Air Fryer Pasta Chips, a viral TikTok sensation, are a crunchy, savory snack that transforms cooked pasta into something truly addictive. Whether I’m looking for a quick appetizer or a unique twist for movie night snacks, these chips deliver big flavor with minimal ingredients. Perfectly crisp and endlessly customizable, they’re a fantastic way to use up leftover pasta or try something new with pantry staples.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple and satisfying this recipe is. It only takes a handful of ingredients and a few minutes in the air fryer to create a snack that’s crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Unlike traditional chips, these are made with pasta, so there’s a fun texture that’s both crispy and hearty. It’s also a great recipe for experimenting—I can go spicy, cheesy, herby, or even sweet depending on my mood.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked pasta (I use rigatoni, rotini, or bow tie for the best texture)

• Olive oil

• Grated parmesan cheese

• Garlic powder

• Italian seasoning

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Optional dipping sauce (like marinara or ranch)

Directions

1. I start by boiling the pasta until it’s al dente, then drain it and let it cool slightly.

2. In a bowl, I toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

3. I preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.

4. Then, I place the pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket. I make sure not to overcrowd it to ensure even crisping.

5. I air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pasta chips are golden and crispy.

6. I let them cool slightly before serving with my favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings as a snack or appetizer. The total cook time, including boiling the pasta, is around 25 minutes:

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 10–12 minutes

• Cooling time: 3–5 minutes

Variations

There are so many ways I like to mix this up:

• For a spicy kick, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne.

• If I want a cheesy chip, I swap parmesan for shredded cheddar or a cheese blend.

• I sometimes go for a ranch or BBQ seasoning mix instead of Italian herbs for a fun flavor twist.

• Sweet version? I’ve tossed the pasta in a little cinnamon and sugar, then air fried it for a dessert chip.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers (rare, but it happens), I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To crisp them back up, I just pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. They’re just as crunchy the second time around.

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best for pasta chips?

I find that short, sturdy pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or bow tie holds up best in the air fryer and gives a nice crunch.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, I’ve tried gluten-free pasta, and it works well. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente so it doesn’t fall apart.

Do I need to boil the pasta first?

Absolutely. Boiling the pasta is essential to get the right texture before air frying.

Can I make these without cheese?

Definitely. I’ve made them without cheese and used nutritional yeast or just extra seasoning to keep them vegan.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

I love serving these with marinara, ranch, or even a spicy aioli. It really depends on the seasoning I use on the chips.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Pasta Chips are one of my favorite easy snacks to whip up when I want something crunchy and flavorful without reaching for a bag of chips. They’re endlessly customizable, super satisfying, and totally fun to eat. Whether I’m hosting friends or just treating myself, they never disappoint.

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