Air Fryer Stuffed Pasta Poppers

Stuffed pasta poppers are an innovative and delicious way to enjoy the rich flavors of Italian cuisine while embracing a healthier cooking method. These delightful bite-sized snacks combine the comforting essence of traditional stuffed pasta with the modern twist of air frying, which allows you to enjoy this classic dish with significantly less oil and fat. The result is a crispy exterior that gives way to a cheesy, flavorful filling, making them an irresistible option for any occasion.

Discover the joy of cooking with these Air Fryer Stuffed Pasta Poppers! This innovative snack combines the beloved flavors of Italian cuisine with a healthier air-fried twist. Made with jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and spinach, these crispy treats are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a main dish. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, they make mealtime special.

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Ingredients

12 jumbo pasta shells

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup spinach, cooked and chopped (can use frozen, thawed)

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup marinara sauce

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Olive oil spray for cooking

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.

Prepare the Pasta Shells: Cook jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.

Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, cooked spinach, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Stuff the Shells: Once the pasta shells are cool enough to handle, carefully fill each shell with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture.

Bread the Shells: Lightly coat the stuffed shells with olive oil spray, then roll them in breadcrumbs until evenly coated. This will give them a nice crunchy exterior.

Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the stuffed shells in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Air Fry: Cook the stuffed pasta poppers for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve: While the poppers are cooking, warm up marinara sauce in a saucepan. Once the poppers are done, serve them hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings