Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe

Meet your newest obsession: Air Fryer Pasta Chips! They’re crisp, golden, salty, and just downright fun to munch—perfect for snacking, dipping, or dazzling guests at your next get-together. If you love crunchy snacks and all things pasta, you’re in for a treat you’ll want to make on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of Air Fryer Pasta Chips is how a few trusty ingredients transform pasta into a craveable, golden chip. Each component plays a role in creating flavor, crunch, and that gorgeous color you can’t resist!

• Rigatoni noodles (8 ounces): These tubular noodles hold their shape and crisp up beautifully—perfect for chips.
• Olive oil (3 tablespoons, divided): Provides flavor, helps the pasta get golden, and helps seasoning stick.
• Garlic, minced (1 teaspoon): Adds a savory kick of aromatic goodness to the chips.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Brightens the whole dish and enhances every bite.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): A gentle hint of heat for a balanced flavor.
• Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup): Brings nutty, salty richness and the perfect finishing touch.

Variations

Air Fryer Pasta Chips are endlessly customizable, so don’t be afraid to make them your own! Whether you’re avoiding gluten, craving spice, or just want to mix things up, you’ll find endless ways to riff on this recipe.

• Try Different Pastas: Swap out rigatoni for penne, bowties, or shells for unique shapes and crunch.
• Add Some Spice: Toss in smoked paprika, chili flakes, or Cajun seasoning for extra kick.
• Go Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the recipe as written.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a vegan-friendly cheesy flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling the rigatoni noodles just until al dente—they should be tender but with some bite left. Overcooking will make them too fragile for crisping, so check a minute or two before the package directions say they’re done. Drain well and give the noodles a moment to cool slightly so they don’t steam themselves soggy.

Step 2: Coat with Olive Oil

Transfer the cooked noodles to a large bowl. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss gently, making sure every piece gets an even, glistening coat. This is what helps those chips develop that beautiful golden crunch in the air fryer.

Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Crispy Perfection

Arrange your oiled pasta in a single layer in your air fryer basket or tray. Don’t pile them up—space is key for that perfect crunch! Air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the pasta halfway through. Watch those chips closely at the end, as they can go from golden-brown to overdone in a flash.

Step 4: Flavor Boost & Toss

While your pasta chips are still warm, whisk together the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour this tasty mixture over the crisped pasta and toss gently to coat, ensuring every piece soaks up the garlicky goodness.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan & Serve

Sprinkle the grated parmesan generously over your Air Fryer Pasta Chips, toss once more, and get ready to dig in. For the full experience, serve with a side of your favorite dipping sauce—marinara and garlic sauce are classics that never fail!

How to Serve Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Garnishes

For an extra pop of flavor (and Instagram-worthy flair!), shower your Air Fryer Pasta Chips with a little fresh grated parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or even a dash of crushed red pepper. These simple touches make the chips look as good as they taste!

Side Dishes

Pair your chips with classic marinara or creamy garlic sauce for dipping, or try alongside a big Italian-style salad or a smokey charcuterie board for a spread that’s pure snacking bliss. These chips are the crunchy companion your party platter has been missing!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Air Fryer Pasta Chips in a parchment-lined basket or a rustic serving bowl for an easy, crowd-pleasing snack. Or get fancy—arrange them in cones at a picnic, add them as a crunchy topping to soups and salads, or set up a “dip bar” where everyone can dunk to their heart’s content.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Air Fryer Pasta Chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll maintain that crisp crunch best if kept away from moisture and not sealed while still warm.

Freezing

While it’s not common to freeze pasta chips (since the texture can be affected), you can experiment by freezing them in a sealed bag with as much air removed as possible. Let them come to room temp before attempting to re-crisp in the air fryer for a minute or two.

Reheating

If your chips lose a little of their crunch overnight, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. They’ll return to their perfect crispy state, making every bite just as addictive as the first batch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something unique and sure to disappear in a flash, Air Fryer Pasta Chips are simply a must-try. With their big crunch, cheesy flavor, and customizable twists, they turn everyday pasta into an unforgettably fun snack. I can’t wait for you to make a batch—and watch them vanish as quickly as they arrived!

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