Air Fryer Pasta Chips Snack

Crispy air fryer pasta chips deliver a craveable, salty crunch and make a crowd-pleasing snack for game nights, parties, or movie marathons.

My family now expects a fresh batch whenever we have friends over They crisp up quickly and nobody can believe they started as plain pasta

Ingredients

• Short pasta such as penne rigatoni or farfalle: delivers just the right bite Look for bronze-cut pasta for a rustic texture
• Olive oil: coats the pasta perfectly for even crisping Choose extra virgin for the best flavor
• Garlic powder: creates a savory punch Make sure to use a fresh unopened jar for the boldest aroma
• Italian seasoning: brings a herby warmth Check the label for a mix with oregano basil and thyme
• Smoked paprika (optional): adds smoky depth Spanish smoked paprika is a favorite in my kitchen
• Salt and black pepper: keep things classic Fine sea salt clings best
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving: offers nutty richness Freshly grated is worth the extra minute
• Marinara or your chosen dipping sauce: cools the heat and ups the fun Opt for your go-to or a homemade batch

Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Bring a generously salted pot of water to a lively boil Add your chosen short pasta and cook it two minutes less than the package suggests for al dente The pasta should be just tender but still have bite Drain thoroughly so no water dilutes your seasoning and let the pasta cool off slightly so it does not steam in the air fryer

Season the Pasta:

Transfer the drained pasta to a roomy mixing bowl Drizzle in olive oil Sprinkle with garlic powder Italian seasoning smoked paprika if using salt and black pepper Toss with a big spoon or shake the bowl so every piece is well coated with oil and spice

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit Let it run empty for three minutes so the basket is hot This gives the pasta chips a head start on crisping

Air Fry in Batches:

Arrange the seasoned pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket You may need to work in two or more batches to avoid overcrowding This ensures maximum crispiness for each piece

Crisp the Pasta Chips:

Air fry for ten to twelve minutes Shaking the basket halfway through makes sure nothing sticks and all sides get golden Aim for deep crisp edges with a tender inside Check around the ten-minute mark Some shapes or air fryers cook faster

Toss With Parmesan:

While the pasta chips are hot gently toss them in the mixing bowl with plenty of grated Parmesan if you like The cheese melts just slightly and clings for delicious flavor

Serve and Dip:

Pile the pasta chips into a bowl or onto a platter Serve immediately with marinara or your favorite dip on the side

Save to Pinterest

My favorite part is tossing the hot chips with Parmesan right as they leave the fryer The smell alone brings my kids into the kitchen and it often turns into an impromptu snack picnic

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container once fully cooled They stay crisp for about two days at room temperature If they lose crunch just pop them back into the air fryer for one minute to refresh

Ingredient Substitutions

Try gluten free pasta for an allergy friendly version If you prefer dairy free swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast or simply skip it The seasoning blend is easy to adjust so try lemon pepper Cajun spices or ranch powder when you want variety

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with classic marinara for dipping but do not be afraid to play around with pesto garlic aioli or even queso These chips travel well so they are great for potlucks and road trip snacks

Save to Pinterest

For even more flavor sprinkle the chips with extra herbs as soon as they leave the fryer I first learned the hard way not to skip the preheat step The chips got much crispier with a hot basket

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of pasta works best for crispy chips?

Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle hold up well and deliver a satisfying crunch.

→ How do I keep pasta chips from sticking together?

Toss cooked pasta thoroughly with olive oil before air frying, and arrange them in a single layer in the basket.

→ Can I make this snack gluten-free or vegan?

For gluten-free chips, use certified gluten-free pasta. For vegan, simply omit or use plant-based Parmesan.

→ What dips pair well with air fryer pasta chips?

Marinara, pesto, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli are delicious options to enhance flavor and texture.

→ How can I store leftover pasta chips?

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days for the best crunch. Reheat briefly if needed.