Air Fryer Pasta Gnocchi (Print Version)

Crispy air fried pasta shells tossed in herbs and spices for a golden, flavorful bite.

# 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Boil medium pasta shells in salted water until just al dente as per package instructions. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to halt cooking. Pat dry completely with paper towels.
02 - In a large bowl, coat cooled pasta shells evenly with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried Italian herbs, sea salt, and black pepper.
03 - Set the air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3 minutes before cooking.
04 - Place pasta shells in a single even layer inside the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
05 - Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until pasta shells achieve a crisp, golden texture.
06 - Transfer crispy pasta shells to a serving bowl. While still hot, optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These crispy shells are ready in under 30 minutes and taste like you fussed far more than you actually did.
  • They're endlessly customizable—swap seasonings, cheeses, or pasta shapes based on what you're craving that day.
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd without heating up your kitchen or dirtying multiple pans.
02 -
  • Pat your pasta completely dry before seasoning—any lingering water will steam instead of crisp, and you'll end up with chewy rather than crunchy shells.
  • The halfway shake is non-negotiable; without it, the bottom layer browns too dark while the top stays pale.
  • Don't overcrowd the basket, even if it tempts you—the air fryer needs space to work its magic.
03 -
  • Let cooked pasta cool and dry completely before tossing with oil if you have even a hint of extra moisture—your crispiness depends on it.
  • If you're making these ahead, store them in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for just 3 to 4 minutes to restore their crunch before serving.
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