These pasta chips are crunchy, crispy and addictive! Make these easy-to-make, kid friendly pasta chips in just a few minutes!
Air fryer pasta chips went viral on tiktok over the summer and I was dubious, since pasta is supposed to be soft and chewy, not crispy. But I finally decided to try making these and it turns out they are fun to make and fun to eat!
All you have to do is boil some pasta, toss it with oil and seasoning and then air fry or bake in the oven. I can see why this recipe became a viral craze!
These air fryer pasta chips are inexpensive, easy to make and perfect for dipping into all kinds of sauces. If you love air fried ravioli but don’t want to deal with messy bowls of eggs and breading give these simple tiktok pasta chips a try.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Making these takes no special skills. If you can boil water you can make pasta chips.
You can buy a box of pasta for less than $1, making these one of the cheapest appetizers around.
These pasta chips are versatile and you can easily change up the seasoning to suit your family’s tastes.
Making a simple appetizer like this is a fun way to turn watching a movie or sporting event as a family into a memorable event.
Key Ingredients
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
Pasta – The most important thing to pick a pasta shape that is easy to pick up and dip. Most people use rigatoni, penne or bowties (farfalle). I think bowties works best because it isn’t as thick as rigatoni or penne, so they cooks faster.
Oil – The oil coats the pasta, keeps it from sticking and helps it crisp. Olive oil is a great choice.
Parmesan – This is always a perfect cheese for serving with pasta! You don’t have to include cheese on the chips, but if you do make sure it is a hard cheese that is grated into small pieces, not shredded.
Spices – I use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper and red chili flakes in this recipe. But you can use almost any spices you like. Check out my suggested spice variations below.
Key Tips for This Recipe
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
When boiling the pasta don’t overcook it. Cook it for the minimum time suggested on the package, or even a minute or two less.
Don’t let the pasta sit around after boiling or it will stick together.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure there is room for the air to circulate.
These pasta chips are best eaten the day they are made.
How to Make Air Fryer Pasta Chips
1. Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Check the box and make sure you cook the pasta for the lowest amount of time specified on the box.
You want it to be al dente, so cooked but with a little bit of give. Once the pasta is done drain it but don’t let it sit around. It will be more difficult to coat the pasta with seasoning if starts to stick together.
2. Season
Put the chips in a big bowl and drizzle them with the olive oil. Add the Parmesan and whatever spices you are using. Toss the pasta around in the bowl so that the oil, cheese and spices coat it thoroughly.
3. Air Fry Pasta Chips
Put the pasta chips in a preheated air fryer and cook them at 350 degrees F for 12-15 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the basket and cook in batches if you need to.
Some overlap between the pasta pieces if ok, but don’t include multiple layers of pasta. Using parchment paper in the bottom is optional, but it will speed up cleanup.
Halfway through the cooking time pull the basket out and shake it to redistribute or toss the pasta with tongs. This helps keep it cooking evenly.
After 12 minutes test a pieces of pasta and decide if you want it to be crispier or not. When it is done the pasta should be golden brown and crunchy. The cooking time will also depend on the shape you use. I find that bowtie pasta is done after 13-14 minutes but rigatoni takes longer to cook.
4. Or Bake Pasta Chips in Oven
If you don’t have an air fryer you can bake the pasta chips on a baking tray in a 375 degree F oven. It will take 20-30 minutes to bake these in most ovens. Take the tray out of the oven after 10 minutes and use a spatula to flip the pasta over.
How to Serve
Serve the pasta chips with a dipping sauce. If you want to stick with Italian flavoring then dip the chips into marinara sauce. Another popular options is to use a whipped feta dip or a spicy Greek tirokafteri.
How to Store
These pasta chips don’t store particularly well. You will be happiest with the texture and crispiness if you serve them the same day you make them.
Flavor Variations
These don’t have to be flavored with Italian inspired seasoning! Here are some other suggestions
- Use steak seasoning. My son likes these with spicy Montreal steak seasoning.
- Add some Cajun seasoning and serve them for Mardi gras.
- Ranch seasoning is simple and gives them a unique flavor.
- Add 5 spice powder to make Asian inspired pasta chips.
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Air Fryer Pasta Chips
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat farfalle pasta or other pasta of your choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper crushed
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta as per the packet instruction, drain, and set it aside. Make sure you don't overcook the pasta, since it will continue to cook in the air fryer.2 cups whole wheat farfalle pasta
- Toss the boiled pasta with olive oil, parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red chili flakes, salt, and crushed black pepper.1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ cup parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F.
- Air fry the pasta in batches for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy, tossing the pasta with tongs a few times as it cooks. Thicker pasta like rigatoni will take longer to cook.
- Remove from the air fryer and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Oven bakingIf you don't have an air fryer you can bake the pasta chips on a baking tray in a 375 degree F oven. It will take 20-30 minutes to bake these in most ovens. Take the tray out of the oven after 10 minutes and use a spatula to flip the pasta over.
Notes
- You can store the pasta chips in an air-tight container for 1 day, but they will taste best the same day they were air fried.
- Use any type of pasta, just make sure it is big enough to pick up and dip. Rigatoni, farfalle (bowties) or penne are all good.
- When boiling the pasta don’t overcook it. Cook it for the minimum time suggested on the package, or even a minute or two less.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
These came out perfect! What a tasty dish for the weekend or a party.
Hi Can you use leftover pasta