Ultimate Spaghetti Bolognese Guide For All Air Fryers

I have already covered “How To Cook Spaghetti Bolognese In the Ninja Air Fryer” in a previous blog post, so I have devised the Ultimate Spaghetti Bolognese Guide For All Air Fryers.

I will cover the basics first – the air fryer spaghetti bolognese sauce recipe.

The same Bolognese recipe is used for all air fryers.

Can You Cook Spaghetti Bolognese In An Air Fryer?

You can and it’s so easy, that you’ll wonder why you haven’t done it before!

Cook spag bol from scratch in one basket, even air fry the mince instead of cooking it on the hob!

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Air Fryer Bolognese Benefits

Cooking Spaghetti Bolognese in an air fryer offers several advantages:

Time-Saving: The air fryer’s high-speed air circulation and consistent heat distribution significantly reduce cooking times. This is particularly advantageous when preparing a dish like Spaghetti Bolognese, as the meat can be quickly browned, and the sauce can achieve a rich flavour in a shorter period.

Versatility: The air fryer’s versatility extends beyond its conventional use for frying. Its capability to sauté, roast, and bake makes it a multifunctional appliance. In the case of Spaghetti Bolognese, the air fryer allows for the sautéing of onions, garlic, and browning of minced beef—all in the same device.

Cooking Process: Using various cooking stages in one appliance streamlines the process. With an air fryer, you can transition from sautéing ingredients to simmering the Bolognese sauce, minimising the need for multiple pans and reducing overall kitchen cleanup.

Energy Efficiency: Air fryers consume less energy than conventional methods. The efficient use of energy makes them an environmentally friendly choice.

Consistent Results: The air fryer’s consistent temperature control ensures uniform cooking, preventing unevenly cooked portions.

Can Mince Be Cooked In An Air Fryer?

Cooking mince in an air fryer is quick and efficient.

Place in the bottom of the air fryer basket and air fry at 190C/380F until brown.

The air fryer’s design allows excess fat to accumulate and then be removed, resulting in leaner minced beef.

Can You Put Sauce In An Air Fryer?

You have possibly read about not putting liquids into your air fryer.

This is not strictly true! Having used my air fryer for years there are ways and means.

A perfect example would be “Can You Cook Pasta In An Air Fryer?“.

The answer is yes and I will explain this later in my blog.

Ninja Dual How To Make Spaghetti Bolognese

Air Fryer Bolognese

Air Fryer Bolognese Ingredients

Serves 4

• 454g (1lb) lean minced / ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• 4 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil

Air Fryer Bolognese For Any Basket Type Air Fryer

How Long To Air Fry Spaghetti Bolognese?

Air fryer spag bol takes approximately 25 minutes in the air fryer. This will also depend on your specific make and model of air fryer.

What Temperature To Air Fry Spaghetti Bolognese In The Air Fryer?

Air fryer spaghetti bolognese is air-fried at 190C/380F.

How To Cook Spaghetti Bolognese In The Air Fryer

This process is for cooking bolognese in any air fryer which has a basket.

Remove the crisper plate and cook the bolognese in the bottom of the basket.

• Prepare your ingredients by finely chopping the onions and the celery.
• Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
• Wash and peel the carrot and grate.
• Preheat your air fryer to 190C/380F for 5 minutes.
• Add the onion to the air fryer and spray with olive oil.
• Once the onion is soft, add the minced beef and garlic and air fry for 10-12 minutes at 190C/380F. Stir regularly. The mince will start to brown.
• When the mince has browned use a piece of kitchen roll to mop up any excess oil that has accumulated in the bottom of the basket. Then add the celery, oregano, basil, carrot, chopped tomatoes, and tomato puree. Season well. Stir to combine the ingredients.
• Air fry at 190C/380F for a further 15 minutes. Stir regularly.
• When cooked garnish with Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves. Serve with some delicious garlic bread.

Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Bolognese

How Long To Air Fry Spaghetti Bolognese In The Ninja Foodi?

Air fryer bolognese cooked in the Ninja Foodi takes approximately 20 minutes.

What Temperature To Air Fry Spaghetti Bolognese In The Ninja Foodi?

The Saute function is set to MEDIUM to start the cooking process and then turned to LOW for the remainder of the cooking time.

How To Cook Bolognese In The Ninja Foodi

Set the SAUTE function to medium and preheat the air fryer for 5 Minutes.

Using the SAUTE function, cook the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they are soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).

Add the minced beef to the sautéed onions and garlic, and brown the meat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Mop up any excess oil with kitchen paper.

Pour in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, celery, carrot, salt and pepper. Stir well to mix the ingredients.

Set the SAUTE function to LOW and cook for 15 minutes.

While the Bolognese sauce is cooking, boil the spaghetti in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Once the Bolognese sauce is cooked, mix it with the cooked spaghetti. Toss the mixture thoroughly to coat the spaghetti.

Serve the Air Fryer Bolognese hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavour.

Ninja Dual Zone -How To Make Spaghetti Bolognese

Ninja Speedi Air Fryer Bolognese

How Long To Air Fry Spaghetti Bolognese In The Ninja Speedi?

Like its namesake, bolognese is quick. It will take 15 minutes from start to finish.

What Temperature To Air Fry Spaghetti Bolognese In The Ninja Speedi?

You will start with the Saute setting then select the Rapid Cooker function.

How To Cook Spaghetti Bolognese In The Ninja Speedi

Activate the SmartSwitch and turn to the AIR FRY/HOB setting.

Set the SEAR/SAUTÉ option to 5, and press START/STOP to start the cooking process.

Add 2 tablespoons of oil and allow it to preheat for one minute with the lid open.

Next, add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are soft and translucent.

Add the minced beef breaking it up with a spatula.

Once the mince has browned add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, celery, carrot, salt and pepper. Stir well to mix the ingredients.

Close the lid and turn the SmartSwitch to RAPID COOKER.

Select SPEEDI MEALS, and set the temperature to 200C and the time to 10 minutes. Stir often.

Can You Cook Pasta In The Air Fryer?

This is the million-dollar question………….. Drumroll, please!

I tried it and it worked. Tested in a Ninja Dual Air Fryer AF400UK.

The crisper plate was removed from one basket.

I preheated the air fryer to 200C/400F for 5 minutes.

Then poured 1.5 litres of boiling water into the basket, ensuring it covered the spaghetti entirely.

250g of spaghetti (sufficient for 4 servings) was snapped in half and added to the boiling water.

I then set the Air Fry function to 200C/400F and cooked the spaghetti for 15 minutes. Stirring halfway through the cooking time.

Conclusion

The air fryer spaghetti required the same amount of time as if cooked on the stovetop.

Therefore the choice is yours whether you use the hob or the air fryer.

The spaghetti did turn out soft and did not stick together.

How To Store Any Leftover Bolognese

Refrigerate

Allow the Bolognese sauce to cool (no longer than 2 hours) to room temperature.

Transfer it to an airtight container, ensuring it’s sealed tightly to prevent air exposure.

Store the container/freezer bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Cool the Bolognese completely.

Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion.

Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can You Reheat Bolognese?

Of course!

Thaw frozen Bolognese in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stove, in the microwave or air fryer.

Stirring occasionally during reheating can help distribute heat evenly.

Set the air fryer to 180C/360F and heat until bubbling.

When reheating, use a meat thermometer to check the Bolognese has reached a safe internal temperature of 70-75C / 160–165F.

What To Serve With Bolognese Instead Of Pasta?

If you’re looking to serve Bolognese without pasta, here are some alternative options:

Courgette Noodles

Spiralise courgette into noodles and sauté or steam them. Top with Bolognese for a low-carb alternative.

Polenta

Serve Bolognese over creamy polenta. The soft texture of polenta complements the richness of the sauce.

Rice

Choose your favourite rice variety (such as white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option) and spoon Bolognese over it.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes provide a satisfying base for Bolognese sauce.

Bread or Garlic Bread

Serve Bolognese over slices of crusty bread or alongside garlic bread for a delicious and filling meal.

Quinoa or Couscous

Cook quinoa or couscous and use it as a bed for your Bolognese. These grains add a different texture to the dish.

Roasted Vegetables

Roast a variety of vegetables like aubergines, bell peppers, or mushrooms, and top them with Bolognese.

Quick And Delicious Roast Vegetables In The Air Fryer

Lettuce Wraps

Use large lettuce leaves as wraps and fill them with Bolognese for a lighter, carb-free option.

What’s The Difference Between A Bolognese And A Ragu?

A Ragu recipe contains vegetable chunks, but Bolognese doesn’t.

Bolognese is made with white wine. Ragu contains red wine.

A Bolognese recipe uses fewer tomatoes, while ragu sauces rely on tomatoes for the majority of the sauce.

Air Fryer Spaghetti Bolognese Tips

• Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the bolognese sauce. The sugar will not sweeten the sauce, it will just balance the flavours and acidity.
• Don’t be afraid to use a shortcut. Use a jar of premade bolognese sauce.
• Vegetarian? – Replace the minced beef with a meat substitute such as Quorn.
• Add some wine. Not red but white! Yes, I know that’s not the norm. White wine’s acidity goes well with the ingredients, balancing the flavours in the Bolognese.
• How about adding some bacon lardons for even more flavour?
• If you like spice add a pinch of chilli flakes.

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Hi, I’m Annemarie

Having recently retired, I found myself looking for a new project to channel my energy.

That’s when the idea struck to create a dedicated UK air frying website.

Combining my passion for cooking and the desire to promote healthy eating in busy households, I began developing a collection of recipes tailored for those looking for quick and nutritious meals.

Join me on my journey and discover delicious ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle without compromising on taste.

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