Air Fryer Pasta Frittatine with Ham and Cheese
Frittatine are a Naples street snack made from pasta bound in a creamy sauce, shaped, breaded and fried. This version cooks them in the air fryer, so they come out crisp outside and soft and cheesy inside with far less oil. They are a great way to use leftover pasta.
Preparation Steps
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes without letting it brown.
Pour in the milk gradually, whisking constantly, and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until thick and smooth.
Take the pan off the heat and stir in the Parmesan, ham, mozzarella, salt and pepper. Add the pasta and mix until every piece is coated. Spread out on a tray and chill for at least 30 minutes, until firm enough to shape.
With damp hands, press portions of the pasta mixture into compact patties about 3 inches (7 to 8 cm) wide.
Dip each patty in the beaten egg, then press it into the breadcrumbs to coat all over.
Heat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Spray the frittatine lightly with cooking spray and arrange them in a single layer, not touching.
Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway, until deep golden and crisp. Let them rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Chilling the mixture is the key step; warm pasta is too soft to hold its shape.
- Add a handful of peas or swap the ham for cooked mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until hot in the center.
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