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Air Fryer Manicotti

Name: Air Fryer Manicotti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 15 ounce ricotta cheese; 10 ounce frozen spinach chopped (thawed and squeezed dried (1 10 oz package)); 1 medium onion (chopped); 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic ( minced); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated); ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste); 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded (divided); 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated (divided); 8 ounce manicotti shells; 4 cups marinara sauce (additional for serving)

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Air Fryer Manicotti — Do you ever crave a luxurious Italian meal but don’t want to try standing at the stovetop for hours? Well, now your dreams are answered with this delicious Air Fryer Manicotti recipe!

This is an easy and convenient way to prepare classic manicotti without all that hassle. Get ready for a savory dish packed full of cheesy goodness and flavorful tomato sauce—it’s so good it will make everyone come running for dinner! Plus, using an air fryer makes home-cooked meals healthier than most other methods, as less oil is used. So try out this scrumptious recipe today and enjoy the delightful aromas and flavors from your kitchen!

What Is Manicotti

Manicotti is a traditional Italian dish with large pasta tubes, usually shaped like cylinders or rolls. The name “manicotti” comes from the Italian word “maniche,” which means “sleeves” or “little shirts,” referring to the tube-like shape of the pasta.

The pasta tubes used in manicotti are typically made from a combination of wheat flour and eggs, similar to other pasta types like lasagna or cannelloni. They are large enough to be stuffed with various fillings, making manicotti a versatile and customizable dish.

The most common filling for manicotti is a mixture of ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and various herbs and spices. Ground meat, such as beef or sausage, is sometimes added to the cheese filling. The stuffed pasta tubes are then placed in a baking dish, covered with sauce (often tomato-based), and baked until the pasta is tender, and the filling is hot and bubbly.

Manicotti is a popular comfort food staple at many Italian-American dinners and family gatherings. It can be served as a main course accompanied by a side salad or as a part of a larger Italian feast. Its rich and creamy texture, combined with the flavorful sauce, makes it a satisfying and delicious pasta dish loved by many.

Can You Make Manicotti In Air Fryer?

Yes! If you have been looking for an easy way to make manicotti, the air fryer may be the answer!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Manicotti

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy version of manicotti to make in your air fryer? Look no further! Air frying is the perfect way to prepare classic Italian dishes such as manicotti with a healthier twist. This tasty recipe requires no grease or oil typically associated with traditional cooking methods.

All that’s needed are simple ingredients, an air fryer, and some time – but don’t worry, we’ll take care of the rest! Read on to discover what ingredients are necessary for making mouth-watering air fryer manicotti!

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

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 Homemade Manicotti In Air Fryer

Are you looking for a delicious, easy-to-make Italian dinner recipe to impress your family and friends? Why not try homemade manicotti in an air fryer? Deliciously cheesy and flavorful, this dish will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

You won’t believe how simple it is — all you need are some essential ingredients and an air fryer that’ll transform your kitchen into a gourmet restaurant! Follow our step-by-step guide to making perfect manicotti out of your kitchen. Get ready for a taste sensation like never before!

Cook the Manicotti Pasta: 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.

Prepare the Filling: 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.

Fill the Manicotti: 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.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320 degrees F for 3-5 minutes.

Arrange the Stuffed Manicotti: 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.

How Long To Cook Manicotti In Air Fryer?

Air-Fry the Manicotti: Air-fry the stuffed manicotti at 320 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through and the filling is hot and melty. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Top the manicotti with mozzarella and parmesan cheese when it is almost cooked.

Warm the Marinara Sauce: While the manicotti are air frying, warm additional marinara sauce in a separate saucepan on the stove or the microwave.

Serve: Once the manicotti are done, remove them from the air fryer and serve them hot. Pour the warmed marinara sauce over the top or dip it on the side.

Garnish (Optional): Garnish the air-fried manicotti with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips For Making Manicotti In Air Fryer

Here are some pro tips to ensure success when making manicotti in the air fryer:

Pre-Cook the Manicotti: To ensure the pasta tubes cook thoroughly, pre-cook them in boiling water until they are al dente. This will prevent them from being undercooked or too firm in the air fryer.
Stuff Carefully: When filling the manicotti, use a piping bag or a small spoon to stuff the pasta tubes evenly and avoid overstuffing. Properly filled manicotti will cook more evenly and have a better texture.
Use Quality Cheeses: Choose high-quality ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses for the filling. The cheese will be a significant flavor component of the dish, so using good-quality cheeses will enhance the overall taste.
Add Seasonings to Taste: Adjust the seasonings in the filling to suit your preferences. Taste the filling before stuffing the manicotti, and add more salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices as needed.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures that the cooking temperature is steady, leading to more consistent results.
Monitor Cooking Time: Monitor the manicotti while cooking to prevent overcooking or burning. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of the manicotti.
Pair with Warm Marinara Sauce: Serve the air-fried manicotti with warm marinara sauce on top or side for dipping. The sauce complements the dish and adds extra flavor.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, garnish the manicotti with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness.

Following these pro tips, you can create delicious and flavorful manicotti in the air fryer, providing a unique and convenient twist to this classic Italian dish. Enjoy your air-fried manicotti and share it with your loved ones for a delightful meal! 🍝🍴😊

Can I use uncooked pasta tubes in the air fryer for manicotti?

It is not recommended to use uncooked pasta tubes in the air fryer for manicotti. Pre-cooking the pasta in boiling water until al dente before stuffing and air frying ensures the pasta cooks properly and has the right texture.

How do I cook frozen manicotti in air fryer

Place the frozen manicotti in an air fryer-safe dish and then into the air fryer basket. Set the cooking temperature to 310 degrees F and cook for 10-15 minutes or until fully cooked.

Can I freeze leftover air-fried manicotti?

Yes, you can freeze leftover air-fried manicotti for later consumption. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the air fryer or oven when ready to eat.

Can I use different fillings for the manicotti?

Absolutely! While the traditional filling for manicotti includes ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, you can get creative and use other fillings such as spinach and ricotta, meat fillings, or different cheese combinations.

Can I make a vegetarian version of air-fried manicotti?

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of air-fried manicotti by using a filling that does not contain meat. Stick to cheese-based or vegetable-based fillings to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

What sauce should I use with air-fried manicotti?

Marinara sauce is a classic choice to serve with air-fried manicotti. However, you can also use other pasta sauces or homemade tomato sauce based on your preference.

Can I prepare the manicotti ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed manicotti ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to air fry. This can be a convenient option for meal planning or entertaining.

How do I reheat leftover air-fried manicotti?

To reheat leftover air-fried manicotti, place them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes until they are heated and the filling is hot.

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