Rigatoni Pizza Skewers

Crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold pizza flavor, these Rigatoni Pizza Skewers (Air Fryer Pasta Pizza Bites) are the ultimate plant-based twist on pasta night — and yes, the kids will devour them!

If you’re looking for a fun and creative way to enjoy pasta, this air fryer rigatoni recipe is a total winner. It’s quick to make, easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings, and makes a great family dinner or party appetizer. Perfectly crisped in the air fryer and layered with melty vegan cheese and zesty tomato sauce, each bite is bursting with comfort food goodness.

Why You’ll Love These Rigatoni Pizza Skewers

• Fun to make and eat: Skewering pasta? Yes, please! It’s like pasta-on-a-stick, and kids love helping with the assembly.
• Crispy and cheesy: The rigatoni edges get golden in the air fryer, while the vegan cheese melts perfectly.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies and toppings — just like pizza!
• Great for picky eaters: It’s familiar, hands-on, and full of flavor.

Optional Veggie Toppings:

Choose a few for variety, flavor, and color!

• Diced bell peppers (any color)
• Sliced black or green olives
• Finely chopped mushrooms
• Baby spinach (chopped)
• Sweet corn kernels
• Red onion (thinly sliced)
• Chopped basil or fresh oregano (for garnish after cooking)

Why Kids Love It

• It’s hands-on and interactive, from threading the pasta to dipping the finished skewer.
• The familiar pizza flavor makes it a guaranteed hit with picky eaters.
• It’s a perfect school lunchbox idea when served cold or at room temp.

Rigatoni Pizza Skewers (Air Fryer Recipe)

Melissa Champagne

Crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold pizza flavor, these Rigatoni Pizza Skewers (Air Fryer Pasta Pizza Bites) are the ultimate plant-based twist on pasta night — and yes, the kids will devour them!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 17 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Lunch

Servings 4

Calories 204 kcal

Equipment

• 4 Wooden or metal skewers

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 80 cooked rigatoni noodles about 20 per skewer
• 1 cup canned pizza sauce or plain tomato sauce with Italian herbs
• 1 cup shredded vegan mozzarella cheese or your favorite meltable vegan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil optional, for brushing skewers
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

 

• Cook the rigatoni until al dente, then rinse with cold water and drain well. Let them dry a bit to help them stay on the skewers.
• Thread 20 cooked rigatoni noodles onto each skewer carefully. You may need to pierce one end at a time.
• Lay skewers flat on a parchment-lined tray or air fryer basket. Brush lightly with olive oil if using.
• Spoon pizza sauce over each skewer, filling the center of each rigatoni tube slightly.
• Sprinkle vegan cheese generously over the top.
• Add optional veggies if desired.
• Air fry at 400°F for 5–6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
• Garnish with fresh basil if using, and serve hot!

Notes

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

Kids love this with dipping sauce — serve extra pizza sauce or a dairy-free ranch on the side.

You can also make this gluten-free by using GF rigatoni.

Nutrition

Calories: 204kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 467mgPotassium: 248mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 454IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 154mgIron: 1mg

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