Air Fryer Pasta Gnocchi (Printable Version)

Crispy, golden pasta shells flavored with garlic, smoked paprika, and herbs, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

# 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

# Steps:

01 - Boil medium pasta shells in salted water until just al dente per package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
02 - Combine cooled pasta shells with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried Italian herbs, sea salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss to coat evenly.
03 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
04 - Place seasoned pasta shells in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
05 - Air fry the shells for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are crisp and golden brown.
06 - Transfer crispy pasta shells to a serving bowl. While hot, top with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • It transforms ordinary pasta into something texturally exciting that feels like an indulgence but takes barely any effort.
  • You'll have a snack that's infinitely better than store-bought alternatives and ready in under thirty minutes from start to finish.
  • It's the kind of recipe that makes people ask for the secret, and it's so simple you can teach anyone to make it.
02 -
  • The drying step after boiling is non-negotiable—moisture is the enemy of crispness, so don't rush it or skip it thinking it doesn't matter.
  • Your air fryer's temperature quirks matter, so watch them the first time you make this; some models run hot and fifteen minutes might be too long, while others need the full time.
03 -
  • If your air fryer runs small, definitely work in batches rather than crowding; it only takes an extra three minutes and makes the difference between crispy and just warm.
  • The secret weapon is patting the cooked pasta completely dry before seasoning—it's boring to mention but absolutely transforms the final texture into something memorable.
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