft during baking.
Herbs: Sprinkle a little extra oregano or Italian seasoning between layers for an even bolder taste. Use fresh herbs for a better flavor.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Shredding your own results in smoother, creamier layers.
Let It Rest: Allow the baked spaghetti to cool for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Double the Recipe: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Double the recipe and store one dish in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a quick and easy dinner.

Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti topped with golden melted cheese and garnished with parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! Penne, rotini, or any short pasta can work in place of spaghetti. Just adjust the layering or baking dish to fit the shape of the pasta.

Can I freeze baked spaghetti? Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook in the air fryer or oven.

How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until piping hot.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the baked spaghetti and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

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