Air Fryer Baked Ziti Bites are bite-sized, golden, crispy versions of the classic baked ziti. These delicious snacks combine pasta, marinara sauce, melted cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating, making them a perfect appetizer or party treat.
Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4-6):
- 2 cups cooked ziti pasta
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- Olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the ziti mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.
- Mix until well-coated and the cheese binds the pasta together.
- Form the bites:
- Scoop small portions of the mixture and shape them into compact bite-sized balls or patties.
- Coat the bites:
- Dredge each ziti bite in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and roll it in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the bites:
- Lightly spray the bites with olive oil and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
Key Notes
- Use mini muffin tins to shape and freeze the bites before breading for easier handling.
- For extra flavor, mix Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs.
- These bites can be made ahead and reheated in the air fryer before serving.
Enjoy these crispy and cheesy Air Fryer Baked Ziti Bites, a delightful twist on a classic dish! 🍝✨😊