Air Fryer Pasta Gnocchi (Printable Version)

Golden, crispy pasta shells tossed in herbs and spices, air fried to perfection for a flavorful snack or side.

# What You’ll 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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Boil pasta shells in salted water until just al dente according to package instructions. 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, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
04 - Place pasta shells in a single, even layer inside the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
05 - Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the shells are crisp and golden brown.
06 - Transfer shells to a serving bowl and, while hot, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ten minutes of actual hands-on time means you can make this while catching up on a call or sipping coffee.
  • Cooked pasta transforms into something completely different—crispy on the outside, tender within—without any fancy techniques.
  • It's the kind of dish that works equally well as a solo snack, a party appetizer, or a topper for salads and soups.
02 -
  • Moisture is the enemy of crispiness—pat the pasta completely dry before seasoning, or you'll end up with chewy rather than crunchy shells.
  • Don't skip the halfway shake, and don't open the basket constantly out of curiosity; every peek lets heat escape and adds cooking time.
03 -
  • If you cooked the pasta way ahead of time, spread it on a plate and let it air-dry for an hour before tossing with oil—this extra step rewards you with maximum crispiness.
  • The basket doesn't need oil spray; the olive oil coating is enough, and skipping the spray keeps things cleaner and less chaotic in the air fryer.
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