How To Make Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta In The Air Fryer (Quick & Delicious)
A Story from My Kitchen: How Air Fryer Saved My Pasta Night
It was a weeknight hustle. I had barely 30 minutes to whip something up before a Zoom meeting. The stovetop? Occupied with a simmering soup. Then I remembered my air fryer. I tossed in sausage slices, added garlic butter sauce over cooked pasta, sprinkled some cheese, and popped it in the air fryer for a few golden minutes. The result? Crispy sausage edges, garlic butter-soaked pasta, and bubbly cheese my new favorite dinner hack was born. Now I’m hooked on this Air Fryer Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta, and so will you be.
Looking for inspiration? Try this delicious sausage and potato skillet for another easy meal idea.
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Table of Contents
Why Air Fryer Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta Works So Well
Fast, Crispy, and Flavorful
Using your air fryer transforms a regular Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta into something extraordinary. The heat crisps up the sausage slices and caramelizes the garlic butter over pasta for a slightly crunchy, savory finish. Not sure which sausages work best? Check out this guide to air fryer sausages for all the cooking times, tips, and types you can use.
Less Oil, More Flavor
The air fryer’s high-heat circulation crisps without excess grease. You can skip pan-frying the sausage and still get that seared texture, which saves time and cuts fat – all while intensifying that garlic butter flavor.
Discover great ideas like these sausage-stuffed bell peppers if you love sausage-based dinners.
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Microwave-safe bowl or skillet
- Oven-safe dish (metal or ceramic)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta penne or rigatoni, al dente
- 6 oz smoked or Italian sausage sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes optional
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss sausage slices in olive oil. Place in air fryer basket and cook for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through, until browned and slightly crispy.
- In a small skillet or microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and sauté garlic until lightly golden. Add chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- In an oven-safe dish, combine cooked pasta, garlic butter, and air-fried sausage. Toss to coat evenly.
- Top with grated parmesan. Place dish in air fryer and cook for 4–5 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
Ingredients for Air Fryer Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta
Your Air Fryer Pantry List
You’ll need the following to make air fryer Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 oz sausage (smoked or Italian), sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Use Pre-Cooked Pasta
For best air fryer results, boil your pasta al dente before assembling. The air fryer is perfect for crisping and flavor-infusing not cooking raw pasta.
Step-by-Step Air Fryer Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta
Step 1: Air Fry the Sausage
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Toss sausage slices with olive oil, and place them in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Shake halfway through.
Step 2: Make Garlic Butter
- In a small skillet (or microwave bowl), melt butter and sauté garlic until lightly golden.
- Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
Step 3: Combine & Crisp in Air Fryer
- In an oven-safe dish (metal or ceramic), add cooked pasta, garlic butter sauce, and air-fried sausage. Toss well.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan on top.
- Air fry at 375°F for 4–5 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
Don’t miss our air fryer Italian sausage tutorial if you want perfect sausage tips every time.
Tips to Level Up Your Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta in Air Fryer
Add Cheese for a Melty Top
Mix in shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar before the final air fry for a cheesy, golden crust.
Sneak in Veggies
Add pre-steamed broccoli, spinach, or frozen peas to the pasta before crisping it in the air fryer. The garlic butter coats everything in flavor.
Check out crispy potato cheese bombs if you’re after another cheesy sidekick.
Why You Should Make Pasta in the Air Fryer
No-Stir Cooking
Tired of stirring pasta over the stove? With the air fryer, set it and forget it. The heat circulates evenly to coat pasta in buttery garlic richness without burning or sticking.
One Dish, Minimal Mess
Cook sausage, melt butter, and combine it all in one air fryer-safe dish. Cleanup? Done in minutes.
Looking for more? Discover our favorite healthy air fryer dinner ideas to keep your weeknight cooking stress-free.
Meal Prep & Storage
Store Leftovers Like a Pro
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta lasts up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat it in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 350°F.
Can You Freeze It?
Absolutely. Freeze cooled pasta portions in zip-top bags. When ready to serve, thaw overnight and reheat in an air fryer-safe dish for 5–6 minutes at 350°F.
Final Bite: The Easiest Air Fryer Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta You’ll Make
This Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta in the air fryer is quick, crave-worthy, and crazy simple. You’ll love the crispy edges, garlic-butter sauce, and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, tired roommates, or just yourself – it’s a certified dinner winner.
Check out our air fryer cheesy garlic tortilla bread to complete the garlic heaven experience.
FAQs About Air Fryer Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta
Can I make this with raw pasta?
No – always use pre-cooked pasta. The air fryer doesn’t boil pasta; it reheats and crisps it.
Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes! Turkey or chicken sausage works well and adds a leaner protein twist.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Totally. Prep and store it in the fridge, then crisp in the air fryer just before serving.
Is it spicy?
Only if you add chili flakes or use spicy sausage. Adjust to your taste.
Can I skip cheese?
Yes, but cheese adds depth and richness. Try nutritional yeast as a dairy-free swap.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, just make sure it holds up during air frying. Avoid mushy types.
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