
I discovered these Air Fryer Pasta Chips during one of my late-night kitchen experiments and they've completely changed my snacking game. What started as curiosity about crisping up some leftover rigatoni has turned into my most requested party snack. These golden crunchy bites packed with garlic and parmesan flavor are absolutely addictive especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
What Makes These So Special
These Air Fryer Pasta Chips are like nothing else you've tried. They start as regular pasta but transform into these amazingly crispy chips with the perfect balance of garlic and cheese. The best part? They're so simple to make and always surprise people when I tell them they're actually pasta. Whether I'm serving them at game day gatherings or just snacking at home they disappear in minutes.
Everything You'll Need
- Your Base: Rigatoni or penne pasta works perfectly here they're easy to grab and crisp up beautifully.
- The Good Oil: Quality olive oil makes all the difference in flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic creates that irresistible aroma.
- Perfect Seasoning: Just the right amount of salt and pepper to enhance everything.
- The Cheese: Fresh grated parmesan adds that savory finish.
- For Dipping: Marinara or garlic sauce takes these over the top.

Let's Make These Together
- Starting with Our Pasta
- First we'll cook our pasta just until al dente any longer and they won't crisp up properly. Once drained I let them cool just enough to handle.
- Getting Ready to Air Fry
- While the pasta cools our air fryer gets nice and hot. That 400°F temperature is key for the perfect crunch.
- The Oil Toss
- This is where we start building flavor. That first toss with olive oil ensures every piece will crisp up beautifully.
- Creating the Magic
- Working in batches gives these Air Fryer Pasta Chips space to get perfectly crispy. That shake halfway through is essential for even cooking.
- Final Flavors
- While they're still hot we'll toss them with our garlic oil mixture and shower them with parmesan. The cheese melts slightly creating the most amazing coating.
No Air Fryer? No Problem
Don't worry if you don't have an air fryer these pasta chips work beautifully in the oven too. Just crank it up to 425°F and give them a bit more time. They might take longer but the result is just as crispy and delicious. I actually discovered this backup method when making a huge batch for a party and needed both methods going at once.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why are my pasta chips not crispy?
- Your pasta chips might not be crispy if they're overlapping in the air fryer. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer and cook until golden brown. You may need to cook them in batches for the best results.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
- Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes like penne or bow ties. Just make sure to cook them al dente first and adjust cooking time based on the pasta thickness.
- → How do I store leftover pasta chips?
- Store pasta chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay crispy for 2-3 days, though they taste best when fresh and warm.
- → What sauces go well with pasta chips?
- Marinara and garlic sauce are classic choices. You can also try pesto, alfredo, or even ranch dip. The sturdy texture of the chips makes them perfect for thick, creamy dips.
- → Can I add different seasonings?
- Absolutely! Try Italian seasoning, ranch powder, or even taco seasoning. Just add your preferred seasonings when tossing with oil. Remember to adjust salt content based on your seasonings.