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Air Fryer Classic Italian Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Cannelloni

By Airfryfeast Test KitchenReviewed by Airfryfeast Editorial TeamPublished Apr 24, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
Italian 30 mins air-fryer-friendlyvegetariangluten-freehealthyeasysavoryfamily-friendlyweeknight-dinnercomfort-foodcrispy30-minutes-or-less

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

Recipe Details

Prep12 min
Cook18 min
Total30 min
Servings4
Difficultyeasy
CuisineItalian
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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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C).
  2. 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.
  3. Carefully stuff each gluten-free cannelloni tube with the ricotta-spinach mixture using a small spoon or piping bag, being careful not to overfill.
  4. 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.
  5. Arrange the stuffed cannelloni in a single layer in the baking dish.
  6. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the cannelloni tubes to keep them moist during cooking.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top to create a golden, melted crust.
  8. Lightly brush exposed surfaces with olive oil to promote crisping and browning.
  9. 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.
  10. Carefully remove the baking dish and let the cannelloni rest for 3 minutes before serving.
  11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve immediately for a warm, comforting Italian main course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

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.

Air Fryer Model Notes

This Classic Italian Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Cannelloni recipe is compatible with most modern air fryer models, with adjustments to ensure perfectly cooked pasta and filling.

  • Basket Size and Shape: Use a shallow, air fryer-safe baking dish or tray that fits your air fryer basket. Smaller or round baskets may require cooking in batches due to space limits.
  • Heating Element Location: Models with a top heating element and good airflow provide evenly browned cheese and crispy edges. For rear-element or less direct heat air fryers, increase cooking time slightly or rotate the dish halfway through for even crispiness.
  • Temperature Accuracy: Cooking at 360°F (180°C) gently melts cheese and cooks the filling without drying out the pasta. If your air fryer runs hot, lower the temperature by 10-15°F and monitor closely.
  • Air Fryer Type: Convection toaster oven-style air fryers with baking racks often accommodate this dish better than small basket-style fryers. For basket-style models without a suitable dish, arrange cannelloni on parchment or reusable liners but handle delicately as stuffed pasta is fragile.
  • Preheating: Allow your air fryer extra preheating time if it takes longer, ensuring even cooking from the start.

Adjust quantities for your basket size, watch for doneness, and enjoy this quick, gluten-free, family-friendly Italian favorite any night of the week!

Crispiness Control

Achieve the perfect texture for your Air Fryer Classic Italian Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Cannelloni with these crispiness tips tailored for a gluten-free, vegetarian main course:

  • Golden, slightly crisp top: Cook at 360°F (180°C) for 15-18 minutes. Brush olive oil lightly on the cheese and pasta before cooking to promote a golden crust without drying the filling.
  • Softer edges and less crisp: Reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes or cover loosely with foil halfway through to trap moisture and keep edges tender—ideal for kids or those who prefer softer pasta.
  • Extra crispness and pronounced crust: Increase temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the last 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. Adding extra Parmesan on top before cooking can enhance crunch and flavor.
  • Maintain moisture: Ensure cannelloni are well coated with marinara during cooking to prevent drying while achieving a crisp exterior.
  • Rest after cooking: Let the cannelloni rest for 3 minutes post-cook to allow cheese to set and balance crispiness with creamy texture.

These methods keep this healthy, family-friendly dish quick and satisfying.

Reheat In The Air Fryer

Reheat your Air Fryer Classic Italian Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Cannelloni while preserving crispy edges and gooey cheese using these steps:

  1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for even reheating.
  2. Place leftovers in a single layer in an air fryer-safe dish or tray, or loosely on the basket if necessary.
  3. Lightly cover with foil to protect the cheese from burning while warming the filling evenly.
  4. Reheat for 8-10 minutes, checking at 8 minutes for preferred warmth and texture.
  5. Remove foil for the last 2 minutes if you want a crisper top.
  6. Check internal temperature with a food thermometer reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  7. Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and avoid burns.

Tips:

  • Add a spoonful of marinara before reheating if leftovers seem dry to maintain moisture.
  • Shorten reheating time if needed and check frequently to avoid drying out this delicious, healthy pasta dish.
  • This reheating method preserves comforting, savory qualities, perfect for family meals and meal prepping.

What To Serve With This In The Air Fryer

Complete your Italian-inspired meal with these air fryer-friendly side dishes that beautifully complement the creamy, crispy cannelloni:

  • Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Green Beans: Crisp green beans tossed with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese—quick and savory to balance the richness of the cannelloni.
  • Air Fryer Caprese Stuffed Mushrooms: Baby portobello mushrooms filled with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella—an excellent vegetarian appetizer or side.
  • Air Fryer Crispy Zucchini Fries: Lightly breaded, low-carb, and kid-friendly fries that add satisfying crunch without overpowering the main dish.
  • Air Fryer Roasted Asparagus: Simply seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper; these tender spears provide a bright, crisp contrast to creamy cannelloni.

For dessert, try a light Air Fryer Lemon Olive Oil Cake to keep your meal quick, easy, and family-friendly.

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