Air Fryer Pasta Gnocchi (Printable)

Crunchy, golden pasta shells seasoned with herbs and air fried for a delightful twist on traditional bites.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 9 oz medium pasta shells (conchiglie)

→ Oil & Seasonings

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, or thyme)
06 - 1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste
07 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional for Serving

08 - 1 oz grated Parmesan cheese
09 - Fresh parsley, chopped
10 - Marinara sauce for dipping

# Directions:

01 - Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta shells with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried Italian herbs, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
04 - Place the pasta shells in a single, even layer inside the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
05 - Air fry the shells for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until they turn golden brown and crisp.
06 - Transfer the crispy pasta shells to a serving bowl. While still hot, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms something ordinary into something crunchy and exciting in under 30 minutes flat.
  • You get that satisfying snack texture without any deep frying mess or oil splatter.
  • It's foolproof enough for weeknight snacking but fancy enough to serve when friends drop by.
02 -
  • Drying the pasta after boiling is non-negotiable—wet shells will never crisp, no matter how long you air fry them.
  • Don't skip the halfway shake; uneven air circulation means some shells brown while others stay pale and soft.
03 -
  • If you're making these for a crowd, cook the pasta ahead of time and store it in the fridge; you can air fry directly from cold, just add a minute or two to the cooking time.
  • The smoked paprika is worth seeking out—it's the ingredient that makes people stop and ask what they're eating, and it costs the same as regular paprika.
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