Carbonara Style Pasta Bake

Making a Carbonara-style pasta bake in the air fryer is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy this classic Italian dish. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to guide you through the process:

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225g) penne pasta or any pasta of your choice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 ounces (113g) pancetta or bacon, diced
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan), divided
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
3. Cook the pancetta/bacon: While the air fryer is preheating, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta or bacon and cook until it becomes crispy. Remove from the heat and set aside.
4. Prepare the carbonara sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 3/4 cup of grated cheese, heavy cream, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
5. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta, crispy pancetta/bacon, and the carbonara sauce until everything is evenly coated.
6. Transfer to the air fryer: Grease the air fryer basket with a little oil or cooking spray. Transfer the pasta mixture to the basket.
7. Air fry the pasta: Place the basket in the air fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until the top is golden and the pasta bake is heated through. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
8. Serve and garnish: Once the pasta bake is done, remove the basket from the air fryer carefully. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
9. Enjoy: Serve the Carbonara-style pasta bake immediately while it’s hot and creamy. It’s a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal!

Note: Carbonara sauce contains raw eggs, so the residual heat from the cooked pasta and pancetta/bacon helps to cook the sauce as you toss it all together. Make sure your ingredients are hot when combining them to ensure the eggs are cooked properly.