Save The first time I made pasta chips, I was honestly skeptical—boiled pasta then air-fried? But when that first batch came out golden and outrageously crunchy, I ended up eating half the basket straight from the air fryer while they were still too hot to touch. My teenage son walked in, grabbed one, and immediately asked if I could make them for his friends the next weekend. Now they are my go-to when I need something that feels indulgent but comes together in minutes.
Last summer, I made these for a small rooftop gathering with just a couple of friends. We ended up sitting around the air fryer, pulling out fresh batches as soon as they cooled, debating whether the Parmesan batch or the spicy chili flake version was better. The entire plate vanished before we even got to the main course, and someone jokingly suggested we just make ten more batches and call that dinner.
Ingredients
- Short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle): I have found these shapes hold up best in the air fryer because their nooks and crannies get extra crispy and catch all the seasonings just right
- Olive oil: This helps the spices cling and gives the chips that beautiful golden color without making them greasy
- Garlic powder: Provides that savory backbone without burning like fresh garlic would at high heat
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend that instantly makes everything taste like it came from an Italian kitchen
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and gorgeous color that makes these look as good as they taste
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors and making these truly snackable
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Creates this salty, nutty crust that makes people wonder what the secret ingredient is
Instructions
- Cook and dry the pasta:
- Boil the pasta until just al dente, drain it well, then pat it completely dry with a clean towel because any moisture will steam instead of crisp
- Season the pasta:
- Toss the dried pasta with olive oil and all the seasonings until every piece is evenly coated
- Add the cheese:
- Throw in the Parmesan and toss again so the cheese sticks to the oiled pasta and will form those irresistible crispy bits
- Preheat and arrange:
- Heat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and spread the pasta in one single layer, working in batches if you need to
- Air fry to perfection:
- Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so everything crisps evenly and nothing burns
- Cool and serve:
- Let them sit for just a few minutes because they somehow get even crunchier as they cool
Save My mom accidentally discovered pasta chips when she was trying to reheat leftover pasta for lunch and forgot about it in the air fryer. She called me immediately, practically shouting that she had accidentally invented something brilliant, and now she makes them more often than I do.
Best Dipping Sauces
Marinara is the obvious choice, but honestly these are incredible with pesto, especially if you add a little extra Parmesan to the pesto first. I have also served them with a simple garlic aioli that makes them feel like restaurant appetizers, or even just plain with a side of warm pizza sauce for when you need serious comfort food.
Seasoning Variations
Sometimes I skip the Italian seasoning entirely and go heavy on smoked paprika with a pinch of cumin for this smoky, almost barbecue vibe. Other times I add chili flakes or cayenne because the heat cuts through the cheese so beautifully. A friend of mine does everything bagel seasoning on hers and I honestly cannot believe how good that tastes.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can absolutely cook and dry the pasta ahead of time, then toss it with oil and seasonings just before air frying for guests. I have also prepped everything the night before and kept it in the fridge, though I do recommend letting it come to room temperature before air frying so they crisp evenly.
- Double or triple the recipe because these disappear faster than you expect
- Keep the air fryer going in batches so everyone can eat them warm
- Set up a dipping sauce bar and let people build their own combinations
Save Every time I make these, I am reminded that the best snacks often come from happy accidents. Hope they become your new favorite too.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta works best for making pasta chips?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle are ideal since their shapes crisp well during air frying.
- → How do I ensure the pasta chips become crispy?
Be sure to pat dry the cooked pasta thoroughly before tossing with oil and seasonings to remove excess moisture.
- → Can I use other seasonings besides the listed ones?
Yes, experimenting with chili flakes, smoked paprika, or your favorite herbs can add unique flavors to the chips.
- → What is the best way to store leftover pasta chips?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their crispness.
- → Are there alternatives for Parmesan cheese in this preparation?
You can omit the cheese or substitute with dairy-free alternatives to suit dietary needs without compromising flavor too much.