Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Featured in Easy Party Snacks.

Just tried making pasta chips and wow, where has this been all my life? Takes about 20 minutes in the air fryer and they're addictively crunchy. The garlic parm coating is perfect, but you can switch up the seasonings. Made them for movie night and they disappeared so fast. Love that satisfying crunch without deep frying. They hold up great for dipping in marinara or ranch. Watch them closely at the end, they go from perfect to burnt quick. Such a fun way to use leftover pasta.
Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:04:23 GMT
A close-up view of a bowl filled with flavorful, seasoned pasta, with a small dish of sauce in the background. Pin it
A close-up view of a bowl filled with flavorful, seasoned pasta, with a small dish of sauce in the background. | lastminrecipes.com

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.
A close-up of a wooden bowl filled with golden-brown rigatoni pasta sprinkled with cheese and spices. Pin it
A close-up of a wooden bowl filled with golden-brown rigatoni pasta sprinkled with cheese and spices. | lastminrecipes.com

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.

A close-up of a bowl filled with seasoned, spiral-shaped pasta. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl filled with seasoned, spiral-shaped pasta. | lastminrecipes.com

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.

Conclusion

Transform regular pasta into crispy, crunchy chips using your air fryer. These garlic parmesan pasta chips are a fun twist on traditional snacks and perfect for dipping.

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Crunchy air-fried rigatoni pasta chips seasoned with garlic and parmesan cheese. A unique appetizer that's ready in 25 minutes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Mina


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (48 pasta chips)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 box rigatoni pasta (8 ounces), cooked until slightly firm.
02 2 tablespoons olive oil for tossing.
03 1 tablespoon olive oil for seasoning.
04 1 fresh garlic clove, finely chopped.
05 1 teaspoon sea salt.
06 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
07 ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your air fryer temperature to 400°F and let it warm up.

Step 02

Put cooked pasta in a big bowl and coat with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Step 03

Spread pasta in one layer in the air fryer basket.

Step 04

Let them crisp up for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden.

Step 05

Mix remaining olive oil with chopped garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Step 06

Toss hot pasta chips with seasoning mix and sprinkle with parmesan.

Step 07

Enjoy while warm with marinara or garlic sauce for dipping.

Notes

  1. Make sure pasta is cooked al dente to get the crispiest results.
  2. You might need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer.
  • Large mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Wheat.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 140
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 5 g