How do I keep this recipe from turning soggy?

Cook in a single layer, leave space for airflow, and avoid adding too much oil or sauce before the food has crisped.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Yes. Keep the same cooking method and adjust salt, spice, herbs, citrus, or sauce to match your taste.

How do I know the gluten-free cannelloni or large gluten-free pasta tubes is done?

Use the visual cues in the instructions first: the outside should be browned or crisp and the center should be hot and tender. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a food thermometer.

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Air Fryer Classic Italian Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Cannelloni

Name: Air Fryer Classic Italian Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Cannelloni
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 gluten-free cannelloni or large gluten-free pasta tubes; 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim); 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 cups gluten-free marinara sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing); Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Apr 24, 2026 · Updated Jun 17, 2026

Italian 30 mins air-fryer-friendlyvegetariangluten-freehealthyeasysavoryfamily-friendlyweeknight-dinnercomfort-foodcrispy30-minutes-or-lessv2

Enjoy a comforting and crispy Italian classic with this easy Air Fryer Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Cannelloni recipe. Perfect for a healthy, gluten-free, and family-friendly weeknight dinner, these golden baked pasta tubes are filled with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach, topped with savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese—cooked conveniently in your air fryer in under 30 minutes!

Air Fryer Classic Italian Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Cannelloni

Prep 12 min

Cook 18 min

Total 30 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

Servings 4

8 gluten-free cannelloni or large gluten-free pasta tubes
1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups gluten-free marinara sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Ingredients for Air Fryer Classic Italian Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Cannelloni

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
Carefully stuff each gluten-free cannelloni tube with the ricotta-spinach mixture using a small spoon or piping bag, being careful not to overfill.
Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a shallow, air fryer-safe baking dish or tray that fits your air fryer basket.
Arrange the stuffed cannelloni in a single layer in the baking dish.
Spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the cannelloni tubes to keep them moist during cooking.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top to create a golden, melted crust.
Lightly brush exposed surfaces with olive oil to promote crisping and browning.
Place the baking dish in the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F (180°C) for 15-18 minutes or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges are golden and slightly crispy.
Carefully remove the baking dish and let the cannelloni rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve immediately for a warm, comforting Italian main course.

Air Fryer Classic Italian Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Cannelloni cooking in the air fryer

Tips

Air Fryer Model Notes

Cook Air Fryer Classic Italian Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Cannelloni in a single layer when possible. Basket models may need batches; oven-style models may need a tray rotation halfway through for even browning.

Crispiness Control

Pat the luten-free cannelloni or large gluten-free pasta tubes dry, avoid crowding, and use only a light coat of oil or sauce before cooking. Add wet sauces near the end when you want the outside to stay crisp.

Doneness Cues

Look for browned edges, a hot center, and the texture described in the instructions.

Reheat In The Air Fryer

Reheat leftovers at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Air Fryer Classic Italian Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Cannelloni ahead of time?: You can prep the ingredients and seasoning ahead, but air fry close to serving for the best texture.
How do I keep this recipe from turning soggy?: Cook in a single layer, leave space for airflow, and avoid adding too much oil or sauce before the food has crisped.
Can I adjust the seasoning?: Yes. Keep the same cooking method and adjust salt, spice, herbs, citrus, or sauce to match your taste.
How do I know the gluten-free cannelloni or large gluten-free pasta tubes is done?: Use the visual cues in the instructions first: the outside should be browned or crisp and the center should be hot and tender. For meat or seafood, confirm doneness with a food thermometer.

Ingredient Replacements

Customize this Air Fryer Classic Italian Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Cannelloni to suit your dietary needs or ingredient preferences with these substitutions:

Gluten-Free Pasta Tubes: Use traditional wheat cannelloni if gluten is not a concern, or replace with manicotti or large pasta shells.
Ricotta Cheese: For dairy-free or vegan diets, substitute with tofu ricotta made by blending tofu with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and herbs, or use vegan ricotta products.
Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: Choose dairy-free or vegan cheese shreds to maintain a dairy-free or vegan recipe. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
Egg (binder): Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) for a vegan option or omit for a slightly looser filling.
Olive Oil: Substitute avocado oil or other neutral oils suitable for air frying if preferred.
Spinach: Swap with kale, Swiss chard, or finely chopped broccoli for different flavors and nutrients.
Marinara Sauce: Opt for low-sodium or homemade marinara to control salt and sugar. For added heat, try a spicy arrabbiata sauce.

These alternatives keep this recipe gluten-free, vegetarian, healthy, and air-fryer-friendly while supporting vegan, dairy-free, or other diet adaptations.

Storage

Store leftover Air Fryer Classic Italian Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Cannelloni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the food before sealing so excess steam does not soften the texture.

Freeze only if the main ingredient and coating are freezer-friendly. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat in the air fryer at 325 F to 350 F in a single layer until hot and crisp again. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or sauce after reheating for the best flavor.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Air Fryer Classic Italian Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Cannelloni

Recipe Details

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