Air Fryer Pasta Gnocchi (Printable Version)

Crispy pasta shells air fried with garlic, paprika, and herbs for a tasty, crunchy twist.

# What You Need:

→ 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Boil pasta shells in salted water following package instructions until just al dente; drain, rinse with cold water to halt cooking, and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
02 - In a large bowl, toss cooled pasta shells with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until fully coated.
03 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
04 - Place pasta shells in a single layer inside the air fryer basket; air fry in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
05 - Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until shells are crisp and golden brown.
06 - Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley if desired, and serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They turn into golden, crunchy bites that taste like the best part of a pasta dish—all the flavor, none of the sogginess.
  • Takes barely 25 minutes from start to table, making it perfect for when you want something impressive without the fuss.
  • Works as an appetizer that doesn't feel like an afterthought, a snack that keeps you reaching for more, or a surprising salad topper.
02 -
  • Moisture is your enemy—wet pasta won't crisp no matter how long you cook it, so that paper towel step is worth the extra 30 seconds.
  • Not all air fryers run at the same temperature, so start checking at 12 minutes and adjust the time if yours runs hotter or cooler.
03 -
  • Let the pasta dry completely before air frying if you have the time—it makes them even crunchier and deeper in color.
  • If you find them browning too fast, lower the temperature by 10 degrees and add a minute or two to the cooking time rather than risking burnt edges.
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