5-Min Baked Ziti in Air Fryer – Creamy, Cheesy Perfection

After a long day, there are evenings when I just want something warm, cheesy, and comforting without the effort of turning on the oven and waiting forever. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve skipped baked pasta just because preheating felt like too much work.

That’s when I started making Baked Ziti in Air Fryer, and honestly, I haven’t looked back since.

In just minutes, it gives me everything I love about classic baked ziti: tender pasta, rich sauce, and that irresistible golden, cheesy top—without heating up the whole kitchen. It’s become my go-to weeknight dinner when I want comfort food fast.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how I make baked ziti in the air fryer, the ingredients I always use, tips for getting that perfectly crispy cheese layer, and the best way I reheat leftovers (spoiler: the air fryer wins every time).

If you love quick comfort meals like this, you’ll also enjoy my Air Fryer Salisbury Steaks and Air Fryer Ground Beef Casserole Recipes for easy weeknight dinners.

 Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti in Air Fryer

This isn’t just another pasta recipe, it’s one I keep coming back to on busy nights.

•  No Oven Stress: No preheating, no hot kitchen
  
• Fast Comfort Food: Ready in about 10 minutes
  
• Perfect Cheesy Top: Crispy, golden cheese every time

• Small-Batch Friendly: Ideal when I’m cooking for myself or just one or two people.

It’s the same reason recipes like Frozen French Bread Pizza in Air Fryer and Totino’s Pizza in Air Fryer are so popular—quick, crispy, and zero oven stress.

What You Need (Ingredients & Easy Swaps)

This Baked Ziti in Air Fryer recipe is very forgiving. Use what you have—no stress.

The Basics

• Pasta: Ziti works best, but penne or rigatoni are great swaps. Any short, tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce will do.
  
• Sauce: A good marinara makes all the difference. Use your favorite jarred sauce or leftover homemade sauce.
  
• Cheese:
  
  • Mozzarella for that stretchy, gooey melt
    
  • Parmesan for salty, rich flavor
    
• Crunchy Topping: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter for a golden, crispy finish.
  
• Seasoning: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to boost flavor without overpowering the dish.
  

Make It Your Own (Easy Add-Ins)

This is where you can have fun:

• Meat Lovers: Add cooked ground beef or mild Italian sausage to the sauce.

For another protein-packed meal, try TGI Friday’s Boneless Chicken Bites Air Fryer or Tyson Panko Chicken Breast Tenderloins Air Fryer.

• Veggie Boost: Stir in fresh spinach (it wilts fast) or add sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
  
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
  

Equipment You’ll Need

You’ll need an air fryer-safe baking dish that fits comfortably inside your basket.

Good options include:

• Small cake pan
  
• Pie dish
  
• Oven-safe or silicone mold
  

 Quick tip: Always check that air can circulate around the dish—this helps the cheese brown evenly.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Baked Ziti in Air Fryer

Don’t worry—this is much easier than lasagna and way faster than a traditional baked casserole.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta (Don’t Skip This)

Start by boiling your pasta on the stove.

• Cook it until al dente (slightly firm to the bite)
  
• This is important—the air fryer bakes, it doesn’t cook raw pasta
  
• Overcooked pasta now = mushy baked ziti later
  

Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Cooked pasta
  
• Marinara sauce
  
• Italian seasoning
  
• Half of the mozzarella
  
• Half of the parmesan
  

Stir until every piece of pasta is coated in saucy, cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

• Lightly spray an air fryer-safe baking dish with cooking spray
  
• Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish
  
• Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan
  

For the crispy topping:

• Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder
  
• Sprinkle evenly over the top
  

Step 4: Air Fry to Cheesy Perfection

• Preheat your air fryer to 330°F (165°C)
  
• Place the dish in the basket
  
• Cook for 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly
  

Tip:

If you’re new to cooking full meals in the air fryer, recipes like Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole and Air Fryer Carrots and Potatoes use the same method and are just as easy to make.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Bite

I want this Baked Ziti in Air Fryer to taste like something you’d order at a restaurant—so these are the small but important tips I’ve learned over time.

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

This one is worth repeating. Always drain the pasta while it’s still firm to the bite. It will finish cooking in the hot sauce inside the air fryer. Starting with soft pasta is the fastest way to end up with a mushy dish.

2. Be Generous with the Sauce

Air fryers circulate hot air quickly, which can dry food out faster than a traditional oven. Using a little extra marinara keeps the pasta moist, flavorful, and perfectly tender all the way through—no dry noodles hiding in the center.

3. Let It Rest Before Digging In

As tempting as it is, give the baked ziti 2–3 minutes to rest after air frying. This helps the cheese set slightly so it stays on your fork instead of sliding off—and it also saves your mouth from molten-cheese regret.

The same tip applies to recipes likeAir Fryer Frozen Mushrooms and Breaded Broccoli Air Fryer, where moisture control makes all the difference.

Easy Recipe Variations to Try

One of the best things about Baked Ziti in Air Fryer is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few tasty ways to switch it up without extra effort.

Classic Meat Lover’s Ziti

If you want something heartier, add protein:

• Brown ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey
  
• Mix it into the marinara before combining with pasta
  This version is extra filling and perfect for dinner.
  

Creamy Alfredo-Style Ziti

Craving something richer?

• Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce
  
• Add grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken
  
• Finish with extra mozzarella for ultra-creamy bites
  

Veggie-Packed Ziti

Light but still comforting:

• Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach
  
• Great way to sneak in vegetables without sacrificing flavor
  

Spicy Arrabbiata Ziti

For heat lovers:

• Add red pepper flakes or a spoon of chili paste
  
• Use spicy marinara for an extra kick
  

Extra-Cheesy Baked Ziti

Cheese lovers, this one’s for you:

•  Stir in ricotta or cream cheese into the pasta mixture.

• Top with a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone
  

Gluten-Free or Low-Carb Option

• Use gluten-free pasta
  
• Or swap pasta with roasted zucchini or cauliflower florets

If you enjoy bold flavors, you might also like Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls or Jerk Chicken Thighs Air Fryer.

Storage & Reheating Guide

Made too much? No worries! Follow USDA food safety guidelines 👉 https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety to keep pasta dishes safe.

Reheat in Air Fryer:

• Place leftovers in an air fryer-safe dish
  
• Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes
  
• Rest 1–2 minutes before serving for a perfect cheesy bite
  

 Works great for Reheat Tamales in Air Fryer and Frozen Tamales Air Fryer too.

From Frozen:

• Cook unbaked frozen ziti at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes, checking halfway

FAQs About Baked Ziti in Air Fryer

Can you make baked ziti in an air fryer?
Yes, baked ziti in an air fryer cooks faster than the oven and gives a crispier cheese topping.

What temperature should I air fry baked ziti?
330°F works best to melt cheese evenly without burning.

 Is it possible to reheat baked ziti in the air fryer?
Absolutely. Reheating baked ziti in the air fryer restores crispiness better than a microwave.

Ready to Eat?

There you have it—Italian restaurant-quality comfort food in your own kitchen, with less time and less cleanup. It’s crispy, cheesy, and exactly what a busy weeknight calls for.

I hope this guide inspires you to raid your pantry for pasta tonight. If you try this Air Fryer Baked Ziti, I’d love to see it! Snap a photo of your cheesy creation and tag me on social media.

And if you are looking for more ways to utilize that appliance, check out the other easy Air Fryer Recipes on the blog!

Looking for more easy ideas? Check out other reader-favorite Air Fryer Recipes like Frozen Pancakes in Air Fryer, Super Pretzel in Air Fryer, andAir Fryer Banana Muffins for quick snacks and breakfasts.