Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Salad with Fresh Vegetables and Lemon Parmesan Dressing Recipe
This Crispy Pasta Salad combines perfectly al dente bowtie pasta air fried to a crunchy texture with fresh Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a creamy, tangy Parmesan dressing. It’s a vibrant and satisfying salad with a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, perfect for a quick lunch or a tasty side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta and Seasoning
- 8 ounces uncooked bowtie pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for pasta coating)
Salad Vegetables
- 3 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
- 1 cup diced English cucumber
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- ¼ cup diced red onion
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for dressing)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil 8 ounces of bowtie pasta al dente following the package directions and then drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Season Pasta for Air Frying: Transfer the cooked pasta to the air fryer basket. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon garlic salt, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Shake the basket well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Air Fry Pasta: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry the pasta for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to promote even crisping and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Salad Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups chopped Romaine lettuce, 1 cup diced English cucumber, 1 cup halved grape tomatoes, and ¼ cup diced red onion along with the crispy air-fried pasta.
- Make Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley until smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all components evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta while still crispy.
Notes
- For a lighter dressing, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Be sure to shake the pasta halfway through air frying to prevent burning and ensure even crispiness.
- Serve immediately after tossing with dressing to maintain the pasta’s crisp texture; leftovers may lose crunch.
- You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for additional protein if desired.
- Adjust seasoning and lemon juice in the dressing to taste for balance.