A pasta bake is pure comfort, but the pasta itself is the carb load. Swap in courgette ribbons and you keep the bubbling, cheesy bake at a fraction of the carbs. Here's how, with the numbers.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you make low-carb pasta in an air fryer?
A: Use courgette ribbons in place of pasta, layer with sauce and cheese, and air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 15–18 minutes — around 8g carbs a portion.
Q: Does courgette go watery?
A: Salt and pat it dry first to draw out excess water.
The pasta swap
Courgette, sliced into ribbons or half-moons, takes the place of pasta. The trick is to salt it for 10 minutes and pat it dry so it doesn't make the bake watery. Edamame or lentil pasta are other lower-carb options if you prefer a true pasta texture.
The recipe
Low-Carb Courgette Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 2 courgettes, in ribbons
- 200g passata, garlic, herbs
- 100g mozzarella, parmesan
- Salt & pepper
Method
- Salt the courgette 10 min; pat dry.
- Layer with sauce and cheese in a dish.
- Air fry at 180°C (360°F) for 15–18 minutes.
- Serve bubbling and golden.
Tips
- Salt and dry the courgette so the bake isn't watery.
- Add low-carb meatballs for a heartier bake.
- Edamame pasta is another low-carb option.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make low-carb pasta in an air fryer?
Use courgette ribbons in place of pasta, layer with sauce and cheese, and air fry at 180°C for 15–18 minutes for a bubbling low-carb bake.
How do you stop courgette pasta going watery?
Salt the courgette for 10 minutes and pat it dry first to draw out excess water before assembling the bake.
Is this medical advice?
No. These are general lower-carb ideas. Carbohydrate needs are individual, so follow your GP or dietitian and guidance from the NHS and Diabetes UK.