Air Fryer Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce, Ricotta and Mozzarella

Air fryer baked ziti bakes at 175°C / 350°F in two stages: 8 minutes covered with foil, then 5–7 minutes uncovered so the mozzarella browns. A dish assembled ahead and cooked straight from the fridge needs 18–22 minutes.

It is the familiar Italian-American bake of pasta, tomato meat sauce, ricotta and mozzarella, scaled down to a dish that fits an air fryer basket.

For a creamier, cheese-sauce pasta, see Air Fryer Mac and Cheese.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce

• 🍝 200 g (7 oz) ziti or penne
• 🥩 250 g (9 oz) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 🧅 ½ onion, finely chopped
• 🧄 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 🍅 400 g (14 oz) marinara sauce
• 🌿 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese

• 🧀 125 g (½ cup) ricotta
• 🧀 125 g (1¼ cups) shredded mozzarella
• 🧀 25 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan
• 🌿 Fresh basil to garnish

Dish, Foil and Tools

• Large pot
• Frying pan
• Air-fryer-safe baking dish (about 18–20 cm / 7–8 inches)
• Foil

How to Layer the Dish

1. A thin layer of sauce on the bottom, so the pasta does not stick.
2. Half of the sauced pasta.
3. The ricotta mixture in spoonfuls.
4. The rest of the pasta.
5. Mozzarella over the top.

Leave a little room at the rim of the dish. Sauce bubbles up as it heats, and a dish filled to the edge will spill into the basket.

Step-by-Step

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil the ziti in salted water for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain.

2. Make the Meat Sauce

Brown the ground beef with onion in a pan. Add garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in the marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Mix with the Pasta

Stir the drained ziti into the sauce until coated.

4. Layer the Ziti

Spread half the pasta in a greased baking dish. Dot with spoonfuls of ricotta and half the mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta.

5. Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.

6. Air Fry the Baked Ziti

Cover loosely with foil tucked tightly around the dish and cook at 175°C / 350°F for 8 minutes. Remove the foil and cook another 5–7 minutes until golden and bubbling.

7. Rest and Serve

Rest the air fryer baked ziti for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve.

Timing Guide

Tips

Variations

• Vegetarian ziti: Replace the meat with spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini.
• Sausage ziti: Use spicy Italian sausage for more flavor.
• Chicken ziti: Stir in shredded cooked chicken.
• Pesto ziti: Swirl basil pesto into the ricotta layer.

Baked Ziti FAQ

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerate leftover air fryer baked ziti for up to 4 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months.

Reheat at 165°C / 330°F for 6–8 minutes, covered with foil for the first half.

Final Thoughts

Plenty of sauce, slightly undercooked pasta, foil first and browning second: follow that and air fryer baked ziti comes out saucy with a golden top.

Round out the table with Air Fryer French Bread Pizza for dipping into the sauce.

Written by

James Wilson

Air Fryer Recipe Creator & Food Writer

James Wilson is an air fryer recipe creator and food writer who loves making simple, crispy, and flavorful meals easier to prepare at home. He focuses on practical air fryer recipes, helpful cooking tips, and easy-to-follow ideas designed for everyday kitchens.