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Olive Garden Air Fryer Stuffed Ziti Fritta Copycat

Crispy Olive Garden Air Fryer Stuffed Ziti Fritta Copycat Delight

A healthier copycat of Olive Garden's stuffed ziti fritta, featuring crispy, cheesy goodness with minimal oil.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Freezing Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 26 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Rigatoni or Ziti
For the Cheese Filling
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
  • 1 cup Asiago Cheese or more Romano as substitute
  • 1 cup Romano Cheese or Parmesan as substitute
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly shredded
  • 8 oz Mascarpone or cream cheese as substitute
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1/2 cup Half & Half Cream or whole milk works
  • 2 large Large Eggs binding agent for breading
For the Breading
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or cooking spray for lighter option
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan for crust
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning or dried herbs like basil or oregano
For Dipping Sauces (optional)
  • 1 cup Alfredo Sauce optional
  • 1 cup Marinara Sauce highly recommended

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • food processor
  • Mixing bowls
  • Piping Bag
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Step 1: Prepare the Pasta. Boil salted water, cook rigatoni or ziti until al dente (8-10 min), then drain and cool.
  2. Step 2: Make the Filling. In a food processor, blend cheeses, tomato paste, half & half, and salt until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Fill the Pasta. Pipe the cheese mixture into each pasta piece without overfilling.
  4. Step 4: Freeze (Optional). Freeze filled pasta on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours for best results.
  5. Step 5: Prepare Breadcrumbs. Beat eggs, mix breadcrumbs, olive oil, parmesan, and seasoning; microwave for 30 sec.
  6. Step 6: Bread the Pasta. Dip filled pasta in egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
  7. Step 7: Air Fry. Preheat air fryer to 370℉, spray basket, cook pasta for 4 min, shake, then cook for 1 more min.
  8. Step 8: Serve. Transfer to platter and serve with alfredo or marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrition

Serving: 2piecesCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Best served fresh and crispy for maximum flavor and texture.

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