Easy Air Fryer Manicotti

This Easy Air Fryer Manicotti is stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling and baked to perfection in minutes. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, it’s a quick and delicious Italian dinner for any night of the week.

Enjoy a classic Italian favorite in a fraction of the time with this Easy Air Fryer Manicotti.

Filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture and topped with marinara sauce, each piece comes out perfectly cooked, crispy on the edges and tender inside.

It’s a quick, hassle-free dinner that tastes like it came straight from an Italian trattoria, or your grandmother’s kitchen (like mine!).

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Creamy, cheesy filling in every bite of manicotti.
• Crisp edges with perfectly tender pasta inside.
• Quick and easy to make in the air fryer.
• Minimal cleanup compared to traditional oven baking.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy Italian feast.

Ingredients Needed

• Manicotti Pasta Tubes: Large pasta tubes, suitable for stuffing with the filling.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta cheese serves as the base for the flavorful filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese adds gooey, melty goodness to the stuffing.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese enhances the savory flavor of the filling.
• Spinach (Optional): Chopped fresh spinach or frozen spinach thawed can be added to the filling for a nutritious boost.
• Onions: Freshly diced white onions.
• Eggs: Eggs are used to bind the filling ingredients together.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a touch of herbaceousness to the filling.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic powder gives the stuffing a burst of garlicky flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasonings like Kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
• Marinara Sauce: A flavorful tomato-based marinara sauce to cover the stuffed manicotti.

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Manicotti

Step One: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the manicotti pasta tubes according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step Two: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, spinach, diced onions, minced garlic (or garlic powder), Italian seasoning, ground nutmeg, egg, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Slowly fold 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until the filling is evenly combined.

Step Three: Carefully stuff the cooked manicotti pasta tubes with the prepared filling mixture using a spoon or piping bag. Gently press the filling inside the tubes to ensure they are evenly filled.

Step Four: Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees F for 3-5 minutes.

Step Five: Spread about 1 cup of the marinara sauce to the bottom of the casserole dish. The dish should be slightly smaller than your air fryer basket to circulate the hot air around the baking dish. Add the stuffed manicotti to the marinara sauce and the remaining sauce.

Step Six: Set air fryer temperature to 320 degrees F and set cook time for 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through and the filling is hot and melty. Top the manicotti with mozzarella and parmesan cheese when it is almost cooked.

Step Seven: While the manicotti are air frying, warm additional marinara sauce in a separate saucepan on the stove or the microwave. Garnish the air-fried manicotti with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Easy Air Fryer Manicotti Recipe Tips

• Don’t overfill the pasta: Leave a little space so the filling doesn’t spill out while cooking.
• Use a piping bag: Makes stuffing the manicotti easier and less messy.
• Preheat the air fryer: Ensures even cooking and a nicely browned top.
• Check pasta doneness: Air fryer models vary, so adjust cooking time if needed.
• Add extra cheese: Sprinkle additional mozzarella or Parmesan on top for a golden, cheesy finish.

Storing Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover manicotti in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 320°F for 3–5 minutes, or in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
• Freeze: Assemble uncooked manicotti in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before air frying.

Other Cooking Instructions

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Assemble the stuffed manicotti in a baking dish with marinara sauce, cover with foil, and bake for 25–30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–7 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.

Easy Air Fryer Manicotti Recipe Faqs

Can I use no-boil manicotti noodles? Yes! Simply follow package instructions for prep and adjust air fryer time slightly.

Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes, stuff the manicotti and assemble in the dish, then refrigerate until ready to cook.

Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely! Stick with ricotta, spinach, and cheese, or add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.

Can I freeze this dish? Yes! Assemble uncooked manicotti in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

How do I prevent the filling from spilling? Don’t overfill the noodles and press the filling gently into the pasta tubes.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER RED POTATOES RECIPE
• HOW TO REHEAT SWEET POTATO FRIES IN AIR FRYER
• AIR FRYER SALT AND VINEGAR POTATO CHIPS
• AIR FRYER FROZEN SWEET POTATO TOTS

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