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Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Golden crispy pasta bites seasoned with parmesan and herbs, perfect for dipping and sharing.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Chips
  • 2 cups cooked pasta rigatoni, farfalle, or penne work well
  • tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Flavor Additions
  • ½ teaspoon paprika for mild smokiness
  • Pinch of chili flakes for heat
  • Extra parmesan for topping
Dips for Serving
  • Marinara sauce
  • Garlic yogurt dip
  • Ranch dressing
  • Creamy spinach dip

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling pasta in salted water according to package directions. Cook it until just tender but still slightly firm. Overcooked pasta can turn too soft and may not crisp properly later in the air fryer.
  2. Drain and Cool: Drain the pasta and allow it to cool for several minutes. Cooling helps remove extra moisture, which allows the pasta to crisp up nicely during air frying.
  3. Season the Pasta: Place the cooled pasta in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the top, then sprinkle parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything gently until each piece of pasta looks evenly coated with seasoning.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to warm up for a couple of minutes. Preheating helps the pasta start crisping immediately once it enters the basket.
  5. Arrange the Pasta: Spread the seasoned pasta into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leaving small gaps between pieces helps hot air circulate evenly so each piece becomes crisp and golden.
  6. Air Fry Until Crispy: Cook the pasta for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. This simple shake moves the pasta around so all sides crisp evenly.
  7. Add Final Cheese Touch: During the last minute of cooking, sprinkle a little extra parmesan over the pasta chips. The cheese lightly melts and forms tiny crispy bits that add extra flavor.
  8. Cool Slightly Before Serving: Remove the pasta chips from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two. This short rest allows them to firm up even more and reach their perfect crunchy texture.