Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Caprese Salad

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This Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Caprese Salad turns cooked pasta into golden, crunchy little bites, then tosses them with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, olive oil, and balsamic. It has the flavor of a classic Caprese salad, but with a crispy pasta chip twist that makes it feel more fun, snacky, and perfect for sharing.

The pasta gets coated with Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, and seasoning before going into the air fryer until crisp. Once it cools slightly, it gets mixed with fresh ingredients for a salad that is crunchy, creamy, tangy, and fresh all at once.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Pasta

• 8 oz cooked pasta, such as shells, orecchiette, bow ties, or short pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Caprese Salad

• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella pearls
• 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, or balsamic glaze
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta.
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just tender. Drain well and let it steam-dry for a few minutes so the seasoning sticks better.
2. Season the pasta.
   Add the cooked pasta to a bowl. Toss with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper until every piece is coated.
3. Air fry until crispy.
   Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Add the pasta in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pasta is golden and crisp around the edges.
4. Cool slightly.
   Transfer the crispy pasta to a plate or bowl and let it cool for a few minutes. It will firm up more as it sits.
5. Make the Caprese mix.
   In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
6. Toss and serve.
   Add the crispy pasta to the bowl and toss gently. Serve right away while the pasta still has its crunch.

Notes

This salad is best served fresh because the crispy pasta will soften as it sits with the tomatoes and dressing. For a make-ahead version, air fry the pasta and store it separately, then toss everything together right before serving.

Short pasta shapes work best here because they crisp evenly and are easy to scoop with the tomatoes and mozzarella. Shells, bow ties, orecchiette, rigatoni, or penne can all work, but smaller shapes usually give the best bite.

If using balsamic glaze instead of balsamic vinegar, start with a smaller amount since it is sweeter and thicker.

Tips for the Best Crispy Pasta Salad

Let the pasta dry for a few minutes after boiling. Wet pasta steams in the air fryer instead of crisping.

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. A single layer gives the pasta room to crisp instead of turning chewy.

Add the crispy pasta to the salad right before serving. That is the key to keeping the contrast between the crunchy pasta, juicy tomatoes, and soft mozzarella.

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