Crispy, golden, and ridiculously crunchyair fryer pasta chips turn cooked noodles into the kind of snack you can’t stop reaching for. They’re salty, customizable, and ready in about 15 minutes.
I first tested this back in spring 2022 after seeing a version go viral, and I’ll admitI was skeptical. But the moment I heard that crackle as I bit into one, still warm and flecked with garlic and parmesan, I knew I’d stumbled onto something ridiculously fun. The trick is getting them dry enough before the oil hits, otherwise they steam instead of crisp.
PrintAir Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe Easy Crispy and Delicious
Enjoy this easy air fryer pasta chips recipe for a crunchy and flavorful snack. These crispy pasta chips make perfect air fryer snacks with garlic and parmesan cheese seasoning. A great appetizer or party treat everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the cooked rigatoni in a large bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, tossing to coat evenly.
- Spread the noodles in a single layer on the air fryer rack or basket.
- Cook in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn golden and crispy.
- Move the pasta chips into a bowl.
- In another bowl, mix the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper well.
- Pour this garlic oil mixture over the pasta chips and toss thoroughly.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces.
Nutrition
- Calories: 140
Why You’ll Love These Crunchy Little Bites
Think of these as the bridge between your favorite pasta dish and the satisfying crunch of a kettle chip. They’re unexpectedly addictive, ridiculously simple, and use ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Fast and fuss-free: From cooked noodles to crispy snack in under 15 minutes
- Endlessly customizable: Switch up seasonings, cheese, or dipping sauces based on what you’re craving
- Kid-approved: My nieces inhale these before I can even set out the marinara
- No guilt snacking: Baked in the air fryer with just a drizzle of olive oil, so much lighter than anything fried
What You’ll Need (and Why Each Ingredient Matters)
The beauty here is simplicity. Rigatoni noodles work best because their tubular shape crisps evenly and holds up to tossing. Garlic and parmesan bring that classic Italian backbone, while olive oil helps everything turn golden without getting greasy.
Pro Tip: Cook your pasta just to al denteslightly firmso it doesn’t turn mushy when you toss it in oil. Drain it well and let it sit for a minute or two to release steam before you start.
| Ingredient | Why It Works | Quick Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Rigatoni noodles | Holds shape, crisps evenly | Penne, ziti, or rotini |
| Olive oil | Helps browning without deep frying | Avocado oil |
| Garlic | Adds aromatic warmth | Garlic powder (½ tsp) |
| Parmesan cheese | Salty, nutty finish | Pecorino or nutritional yeast |
How It All Comes Together
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. Toss your drained, cooked rigatoni with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then spread them in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway if you remember, until they’re golden and firm to the touch.
While they cook, whisk together the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Once the noodles are done, transfer them to a large bowl, pour the garlic oil over top, and toss well. Finish with a generous shower of grated parmesan cheese.
Note: If your air fryer runs hot, check at the 7-minute marksome models crisp faster than others.
Troubleshooting and Tweaks
Sometimes the pasta chips come out a little chewy instead of crispy. The usual culprit? Too much moisture. Make sure your noodles are well-drained and not piping hot when you toss them with oillet them cool for a minute first.
- Not crispy enough? Add another 2 minutes in the air fryer, watching closely so they don’t burn
- Want more flavor? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning before air frying
- Making a bigger batch? Work in batches to keep noodles in a single layercrowding steams them instead of crisping
Serving Ideas and Storage Tips
Serve these warm, straight from the air fryer, with marinara for dippingor try ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy arrabbiata. They’re perfect for game day snacking, after-school munchies, or whenever you need something salty and satisfying in a hurry.
| Storage Method | How Long | Reheating Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature (airtight container) | 1 day | Pop back in air fryer at 375°F for 2–3 minutes |
| Refrigerator (airtight container) | Up to 3 days | Reheat in air fryer to restore crunch |
| Freezer | Not recommended | Texture suffers when thawed |
Pro Tip: These lose their crunch after a day or two at room temp, so plan to make just what you’ll eator be ready to reheat before serving.
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FAQs ( Air Fryer Pasta Chips )
What type of pasta works best for making chips?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or bow ties work perfectly for this recipe. Their sturdy structure holds up well during air frying and creates satisfying crunchy bites. Avoid delicate shapes like angel hair which can burn easily.
How long should I cook leftover pasta to make it crispy?
Cook leftover pasta in the air fryer for 8-12 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket every 3-4 minutes. Start checking at 8 minutes since cooking time varies based on pasta shape and moisture content. They’re done when golden brown and crispy.
Do I need to add oil before air frying?
Yes, lightly spray or toss the pasta with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil for best results. The oil helps achieve even browning and prevents sticking. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder or parmesan cheese before cooking.
Can I use fresh cooked pasta or does it need to be cold?
Cold leftover pasta actually works better than freshly cooked pasta for this dish. The cooled pasta has less moisture, which helps it crisp up faster and more evenly. Fresh pasta tends to steam rather than crisp in the air fryer.
What are the best seasonings to add?
Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated parmesan cheese are classic choices that complement the crispy texture perfectly. For a spicy kick, try red pepper flakes or paprika. Add seasonings before air frying so they stick to the pasta.
These Crispy Little Wonders Are Worth Every Bite
These air fryer pasta chips come together in about 15 minutes and deliver that satisfying crunch you’ve been craving. The garlic-parmesan coating adds just the right savory note, and the texture is spot-ongolden, crisp, and ridiculously snackable. You’ll love how simple they are to pull off, especially when you hear that first crackle as you bite in.
For a bolder kick, try tossing in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne before air fryingit adds warmth without overpowering the parmesan. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days, though they’re best reheated briefly in the air fryer to bring back that crunch. A trick I picked up: let the cooked noodles cool slightly before tossing with oilit keeps them from steaming and helps them crisp beautifully. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, or pile them on a platter for easy grazing.
If you make these, I’d love to see how they turn out for youtag a photo or drop a comment below. Did your family devour them as fast as mine did? This recipe is meant for sharing, so pass it along to anyone who loves a good, crunchy snack. Happy snacking, and here’s to simple pleasures that taste like pure comfort.
