Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It transforms ordinary pasta into a crunchy, bite-sized snack.
Minimal oil compared to frying, thanks to the air fryer.
You can season them however you like (Italian, spicy, cheesy).
Great for parties, snacking, or even a crunchy salad topper.
They’re relatively quick and fun to make.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dry pasta (short shapes like farfalle, rigatoni, penne, or bowtie)
Olive oil (or another neutral oil)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning (or a mix of herbs you like)
Salt and black pepper
(Optional) Other spices like paprika, onion powder, or chili flakes

Directions

Cook the pasta
Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente (firm to the bite). Don’t overcook. Drain well.
Season the pasta
In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with oil, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Preheat air fryer & arrange pasta
Preheat your air fryer to 200 °C (400 °F). Place the seasoned pasta in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches so pieces don’t overlap).
Air fry until crisp
Cook for 5 minutes, then shake or stir the basket, and continue for another 5–7 minutes until the pasta is golden brown and crisp.
Cool & serve
Transfer the chips to a rack or paper towel to cool completely. Serve with your favorite dip.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 6–8 as a snack (depending on portion size)
Prep time: 5–10 minutes
Cook time: 8–15 minutes
Total time: 15–20 minutes

Variations

Different shapes: Use penne, rigatoni, bowtie, or any short pasta that can crisp well.
Seasoning blends: Try adding smoked paprika, chili powder, Cajun spice, or curry powder.
Cheesy: Increase the Parmesan or mix in a sharper cheese for more flavor.
Oil-free or lighter: Use minimal oil and rely more on seasonings for flavor.
Sweet version: Toss cooked pasta with melted butter and cinnamon sugar for a dessert-style pasta chip.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Once cooled completely, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. Avoid sealing while warm, as moisture will soften them.
Reheating: Re-crisp in the air fryer at 180 °C (350 °F) for a few minutes until crunchy again.

FAQs

What pasta shapes work best for chips?

Short, sturdy shapes like farfalle, rigatoni, bowtie, penne, or ziti work best since they crisp evenly and are easy to pick up.

Why must the pasta be al dente?

If it’s too soft, it won’t crisp properly and may become mushy before browning.

Can I skip the cheese in seasoning?

Yes, you can omit the Parmesan and use other dry seasonings. The cheese adds flavor and helps the chips brown nicely.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Yes, preheating helps the pasta start crisping immediately and gives better texture.

What if my chips are uneven or burn?

This usually happens from overcrowding or high temperature. Cook in batches, shake halfway through, and keep an eye on them near the end.

Can I bake these in an oven instead?

Yes. Spread the seasoned pasta on a baking sheet and bake at 200 °C (400 °F), flipping occasionally until crisp.

How can I make them extra crispy?

Use a light coating of oil, avoid overcrowding, shake the basket midway, and let them cool completely before storing.

Are they good cold?

Yes, if stored properly, they stay crispy and can be enjoyed at room temperature.

What dips go well?

Marinara, garlic aioli, cheese dip, ranch, or pesto all pair perfectly with pasta chips.

Can I add herbs or fresh ingredients?

Dried herbs can be added before cooking, but add fresh herbs after air frying so they don’t burn.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Pasta Chips are a creative and satisfying snack that turns pasta into a crispy treat. With simple ingredients and endless seasoning possibilities, these chips make a fun, flavorful, and versatile snack. Whether you serve them with dip, sprinkle them over salad, or enjoy them on their own, they’re sure to be a hit.

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

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Crispy, golden Air Fryer Pasta Chips are a fun and easy twist on traditional chips. Made from cooked pasta tossed with olive oil, Parmesan, and seasonings, these crunchy bites are perfect for dipping or snacking anytime.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–25 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Category: Snack, Appetizer
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American, Fusion
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

225 g (8 oz) short pasta (farfalle, penne, or rigatoni)
1–2 tbsp olive oil
2–3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
(Optional) 1/4 tsp paprika or chili flakes

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Instructions

Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and let it cool slightly.
In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
Place the seasoned pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for best crisping.
Air fry for 5 minutes, shake or stir, then cook for another 5–7 minutes until the pasta is golden and crunchy.
Transfer to a rack or paper towel to cool fully, then enjoy with your favorite dip.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta—keep it al dente so it crisps up instead of getting chewy.
For extra crispness, let the pasta dry for 10–15 minutes before air frying.
Try flavor twists like Cajun seasoning, chili powder, or ranch powder.
For a sweet version, toss with melted butter and cinnamon sugar instead of savory spices.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 5mg