This air fryer spaghetti and mushroom balls recipe always makes me happy because it’s a way to use up leftover pasta. I don’t know about you, but when it comes to spaghetti, I can never seem to cook the right amount. There’s always extra left over, and rather than letting it go to waste, I got creative. This recipe for air fried mini spaghetti and mushroom balls ensures that no leftovers are wasted, while giving you a whole new, delicious snack or side dish that can easily be transformed into a bigger meal for the whole family.
The inspiration for this came from a creamy mushroom sauce I had made the night before. After dinner, I had some leftovers, so I decided to pair them with the leftover spaghetti. With the help of my trusty air-fryer, I was able to whip up these tasty little balls with minimal effort. The air fryer’s speed and efficiency mean that this dish is ready in just ten minutes, making it a perfect last-minute snack or side dish.
What I love about these air fried spaghetti and mushroom balls is how easy they are to make. You only need a few simple ingredients, and the steps are quick and simple. The air fryer ensures that the outside gets crispy and golden, while the inside stays soft and flavourful – creating the perfect combination of textures. Whether you’re using up leftover pasta or just want a fun, flavourful dish to try, these spaghetti and mushroom balls are a winner.
Give this recipe a try, and it’ll become a household favourite. You’ll never look at leftovers the same way again, and your family will love how delicious these air-fryer balls are!
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 10 minutes
KIT you will need an air fryer and silicone moulds.
Ingredients for air fryer spaghetti balls
Mushroom pasta sauce
Cooked spaghetti pasta
Parmesan cheese, grated
Vegetable oil spray
Method
To start this fun and tasty recipe, I grabbed my trusty silicone muffin cups and gave them a quick spray with Frylight oil. This not only helps prevent sticking but also gives the spaghetti bites a beautifully crisp edge once cooked. Then, I spooned a heaped tablespoon of the prepared mixture into each mould, pressing it down gently to form a nice compact base.
The mixture itself was super simple, made using leftover cooked spaghetti – waste not, want not! I chopped the spaghetti into smaller pieces so it would be easier to portion and eat, then combined it with a beaten egg to help bind everything together. I added a handful of grated cheese (cheddar works great, but you can use whatever you like) and a little seasoning. Just salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. It’s such a simple combo, but it really packs in the flavour.
Once all the moulds were filled, I popped them into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 180°C. I let them cook for 5 minutes initially, just enough to begin setting and to crisp up those outer edges.
After 5 minutes, I opened the air fryer and gave each cup a gentle stir to make sure everything was cooking evenly and to add a little texture variation throughout. Then they went back in for another 5 minutes, until golden and deliciously firm.
Once cooked, I carefully removed the bites from their moulds and plated them up. I sprinkled some freshly grated some Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy hit, and served them with a handful of salad leaves for a pop of colour and freshness. Perfect as a light lunch, snack, or even a fun party nibble – these spaghetti bites are a big hit every time!
Tips for Air Fryer Spaghetti Balls
Air fryer spaghetti balls are a fun, crispy twist on leftover pasta. Perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or an easy dinner idea. Whether you’re using leftover spaghetti Bolognese or whipping up a fresh batch, these tips will help you get them perfectly golden and delicious:
1. Use cold spaghetti
Chilled, cooked spaghetti is easier to shape and holds together better. If using fresh pasta, let it cool completely before forming the balls.
2. Add a binder
Mix in a beaten egg, breadcrumbs, and grated cheese (like mozzarella or parmesan) to help bind the spaghetti together. You can also add herbs or a little garlic powder for extra flavour.
3. Portion and shape tightly
Scoop out small portions (about golf ball size) and squeeze them together firmly to form compact balls. The tighter they’re packed, the better they’ll hold during air frying.
4. Chill before air frying
For best results, chill the balls for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking. This helps them keep their shape and crisp up nicely.
5. Coat for crunch
Roll each ball in seasoned breadcrumbs or panko for an extra crispy coating. Spray lightly with oil to enhance browning in the air fryer.
6. Preheat your air fryer
A hot air fryer (180°C/356°F) helps the coating start crisping immediately. Preheat your air fryer for at least 2 or 3 minutes before adding your spaghetti balls.
7. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Cook in batches if needed. Leave space between each ball so the hot air can circulate and brown them evenly.
8. Cook time
Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway. They should be crisp on the outside and warmed through inside.
Serve with warm marinara or dipping sauce for a satisfying, family-friendly treat that turns leftovers into something special.
Similar recipes
If you like these easy air fryer spaghetti balls, you might also like my simple air fryer spinach cannelloni or the air fryer pizza rolls recipe.
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