Boiled pasta tastes great, but have you ever fried it until it shatters like a chip? Air fryer pasta chips are crunchy, salty, and wildly addictivethe kind of snack that disappears before you realize you’ve eaten half the bowl.
I first tested this back in spring 2019 when a student asked if leftover bowtie pasta could crisp up like kale chips. I tossed cooked pasta with olive oil and garlic powder, then watched it turn golden and crackly in twelve minutes flat. The edges curled just rightcrisp enough to snap, but not so brittle they crumbled into dust.
Olivia Farnsworth
Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe Easy Crispy and Delicious
Discover a fun and tasty way to enjoy pasta with this Air Fryer Pasta Chips recipe. Featuring crispy rigatoni tossed in garlic-infused olive oil and topped with parmesan, these chips make a perfect appetizer or snack that’s easy to prepare and deliciously addictive.
8 ounces rigatoni noodles, cooked al dente and drained
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Method
Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F.
Place the cooked rigatoni in a bowl and drizzle with one tablespoon of olive oil, mixing well to ensure each piece is coated.
Arrange the coated pasta in a single layer inside the air fryer basket or rack.
Cook the pasta in the air fryer for about 8 to 10 minutes until they turn a golden, crispy color.
Remove the pasta chips and place them into a mixing bowl.
In another small bowl, stir together the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Pour this seasoned mixture over the warm pasta chips and toss gently to combine all the flavors.
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top and serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce such as marinara or garlic sauce.
Notes
For best results, make sure the pasta is well drained before air frying to achieve maximum crispiness. Serve fresh for the crunchiest texture.
Why You’ll Love This Snack
These crispy little bites hit all the right notessalty, garlicky, and satisfyingly crunchy. They’re the kind of snack you can’t stop reaching for, especially when paired with a bowl of warm marinara for dipping.
Quick and easy: From boiling water to golden chips in under 30 minutes
Uses pantry staples: No fancy ingredients or last-minute grocery runs
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for game day, movie night, or after-school snacking
Customizable: Swap seasonings or cheeses to match what you have on hand
What You’ll Need
Everything in this recipe is straightforward and likely already in your kitchen. Rigatoni works beautifully because the ridges catch the oil and seasonings, but any short tubular pasta will crisp up nicely.
Key players: cooked rigatoni noodles, olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. The parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish that makes these chips irresistible.
How the Magic Happens
The secret is simple: toss cooked pasta with a little oil, spread it in a single layer, and let the air fryer work its crispy magic. After frying, you’ll coat the chips with garlic oil and shower them with parmesan while they’re still warm.
Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:
Step
What to Do
Why It Matters
1
Toss cooked rigatoni with 1 tablespoon olive oil
Prevents sticking and helps crisping start
2
Arrange in single layer in air fryer basket
Ensures even browning on all sides
3
Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes
Turns pasta golden and crackly
4
Toss hot chips with garlic oil mixture
Flavors cling better when chips are warm
5
Top with parmesan cheese immediately
Cheese melts slightly and sticks to chips
Tips for Perfect Results
Cook pasta al dente: Slightly undercooked noodles hold their shape better and crisp up without turning mushy inside. Drain them well and pat dry if they seem too wet.
Don’t overcrowd: If your air fryer basket is small, work in batches. Overlapping pasta won’t crisp evenly, and you’ll end up with some chips that are chewy instead of crunchy.
Watch the timing: Air fryers vary in intensity. Start checking at the 8-minute markyou want golden edges with a few darker spots, not burnt tips.
Simple Swaps and Tweaks
This recipe is forgiving and loves a little experimentation. Here are a few easy ways to make it your own:
Ingredient
Swap Option
Rigatoni
Penne, ziti, or even farfalle
Parmesan cheese
Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast
Garlic
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon) for convenience
Kosher salt
Sea salt or seasoned salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
Serving and Storing Tips
Serve these chips warm, right after tossing with the parmesan. They’re incredible with marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or even a creamy pesto dip. I’ve also sprinkled them over salads for a crunchy topping that beats croutons any day.
Storage: Air fryer pasta chips are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes to restore some of the crunch.
Make-ahead option: Cook and drain the pasta up to a day in advance. Store it tossed with a tiny drizzle of oil in the fridge, then air fry when you’re ready to snack.
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FAQs (Air Fryer Pasta Chips)
What type of pasta works best for making chips?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like bowtie, rotini, or penne work perfectly for this recipe. These shapes hold their structure during cooking and create satisfying crunchy bites. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or angel hair as they don’t crisp up properly.
How long should I cook the pasta before air frying?
Cook the pasta for exactly 1 minute less than the package directions suggest. This slight undercooking prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when air fried. The pasta will finish cooking and achieve the perfect crispy texture in the air fryer.
What temperature and time should I use for air frying?
Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Start checking at 8 minutes for your preferred level of crispiness. Some air fryers run hotter, so adjust time accordingly to prevent burning.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the cooked and seasoned pasta up to 4 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Air fry just before serving for best results. Leftover chips can be re-crisped in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F.
What seasonings work well with this dish?
Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese are classic choices that complement this snack perfectly. For variety, try ranch seasoning, everything bagel seasoning, or a simple salt and pepper blend. Add seasonings while the pasta is still slightly damp for better adherence.
You’ll love how air fryer pasta chips turn outgolden, garlicky, and so satisfyingly crunchy they snap with every bite. They take less than half an hour from start to finish, and the kitchen smells like an Italian bistro the whole time. Serve them warm with marinara or ranch, and watch them disappear faster than you’d ever expect.
Try swapping in red pepper flakes for heat, or toss the chips with lemon zest and parsley for a brighter finish. If you have leftoversand that’s a big ifstore them in an airtight container and reheat for a few minutes to bring back the crunch. A trick I learned from my grandmother’s kitchen: always season while the chips are still hot so the flavors really cling.
Did you grow up snacking on something crunchy and salty after school? I’d love to hear what your family reaches for when a snack craving hits. Save this recipe for your next gathering, or make a batch tonight and see how fast they vanish. There’s something so cozy about a snack this simple bringing everyone together.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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