Indulge in the irresistible crunch of Stuffed Ziti Fritta, filled with a medley of gooey, zesty cheeses. Resembling petite pasta mozzarella sticks, these fried delights are a flavor-packed sensation. Experience the magic of my Olive Garden-inspired Stuffed Ziti Fritta recipe and savor the explosion of flavors in every bite!
Stuffed Ziti Fritta
Stuffed Ziti Fritta is a delectable appetizer, brimming with a blend of creamy, tangy cheeses encased in a crispy fried shell. Reminiscent of bite-sized pasta mozzarella sticks, each golden-brown morsel offers a delightful crunch followed by a burst of cheesy goodness. The combination of tender ziti pasta and indulgent cheeses creates a mouthwatering sensation that’s hard to resist. Whether served as a starter or enjoyed as a snack, Stuffed Ziti Fritta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Try out this Olive Garden-inspired recipe and treat yourself to a symphony of flavors packed into every savory bite!
If you love easy Italian Meals, try my recipe for Air Fryer Lasagna, Air Fryer Manicotti, or Air Fryer Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Marsala, all making your tastebuds dance!
Ingredients Needed For Olive Garden Stuffed Ziti Fritta
Here are the simple ingredients needed for making Stuffed Ziti Fritta.
Remember the step-by-step directions and full measurements are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.
- Ziti Pasta: Cooked ziti pasta serves as the base for this dish, providing a hearty texture and shape for stuffing.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta cheese adds richness and a smooth texture to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor and enhances the cheesiness of the filling.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the filling together and giving it structure.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of Italian seasoning adds aromatic herbs and spices, elevating the flavor profile of the filling.
- Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs provide a crispy coating for the stuffed ziti fritta, adding texture and crunch when fried.
- Marinara Sauce: Marinara sauce serves as a delicious dipping sauce, complementing the cheesy filling with its rich tomato flavor.
How To Make Olive Garden Stuffed Ziti Fritta
To make Olive Garden Stuffed Ziti Fritta, follow these steps:
Prepare The Pasta: Per the package instructions, cook the pasta, and drain, and set aside.
Prepare the Filling: Mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Stuff the Ziti: Carefully stuff each cooked ziti noodle with the cheese mixture. A piping bag or a small spoon can be helpful for this step.
Set Up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian breadcrumbs.
Bread the Ziti: Roll each stuffed ziti in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and then coat with breadcrumbs.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Air Fry the Ziti: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded ziti in a single layer in the basket and spray the top with cooking spray. Set cook time for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches.
Serving: Serve the stuffed ziti fritta warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Pro tips
Here are some pro tips to elevate your Olive Garden Stuffed Ziti Fritta:
- Chill the Filling: After preparing the filling mixture, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling the mixture helps it firm up, making it easier to shape into balls and reducing the risk of them falling apart during frying.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best flavor and melting consistency, use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the filling.
- Season the Breadcrumbs: Add additional flavor to the breadcrumb coating by mixing in some Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or grated Parmesan cheese. This enhances the overall taste of the Stuffed Ziti Fritta.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer : Air Fry Stuffed Ziti Fritta in batches to prevent overcrowding in the fryer. Overcrowding can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in soggy instead of crispy fritta.
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the Stuffed Ziti Fritta immediately after frying. The crispy exterior and gooey cheese filling are at their peak when served hot and fresh.
Faqs
Can I make Stuffed Ziti Fritta ahead of time and reheat it? While Stuffed Ziti Fritta is best enjoyed fresh and hot, you can prepare the filling and shape the balls ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry. Reheating already fried fritta may result in a loss of crispiness.
Can I bake Stuffed Ziti Fritta instead of frying it? While frying produces the classic crispy texture, you can try baking the stuffed ziti balls in the oven for a healthier alternative. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through.
What can I serve with Stuffed Ziti Fritta? Stuffed Ziti Fritta pairs well with marinara sauce for dipping. You can also serve it alongside a side salad or garlic breadsticks for a complete meal.
Can I freeze Stuffed Ziti Fritta? Yes, you can freeze uncooked Stuffed Ziti Fritta. Arrange the shaped balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for long-term storage. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during air frying? Ensure the filling mixture is well combined and compacted when shaping into balls. Additionally, make sure the breadcrumb coating completely covers the filling to seal it inside. Avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can cause the balls to stick together and burst open.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- air fryer muffaletta sandwich
- air fryer bibigo mandu dumplings
- air fryer sous vide turkey breast tenderloins
Equipment Used
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!
Olive Garden Stuffed Ziti Fritta
Description
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Ziti:
- 12-15 large ziti pasta noodles, cooked al dente
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Breading Stations:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
Serving:
- 1 cup marinara sauce , for dipping
Instructions
- Mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Carefully stuff each cooked ziti noodle with the cheese mixture. A piping bag or a small spoon can be helpful for this step.
- Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Italian breadcrumbs.
- Roll each stuffed ziti in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded ziti in a single layer in the basket and spray the top with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches.
- Serve the stuffed ziti fritta warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
Share this recipe
We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!
