Easy Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti Recipe: Deliciously Cheesy

This air fryer baked spaghetti is a comforting, delicious homemade pasta bake. This casserole is similar to spaghetti pie, but offers more layering and a slightly less dense texture. Thanks to your air fryer, though, thereโ€™s no need to turn on the oven for this delicious Italian dish.

air fryer baked spaghetti recipe dinners done quick

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

Baked spaghetti is something like a cross between lasagna and spaghetti pie. Instead of flat noodles, it uses spaghetti to form the pasta layers. Stack it with sauce, cheese, and meats if desired, and youโ€™ve got a tasty casserole!

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover spaghetti, or honestly any other type of pasta as well. Itโ€™s just one of those dishes where you can swap in all sorts of things based on what you have on hand and what your family likes!

air fryer baked spaghetti on a plate with a side salad and garlic knots

Best of all, the air fryer really makes baked spaghetti easy. You donโ€™t need to heat up the whole house, you can make smaller portions, and it even takes less time to cook than a conventional oven. Whatโ€™s not to love?

Ingredients Youโ€™ll Need

ingredients to make baked spaghetti in the air fryer
  • 8 ounces leftover spaghetti (or freshly cooked per package directions)
  • 1 large egg
  • ยผ cup parmesan cheese
  • 3 Tbsp melted butter
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp dried minced onion
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • ยฝ tsp each salt and pepper
  • 1 cup pasta sauce with meat
  • ยฝ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • While this is a recipe for baked spaghetti, you can swap it out for any kind of pasta you want, or even use spaghetti squash as a low carb option
  • The ricotta cheese can be swapped for cottage cheese or cream cheese if preferred
  • If you want to keep this vegetarian, swap the meat sauce for a tomato-only pasta sauce
  • Feel free to add ยฝ pound of cooked ground beef or Italian sausage if you want more meat than whatโ€™s in the sauce, or about a ยฝ cup of cooked spinach for a vegetarian option
  • This recipe easily doubles if you want to use the whole package of pasta or need to feed a crowd

Special Equipment Note: Youโ€™ll need a pie pan, cake pan, or casserole dish that fits in your air fryerโ€™s basket or rack space for this recipe. Iโ€™m using two small casserole dishes since I have a Dual Zone air fryer with two separate cooking compartments. However, most traditional air fryers will be able to use one pan instead.

How to Make Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti

  1. If you are using fresh instead of leftover pasta, cook per package directions and drain
  2. In a medium bowl, crack your egg and blend it thoroughly
crack and mix egg in a bowl
  1. Add the parmesan cheese, melted butter, and the spaghetti and stir to coat the noodles evenly. I recommend tongs or your hands to make this easier
add parmesan cheese and melted butter to spaghetti and toss
  1. In another bowl, combine the ricotta, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and mix to combine
combine ricotta, garlic, onion, italian seasoning, salt, and pepper then mix
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350ยฐF
  2. Into a greased casserole dish or cake pan, layer half the spaghetti, half the ricotta mixture, half the meat sauce, and half the mozzarella. Repeat the layers again, but do not add the second half of the mozzarella to the top
layer spaghetti ricotta and sauce in casserole dish
  1. Place the filled dish into the preheated air fryer basket
air fry spaghetti casserole in air fryer basket
  1. Cook on the air fry setting for 15 minutes at 350ยฐF
  2. Add the remaining mozzarella cheese to the top
place remaining mozzarella cheese on top and air fry again to melt
  1. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes at 350ยฐF, until cheese is melted and begins to brown
  2. Top with a garnish of chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired
overhead view of air fryer baked spaghetti with a salad and garlic knot

What to Serve With Baked Spaghetti

  • Garlic bread
  • Pizza rolls
  • Green salad
  • Caesar salad
  • Caprese salad
  • Panzanella salad
  • Antipasto platter
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Stuffed artichokes
  • Bruschetta
  • Fried zucchini
  • Meatballs
  • Italian sausage
  • Chianti wine

Air fryer baked spaghetti is a meal in itself, but there are a lot of great sides or appetizers you can serve alongside this casserole.

Try your pasta bake with my easy recipe for Frozen Garlic Knots in the Air Fryer, crunchy Air Fryer Bruschetta, buttery Air Fryer Frozen Texas Toast, or these tasty Air Fryer Stuffed Artichokes.

Recipe FAQs

Can You Make Baked Spaghetti in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can make baked spaghetti in an air fryer, but only after boiling the pasta on the stove previously. The air fryer is perfect for baked pasta and casseroles which use spaghetti and other pasta.

You can use no-boil noodles instead if available in lieu of pre-cooking.

Can You Cook Spaghetti in the Air Fryer?

Yes, you can cook spaghetti in the air fryer. It needs to be cooked in a pan for about 15 minutes at 400 degrees, and the liquid must cover the noodles.

That said, this method takes longer than the stovetop. In addition, it is much more dangerous to try and drain the hot water, so it is not recommended that you cook your spaghetti in the air fryer if you can avoid it.

Do I Need to Preheat My Air Fryer For Baked Spaghetti?

It is recommended to preheat your air fryer when making baked spaghetti. This will ensure more even cooking.

However, some models of air fryer do not require preheating based on their design, so use your discretion. Alternatively, cook for an extra 2-3 minutes to account for preheat time.

Can I Add Meat to My Baked Spaghetti?

Yes, you can add meat to your baked spaghetti. Brown and cook about ยฝ pound of ground beef or Italian sausage and layer it into the pasta bake before cooking.

You could also use pepperoni or prosciutto, which do not need to be cooked in advance.

How Do I Prevent the Spaghetti Bake From Sticking?

To prevent the spaghetti bake from sticking, spray your pan with nonstick spray, rub it with butter or oil, or line the pan with parchment paper.

This will allow the spaghetti to release easily, and makes for easier cleanup as well.

Can You Reheat Baked Spaghetti in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can reheat baked spaghetti in an air fryer. Place the portion desired on a piece of foil or parchment and heat for 4-6 minutes at 350ยฐF, or until warmed through.

If the cheese begins to brown too much, cover it with foil.

Recipe Expert Tips

  • Safety Tip: Just like coming out of an oven, the pan is going to be very hot when you remove it from the air fryer. Use oven mitts and/or a spatula to assist in removal to avoid burns
  • If youโ€™re using leftover spaghetti, I recommend bringing it to room temperature first, as that will make it easier to work with
slice of baked spaghetti from the air fryer on a plate with a garlic knot

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Store leftover baked spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer term storage, wrap and freeze for up to 3 months
  • You may reheat baked spaghetti in the air fryer for about 4-6 minutes at 350ยฐF on a piece of foil or parchment. Alternatively, microwave on high for about 1 minute, or bake in a conventional oven for 10-15 minutes at 350ยฐF. Times will vary slightly based on the size of your piece

More Tasty Air Fryer Casseroles to Try

Final Thoughts

This air fryer baked spaghetti is a comforting casserole made quicker and easier than in a conventional oven. You donโ€™t have to heat up the whole house to enjoy this Italian inspired comfort food.

While this recipe is supposed to be made with spaghetti, you can swap in anything you have on hand and enjoy it as a pasta bake. Everything is easily adjustable based on taste and what you have on hand.

I love that this is a dinner you can have on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect even on busy weeknights. I pair it with a side salad and some garlic knots for a complete meal that everyone loves!

air fryer baked spaghetti recipe dinners done quick featured image

Air Fryer Baked Spaghetti (Homemade Pasta Bake)

This air fryer baked spaghetti casserole is filled with pasta, cheese, sauce, and seasonings for a warm, comforting bite. Itโ€™s ready in under 30 minutes for an easy dinner!
4.50 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 643 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
ย ย 

  • 8 Ounces leftover spaghetti (or freshly cooked per package directions)
  • 1 Large egg
  • ยผ Cup parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 3 Tbsp butter (melted)
  • 1 Cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 Clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 Tbsp dried minced onion
  • 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
  • ยฝ Tsp salt
  • ยฝ Tsp black pepper
  • 1 Cup pasta sauce with meat
  • ยฝ Cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
ย 

  • If you are using fresh instead of leftover pasta, cook per package directions and drain
    8 Ounces leftover spaghetti
  • In a medium bowl, crack your 1 Large egg and blend it thoroughly
    1 Large egg
  • Add the ยผ Cup parmesan cheese, melted butter, and the spaghetti and stir to coat the noodles evenly. I recommend tongs or your hands to make this easier
    ยผ Cup parmesan cheese, 3 Tbsp butter
  • In another bowl, combine the 1 Cup ricotta cheese, 1 Clove garlic, 1 Tbsp dried minced onion, 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning, ยฝ Tsp salt, and ยฝ Tsp black pepper and mix to combine
    1 Cup ricotta cheese, 1 Clove garlic, 1 Tbsp dried minced onion, 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning, ยฝ Tsp salt, ยฝ Tsp black pepper
  • Preheat your air fryer to 350ยฐF
  • Into a greased casserole dish or cake pan, layer half the spaghetti, half the ricotta mixture, half the 1 Cup pasta sauce with meat, and half the mozzarella. Repeat the layers again, but do not add the second half of the mozzarella to the top
    1 Cup pasta sauce with meat, ยฝ Cup mozzarella cheese
  • Place the filled dish into the preheated air fryer basket
  • Cook on the air fry setting for 15 minutes at 350ยฐF
  • Add the remaining mozzarella cheese to the top
  • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes at 350ยฐF, until cheese is melted and begins to brown
  • Top with a garnish of chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired
    Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Notes

  • While this is a recipe for baked spaghetti, you can swap it out for any kind of pasta you want, or even use spaghetti squash as a low carb option
  • The ricotta cheese can be swapped for cottage cheese or cream cheese if preferred
  • If you want to keep this vegetarian, swap the meat sauce for a tomato-only pasta sauce
  • Feel free to add ยฝ pound of cooked ground beef or Italian sausage if you want more meat than whatโ€™s in the sauce, or about a ยฝ cup of cooked spinach for a vegetarian option
  • This recipe easily doubles if you want to use the whole package of pasta or need to feed a crowd
  • Safety Tip: Just like coming out of an oven, the pan is going to be very hot when you remove it from the air fryer. Use oven mitts and/or a spatula to assist in removal to avoid burns
  • If youโ€™re using leftover spaghetti, I recommend bringing it to room temperature first, as that will make it easier to work with
  • Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only

Nutrition

Serving: 227gCalories: 643kcalCarbohydrates: 47.2gProtein: 30.8gFat: 35.8gSaturated Fat: 19.5gCholesterol: 165mgSodium: 1094mgPotassium: 460mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5.9gVitamin A: 1183IUVitamin C: 7.6mgCalcium: 458mgIron: 4.8mg
Keyword air fryer baked spaghetti, air fryer casseroles, air fryer pasta bake, air fryer spaghetti, baked spaghetti, baked spaghetti in air fryer, baked spaghetti using air fryer, spaghetti casserole, spaghetti pie
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Katie Vine