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Air Fryer Tuna Noodle Bake With Pangrattato - A Cozy, Crunchy Weeknight Fix

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta: 8 oz (about 225 g) egg noodles or short pasta like fusilli or rotini
  • Canned tuna: 2 cans (5 oz/142 g each), drained; tuna in olive oil adds extra flavor
  • Frozen peas: 1 cup
  • Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
  • Celery: 1 stalk, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Butter: 3 tablespoons
  • Flour: 3 tablespoons
  • Milk: 2 cups (whole or 2%)
  • Chicken or vegetable broth: 1/2 cup
  • Cheese: 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère
  • Parmesan: 1/4 cup, grated
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Lemon: Zest of 1 lemon + 1 tablespoon juice
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, plus a little for the baking dish
  • Day-old bread or panko: 1 cup, coarse crumbs
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 1 clove, finely grated or minced
  • Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
  • Lemon zest: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt and pepper: Pinch of each

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil in salted water until just shy of al dente (1–2 minutes less than package). Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the sauce base: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and celery; cook 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Build the cream sauce: Sprinkle in flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and broth. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened.
  4. Flavor and cheese: Stir in Dijon, cheddar, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. The sauce should be creamy and well-seasoned.
  5. Add tuna and peas: Fold in drained tuna and frozen peas. Break up tuna lightly to keep some texture.
  6. Combine with pasta: Toss sauce with cooked pasta until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Prep the pangrattato: In a small pan, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and garlic; toast 2–3 minutes until golden. Off heat, stir in parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  8. Assemble: Lightly oil a small, air fryer–safe baking dish that fits your basket (about 6–7 inches wide or 1.5–2 quarts). Spoon in the pasta mixture and smooth the top.
  9. Air fry: Heat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cook the pasta bake for 8–12 minutes until hot and bubbling.
  10. Top and finish: Sprinkle the pangrattato evenly over the top. Air fry another 2–4 minutes until the crumbs are crisp and lightly browned.
  11. Rest and serve: Let the bake sit for 5 minutes. The sauce will set slightly, making it easier to serve clean slices.