Save to Pinterest Last winter, stuck inside on a gray Sunday, I found myself staring at a half-empty box of rigatoni and an air fryer I'd barely used. I wasn't planning anything ambitious—just craving something crunchy and savory, the kind of snack that makes a movie afternoon feel like an occasion. I tossed the cooked pasta with oil and whatever spices I could grab, slid it into the air fryer, and honestly expected disappointment. But when I opened that basket fifteen minutes later, the smell of garlic and Parmesan hit me like a warm hug, and I knew I'd stumbled onto something dangerously addictive.
The first time I served these at a small get-together, my friend Sarah stood by the kitchen counter and literally couldn't stop reaching into the bowl. She kept saying, just one more, until she'd eaten nearly half the batch herself. Now whenever she comes over, she gives me this look that means you know what I want.
Ingredients
- Pasta: Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work best because they catch seasonings in their ridges and cook up evenly without burning
- Olive oil: This is what makes the chips crisp up instead of drying out into hard bits, so don't be shy with it
- Garlic powder: Provides that savory, aromatic backbone without the risk of burning fresh garlic
- Italian seasoning: A cozy blend that makes these taste familiar and comforting, like something you've been eating forever
- Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and beautiful golden color as the chips toast up
- Salt: Essential because pasta needs seasoning to shine, and this is a snack meant to be crave-worthy
- Black pepper: A gentle heat that balances the richness of the cheese and oil
- Parmesan cheese: Creates those irresistible salty, umami pockets that make these impossible to put down
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil the pasta in salted water until it's just al dente, then drain it well and pat it dry with a clean towel
- Season the pasta:
- Toss the warm pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper until every piece is coated
- Add the cheese:
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and toss again so the cheese sticks to the pasta instead of falling to the bottom of the bowl
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Heat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) so the chips start crisping the moment they hit the basket
- Air fry until golden:
- Spread the pasta in a single layer and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning
- Cool and serve:
- Let the chips cool for a few minutes to firm up, then serve them with marinara, pesto, or ranch for dipping
Save to Pinterest These chips have become my go-to when friends come over for game nights or casual weeknight dinners. There's something about them that feels playful and unpretentious, like comfort food dressed up for a party.
Choosing the Right Pasta Shape
Not all pasta transforms into a great chip. Short shapes with ridges or cups hold seasonings beautifully and get evenly crispy without burning. Long strands like spaghetti tangle and don't crisp up well, while tiny shapes like orzo can slip through air fryer baskets and cook too fast.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you've made the basic version, it's fun to experiment. Smoked paprika adds a deep, savory note. Chili flakes bring heat. A pinch of onion powder or everything bagel seasoning makes them taste completely new.
Serving Suggestions
These chips shine on their own, but dips make them feel like a full appetizer. Marinara is classic, pesto feels luxurious, and ranch dressing is always a crowd-pleaser. They also work crushed over soups or salads for an unexpected crunch.
- Double the batch if you're feeding more than two people
- Season them immediately after air frying while they're still hot
- Try mixing in some nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheesy twist
Save to Pinterest Hope these chips become your new favorite way to turn leftover pasta into something extraordinary.
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 nicely when air-fried.
- → How do I ensure the pasta crisps well?
Drying the cooked pasta thoroughly before tossing with oil and seasoning helps achieve a crisp texture during air frying.
- → Can I use other cheeses instead of Parmesan?
Yes, hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be used for a similar savory flavor profile.
- → Is it possible to bake the pasta chips instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven, spread in a single layer on a baking sheet at around 200°C (400°F) until golden and crispy.
- → What dips pair well with these pasta chips?
Marinara sauce, pesto, or creamy herb dips complement the savory, crispy pasta chips excellently.