Air Fryer Italian Baked Stuffed Shells

Make hearty and delicious Air Fryer Italian Baked Stuffed Shells filled with cheese and savory seasonings, a perfect comfort food meal in less time!

Air Fryer stuffed shells are a game-changer for anyone craving a quick and delicious Italian comfort meal. With a crispy, golden top and a soft, cheesy filling, these shells are perfectly cooked in the air fryer, saving you time compared to traditional oven baking.

Air frying them results in a beautifully crisp exterior while keeping the insides delightfully creamy and melty. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, these stuffed shells are sure to impress!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights.
• Crispy outside and cheesy inside, a delightful texture.
• Deliciously flavorful with a blend of cheeses and marinara.
• Air fryer cooking reduces the need for excessive oil.
• A family-friendly meal everyone will enjoy!
• Ideal for meal prep and making ahead.
• Versatile with options for different stuffing and sauces.
• No need for boiling pasta, saving time and steps.

Ingredients Needed

• Jumbo Pasta Shells, uncooked
• Ricotta Cheese: Whole-fat or low-fat ricotta cheese.
• Mozzarella Shredded: Freshly shredded cheese
• Eggs: Use large room-temperature eggs.
• Pasta Sauce: Use your favorite marinara sauce
• Seasoning and Spices: Parsley and Italian Seasoning

How To Cook Stuffed Shells In Air Fryer

Step One: Make the shells are directed on the package.

Step Two: Mix the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, parsley, Italian seasonings, and egg in a small mixing bowl.

Step Three: Spread a layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of your pan. Fill the shells with the ricotta mixture, and place them onto the baking pan. Cover the pasta shells with pasta sauce. Cover the pasta shells with pasta sauce.

Step Four: Set into the air fryer at 300 degrees F, and set cook time for 10-15 minutes. Bake until the cheese starts melting and the sauce is bubbly. Serve with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese, and additional pasta sauce.

Air Fryer Stuffed Shells Recipe Tips

• Cook the Shells Al Dente: Be sure to cook your pasta shells slightly underdone before stuffing them. This ensures they don’t overcook and become mushy in the air fryer.
• Fill Shells Generously: Don’t skimp on the filling! A generous amount of ricotta mixture ensures a creamy, flavorful stuffed shell.
• Cover with Sauce: Be sure to cover the stuffed shells with pasta sauce before air frying. This helps keep the shells moist and prevents them from drying out.
• Add Extra Cheese: For extra flavor, sprinkle more mozzarella cheese on top of the shells before cooking for a cheesy, golden finish.
• Check for Doneness: Air fryers vary in temperature, so make sure to check the stuffed shells after the recommended cook time to ensure they’re heated through and the cheese is melted.

Storing

• Storing: Allow the air fryer stuffed shells to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, assemble the stuffed shells but don’t cook them yet. Once stuffed, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffed shells back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, allow an extra few minutes for cooking time.

What To Serve With Stuffed Shells In Air Fryer

Air Fryer Stuffed Shells pair wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. You can serve them with a crisp, fresh salad like a Caesar or a simple mixed green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Garlic bread or a warm baguette is a great choice for soaking up any extra pasta sauce. Additionally, roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus can add a delicious and healthy touch to the plate. If you’re looking for a cheesy touch, a side of Parmesan or mozzarella sticks would elevate the meal to a satisfying, hearty feast.

Air Fryer Stuffed Shells Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen stuffed shells in the air fryer? Yes, you can use frozen stuffed shells! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and check to ensure they are heated through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed shells and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before air frying.

How do I know when the stuffed shells are done cooking? The stuffed shells are done when the cheese is melted, the pasta is tender, and the top is golden.

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe? Yes, you can swap out ricotta or mozzarella for other cheeses like cottage cheese or provolone, depending on your taste preferences.

Do I need to cover the stuffed shells with foil in the air fryer? For a crispier topping, you can leave the shells uncovered. However, if you prefer a softer texture, covering the shells with foil will help them steam during cooking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure that your sauce and seasonings are also gluten-free.

How to cook frozen stuffed shells in air fryer To cook frozen stuffed shells in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the frozen stuffed shells in a single layer in the basket, cover with pasta sauce, and cook for 12-15 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted.

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