Air Fryer Spaghetti and Meatballs

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients:

  • 500 grams of spaghetti, broken in half
  • 400 grams of tomato paste
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • A pinch of chili flakes
  • A pinch of black pepper, plus more to taste
  • Olive oil, for drizzling
  • 240 milliliters of water
  • 500 grams of ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon chimichurri seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment:

• Air fryer

Instructions:

1. Prepare Pasta Mixture: In the air fryer basket, combine the spaghetti, tomato paste, crushed garlic, chili flakes, dried basil, salt, black pepper, a generous drizzle of olive oil, and water. Mix well until the sauce is evenly distributed among the pasta. Set aside.

2. Season the Meat: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with a teaspoon of salt, a pinch of black pepper, chimichurri, garlic powder, onion powder, and a drizzle of olive oil. Ensure all the seasonings are well incorporated into the meat.

3. Form Meatballs: Shape the seasoned ground beef into meatballs. Ensure each is compact and uniform for even cooking.

4. Combine Ingredients: Place the meatballs in the air fryer basket, arranging them around or on top of the pasta mixture.

5. Cooking: Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Cook the mixture for 25 minutes. Halfway through, open the air fryer to stir the contents and check if additional water is needed to prevent the pasta from drying out.

6. Garnish and Serve: Once cooking is complete, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one-pot meal from the air fryer!

Chef’s Note:

This innovative method of cooking spaghetti and meatballs in an air fryer not only saves time but also enhances the flavors by infusing them directly into the pasta. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!

Keto Version Recipe

  • Replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles (zoodles).
  • Use sugar-free tomato paste.
  • Ensure all other ingredients are keto-friendly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this comforting dish with a side of keto garlic bread or a fresh green salad to round out the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use any pasta of your choice, just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Q: Is it possible to make this recipe with frozen meatballs?

A: Absolutely! Use pre-made frozen meatballs and increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes.

Feel free to use this recipe directly or adjust it according to your preferences!