Name: Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups rigatoni or farfalle (bow-tie) pasta (regular, whole wheat, chickpea, or gluten-free); 1 – 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to embark on a snacking adventure with Air Fryer Pasta Chips—a game changer for anyone who seeks crunch, flavor, and simplicity in one bite. Imagine golden, crispy pasta shells bursting with Italian-inspired seasonings and just the right hit of Parmesan, all made effortlessly in your air fryer. Whether you’re hosting a party, need an after-school snack, or want something fun and unexpected to dip into your favorite sauce, these chips promise deliciousness in every crackly bite.

Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have everything you need to whip up a batch of Air Fryer Pasta Chips. Each ingredient plays its own star role in crafting texture, flavor, and that iconic crispy finish. Grab these essentials and let’s turn pasta into something truly unforgettable!

Rigatoni or Farfalle Pasta: Pick a sturdy shape like rigatoni or bow-tie, regular, whole wheat, chickpea, or gluten-free work equally well and crisp up delightfully.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle is all it takes to promote that perfect golden crunch and to help the seasonings stick.
Italian Seasoning: Provides a balanced blend of herbs for that classic Italian flair—think oregano, basil, and thyme in every bite.
Garlic Powder: Adds irresistible savory depth and that familiar, cozy aroma.
Salt: Necessary for accentuating all the flavors and bringing everything together.
Black Pepper: Just a pinch gives a gentle heat and complexity to the chips.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Finishes the chips with a nutty, salty bite and helps create those irresistible crispy edges.

How to Make Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your rigatoni or farfalle and cook until just al dente—it’s important not to overcook! You want the pasta to hold its shape and provide a bit of chew that’ll translate into a snappy chip. As soon as it’s done, drain it and scoot it straight into a mixing bowl while it’s still warm.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

While your pasta cooks, preheat your air fryer to 380°F. This quick step is key; it ensures that once you add your seasoned pasta, it immediately starts to crisp up and doesn’t absorb extra oil or become soggy. A hot start guarantees golden, crunchy results.

Step 3: Season and Toss

With your pasta still warm, gently toss it in the mixing bowl with extra-virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and that glorious Parmesan. Make sure every piece is evenly coated—you want flavor in each little nook and cranny! At this point, you’ll notice your kitchen already smells fantastic.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Pour your seasoned pasta into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10 to 14 minutes, shaking the basket at the 6-minute mark to make sure every chip gets equal time in the hot air. Watch for that transformation—the edges will turn golden and delightfully crispy. Every air fryer has its personality, so start checking at the lower end of the time range to avoid over-browning.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Air Fryer Pasta Chips are gorgeously crisped, dish them out while still warm! Dust with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and zing. Pair with your favorite dips, and get ready for the applause—snacking never looked or tasted this good.

How to Serve Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Garnishes

For an irresistibly cheesy upgrade, shower your hot chips with extra grated Parmesan. Fresh chopped parsley, basil, or chives add a burst of herby color and keep things vibrant. A tiny drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving won’t hurt either, lending richness and a beautiful sheen.

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Pasta Chips are the life of the party as an appetizer but shine just as brightly alongside mains like grilled chicken, Italian subs, or robust salads. Try them next to a bowl of soup (think minestrone!) or as a crunchy side to a charcuterie board for a creative and crowd-pleasing twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your snack platter pop by piling Air Fryer Pasta Chips in a rustic basket or tumbler glasses for a playful presentation. Serve with little ramekins of warm marinara, vibrant pesto, or even a zesty whipped ricotta for dipping. For extra drama, try them sprinkled over salads in place of croutons—your guests will wonder why they never thought of it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any Air Fryer Pasta Chips left by the end of the night, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep their crunch for up to 3 days at room temperature, but a quick check before serving makes sure they’re still snack-ready.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Air Fryer Pasta Chips because it can make them lose their delightful texture. The best plan? Make just enough to enjoy fresh or within the next couple of days—they’re too irresistible to last long anyway!

Reheating

To revive any slightly softened chips, pop them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes at 350°F. They’ll crisp up beautifully and taste nearly as fantastic as the day you made them—if not better!

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free or chickpea pasta for Air Fryer Pasta Chips?

Absolutely! Both gluten-free and chickpea pastas work well, though they may have a slightly different crunch. Just keep a close eye on cooking time, as some alternative pastas can brown a bit faster.

Why did my pasta chips turn out too hard?

If your Air Fryer Pasta Chips are too hard, the pasta might have been undercooked before air frying. Make sure to cook until just al dente and avoid overcooking in the air fryer—always check for doneness within the recommended window.

Can I make Air Fryer Pasta Chips oil-free?

While olive oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes crispiness, you can use a cooking spray or even try skipping oil; just expect a slightly drier texture and watch closely to avoid burning.

What are the best dipping sauces for Air Fryer Pasta Chips?

Classic marinara and pesto are always winners, but don’t hesitate to get creative—think creamy garlic sauce, whipped feta, or even a spicy salsa for an unexpected kick!

Can I double the batch?

You can easily double the ingredients, but be careful not to overcrowd your air fryer basket. Work in batches for the crispiest results—trust me, everyone will want seconds!

Final Thoughts

Ready to shake up your snack routine? Give Air Fryer Pasta Chips a try and let their perfect crunch and big flavor win over everyone at your table. Whether you’re dipping, sharing, or just sneaking a handful, this recipe brings pure joy to any day. Happy munching!

Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Air Fryer Pasta Chips are a crispy and flavorful appetizer or side dish that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Using simple ingredients like rigatoni, olive oil, and seasonings, these pasta chips are a fun twist on traditional pasta dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Rigatoni Chips:

2 cups rigatoni or farfalle (bow-tie) pasta (regular, whole wheat, chickpea, or gluten-free)

Seasoning:

1 – 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until al dente. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
Season the Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and parmesan cheese.
Air Fry: Transfer the seasoned pasta to the air fryer basket and cook for 10-14 minutes until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
Serve: Garnish with extra parmesan and parsley. Serve hot with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping.