Pin It I discovered pasta chips by accident during a pandemic pantry clear-out when I desperately needed something crunchy and discovered half a box of rigatoni. Now they are the first thing to disappear at parties, even faster than the actual main course.
My teenage son walked into the kitchen while these were air frying and immediately demanded to know what smelled so incredible. He ate half the batch straight from the cooling rack before I could even get them onto a serving platter.
Ingredients
- Pasta: Short pasta shapes work best because they have more surface area for crisping, and I have found rigatoni holds onto seasonings beautifully while still getting crunch in every bite
- Olive oil: This is not the time to be stingy, the oil helps the seasonings stick and ensures every piece turns golden and crispy rather than dry and tough
- Garlic powder: Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic here because fresh can burn in the high heat of the air fryer and turn bitter
- Italian seasoning: This blend gives you that classic herb flavor without having to measure out multiple dried herbs separately
- Paprika: Adds a subtle sweetness and gorgeous red color that makes these look restaurant quality
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors, do not skip these even if you think the cheese is salty enough
- Parmesan cheese: The cheese creates these incredible crispy edges and adds umami that makes these taste much more indulgent than they actually are
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil your pasta until it is just al dente, because overcooked pasta will not crisp up properly and will end up chewy instead of crunchy
- Get it dry:
- Drain the pasta well and pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel, removing as much moisture as possible so the oil and seasonings actually stick
- Season generously:
- Toss the pasta with olive oil and all the seasonings in a large bowl until every single piece is evenly coated
- Add the cheese:
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and toss again so the cheese clings to the oily pasta and will form crispy bits when air fried
- Preheat and arrange:
- Heat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and spread the pasta in a single layer, working in batches so the pieces do not steam each other
- Crisp to perfection:
- Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pieces are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped
- Cool and serve:
- Let them cool for a few minutes so they crisp up even more, then serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce
Pin It Last summer I made these for a backyard movie night and my friend who claims to hate all snacks just kept eating them absentmindedly until she realized she had finished the entire bowl herself. Now she requests them every single time she comes over.
Best Dipping Sauces
These pasta chips are incredibly versatile and pair with almost anything dipable. Marinara is classic, but do not be afraid to try other options that might become your new favorite combination.
Seasoning Variations
Once you master the basic recipe, you can customize these to match whatever you are craving. I love making a spicy version with extra chili flakes when I want something with a little kick.
Storage and Reheating
Fresh is definitely best, but sometimes you do end up with leftovers. The good news is you can bring back most of the crunch with a quick refresh in the air fryer.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 2 to 3 minutes to recrisp
- Never store them warm or they will get soggy
Pin It These are dangerously easy to make and even easier to eat, so consider yourself warned. Once you start, it is hard to stop at just one serving.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for making pasta chips?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle hold up well and crisp evenly when air-fried.
- → How do you ensure the pasta chips turn out crispy?
Pat the cooked pasta dry to remove excess moisture before tossing with oil and seasonings for optimal crispness.
- → Can I modify the seasonings for different flavors?
Yes, try adding chili flakes, smoked paprika, or your favorite herbs to customize the flavor profile.
- → Is an air fryer necessary to make these pasta chips?
An air fryer ensures even crisping with less oil, but baking at a high temperature can be an alternative.
- → How should pasta chips be stored?
Store in an airtight container for up to two days to maintain crunch, but they're best enjoyed fresh.