Move over, potato chips! The latest snack craze taking the internet by storm is Air Fryer Pasta Chips. If you have a bag of pasta in your pantry and an air fryer on your counter, you are less than 20 minutes away from a crunchy, salty, and totally addictive snack.
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It might sound strange to "fry" pasta, but once you try these golden, seasoned bites, you'll understand the hype. They have the perfect crunch and are the ultimate vessel for your favorite dips. Here is everything you need to know to master this Step-by-Step Air Fryer Pasta Chips Guide.
Why Pasta Chips are the Ultimate Snack
Pasta chips are the perfect budget-friendly alternative to store-bought snacks. They utilize pantry staples, are highly customizable, and—thanks to the air fryer—use significantly less oil than traditional deep-frying. Plus, the variety of pasta shapes means you can find the perfect "chip" for every dip!
The Best Pasta Shapes to Use
While you can technically use any pasta, short and sturdy shapes work best for dipping and even cooking:
Farfalle (Bow Tie): The gold standard for pasta chips—easy to grab and fun to eat.
Rigatoni or Penne: Tubular shapes provide a satisfying, extra-hollow crunch.
Rotini (Fusilli): The spirals hold onto seasonings and cheese incredibly well.
Shells: Perfect for "scooping" up thicker dips like whipped feta or hummus.
Ingredients You’ll Need
8 oz Dry Pasta (roughly half a standard box)
1–2 tbsp Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated sticks best!)
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Italian Seasoning (or dried oregano/basil)
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for a smoky finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil to "Al Dente"
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions, but aim for al dente (usually 1–2 minutes less than the full cook time). You want the pasta to be tender but still firm to the bite.
2. Drain and Dry
Drain the pasta into a colander. Pro Tip: Rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process, then pat the pasta dry with a clean kitchen towel. The drier the pasta is before it hits the air fryer, the crunchier the chip will be!
3. Season Generously
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the olive oil until every piece is coated. Add the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss again until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
4. Air Fry in Batches
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Place the seasoned pasta in the air fryer basket.
Don't Overcrowd: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. A single, slightly overlapping layer is best for even air circulation.
5. Shake and Bake
Air fry for 10–12 minutes.
The Crucial Step: Every 3–4 minutes, remove the basket and give it a vigorous shake. This ensures all sides get golden brown and prevents the chips from sticking together.
6. Cool and Serve
The pasta chips will continue to crisp up as they cool. Remove them when they are dark golden brown and feel firm. Serve warm or at room temperature with a side of marinara, pesto, or even a spicy ranch dip.
Flavor Variations to Try
Taco Style: Swap Italian herbs for taco seasoning and serve with salsa or queso.
Cinnamon Sugar: Skip the savory seasonings and cheese! Toss with melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar after air frying for a sweet treat.
Everything Bagel: Use everything bagel seasoning and serve with a cream cheese-based dip.
How to Store
Pasta chips are best enjoyed fresh, but they will stay crunchy for 2–3 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If they lose their crunch, simply pop them back in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes at 350°F.
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