Air Fryer Pasta Chips

The Crunchy Snack You Didn’t Know You Needed

Move over potato chips—there’s a new crunchy snack in town! Air Fryer Pasta Chips are crispy, cheesy, and addictively snackable.

Herb-seasoned air fryer bowtie pasta chips dipped in marinara sauce served in a white bowl on a plate

With minimal oil, simple ingredients, and endless dipping options, this viral trend from TikTok and food blogs has earned its place in every snack lover’s kitchen.

Whether you’re hosting a party, meal-prepping, or looking for a creative way to repurpose leftover pasta, these golden chips are the answer.

YOU CAN ALSO READ MY Homemade Fruit Popsicles: A Fun & Healthy Frozen Treat

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make Air Fryer Pasta Chips from scratch with a flavor-packed blend of parmesan, garlic, and Italian herbs.

Golden rigatoni pasta chips dipped in creamy garlic sauce with a side of marinara, served in a white snack tray
Crunch into these air fryer rigatoni pasta chips! Crispy, golden, and perfect for dipping in creamy garlic sauce or marinara.

Don’t miss our quick & easy pasta dinner ideas for more genius weeknight inspiration!

Why Everyone’s Obsessed with Pasta Chips

The Viral Snack That’s Actually Worth the Hype

Air Fryer Pasta Chips blew up online—and unlike some trends, they totally live up to the buzz. Crispy outside, tender inside, and super customizable.

Healthy-ish and Satisfying

These chips use just a tablespoon of olive oil and cook up with no deep frying involved. Plus, they’re high in carbs and protein, making them a more filling alternative to store-bought snacks.

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Herb-seasoned air fryer bowtie pasta chips dipped in marinara sauce served in a white bowl on a plate

Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Crispy, cheesy, and totally snackable! These Air Fryer Pasta Chips are tossed in Italian herbs, parmesan, and olive oil, then air-fried until golden brown. They make the perfect party appetizer or crunchy afternoon treat. Serve with marinara or your favorite dip. Quick to prep, fun to make, and totally addictive — a must-try viral snack! 👇 Tap below to try them today.

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (bowtie, rigatoni, or a mix), al dente

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Marinara sauce or creamy dip, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    Cook your pasta just until al dente, then drain and let cool slightly.

  2. Season:
    Add cooked pasta to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss. Add parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix until evenly coated.

  3. Air Fry:
    Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
    Spread pasta in a single layer in the basket (you may need to work in batches).
    Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.

  4. Serve:
    Let cool slightly and serve with marinara sauce or creamy dip of your choice.

Notes

💡 Notes & Pro Tips

  • Don’t overcrowd: For the crispiest chips, keep the pasta in a single layer in your air fryer.

  • Mix pasta shapes: Bowtie, rigatoni, ziti — they all work! Mixing textures makes it more fun.

  • Extra cheesy: Add more parmesan right after frying while the chips are hot.

  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.

  • Author: SOFIA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients to Make Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Pantry-Friendly Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch:

  • 2 cups farfalle pasta (bowtie pasta holds shape best)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (adds crisp and flavor)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (salty, nutty, and golden when air-fried)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (deep umami flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for a herby twist)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (enhances all the flavors)

Optional Add-ins: Crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or nutritional yeast for a vegan cheese vibe.

How to Make Air Fryer Pasta Chips (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of water and lightly salting it. Once it reaches a rolling boil, toss in the farfalle pasta and cook for about 8 minutes—until it’s al dente. Drain, but don’t rinse, and let the pasta sit for 2–3 minutes so any leftover moisture evaporates.

Step 2: Season Like a Pro

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with olive oil. Stir until coated, then add grated parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Toss gently to distribute all that cheesy, herby goodness evenly.

Step 3: Load the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange 1/4 of the seasoned pasta in a single layer in the fryer basket. Overcrowding will lead to soggy chips, so batch cooking is key.

Step 4: Crisp It Up

Air fry for 5 minutes, then shake or flip the pasta and cook another 2–3 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Transfer the chips to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Break apart any stuck pieces and let them cool completely. Repeat the process for the remaining pasta.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta Chips

Herb-seasoned air fryer bowtie pasta chips dipped in marinara sauce served in a white bowl on a plate

Use the Right Pasta Shape

Farfalle, rigatoni, and penne work best—they’re sturdy and crisp up beautifully.

Dry Pasta = Crunchy Chips

Let your cooked pasta sit for a few minutes before seasoning. Excess moisture makes soggy chips.

Don’t Skip the Cheese

Parmesan isn’t just for flavor—it helps create that crispy texture you crave.

Discover great ideas like our snack-worthy cauliflower bites for more crunchy inspiration!

Flavor Variations to Try

Why stop at just garlic and cheese? Mix things up with these creative flavor twists:

Flavor ComboAdd These Ingredients
Spicy NachoChili powder + cheddar + cayenne
Pizza StyleOregano + tomato powder + mozzarella
Ranch SeasonedDry ranch seasoning + onion powder
Vegan DelightNutritional yeast + smoked paprika + basil
Sweet CinnamonCinnamon sugar mix (skip cheese + salt)

The possibilities are endless once you master the base recipe.

Best Dips for Pasta Chips

Dip those golden bites into something spectacular. Try:

  • Marinara sauce
  • Garlic aioli
  • Spicy chipotle mayo
  • Buffalo ranch
  • Creamy pesto dip

For sweet versions, go with vanilla yogurt or whipped cream cheese with honey drizzle.

Storage and Reheating Tips

How to Store

Let your chips cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Add a silica pack to keep them extra dry (optional but helpful).

Reheating for Max Crunch

If they lose crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 2 minutes or until revived.

Air Fryer Pasta Chips FAQs (People Also Ask)

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes! Use a sturdy gluten-free brand. Just don’t overcook it—it needs to be al dente to hold up during air frying.

Why are my pasta chips chewy?

Chewy chips usually mean the pasta was too wet or the fryer was overcrowded. Let it dry before seasoning and cook in small batches.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Parmesan is best for crispness, but you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for dairy-free alternatives.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. They hold well for a few days, just store them in a dry container and re-crisp before serving if needed.

Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Air Fryer Pasta Chips are the ultimate crunchy snack you didn’t know you needed. They’re fast, flexible, and totally addictive. Whether you’re going savory, spicy, or even sweet, this recipe is a blank canvas for snack-time creativity. With just six ingredients and 10 minutes of hands-on time, you’ve got a homemade treat that’s healthier, fresher, and more flavorful than anything in a bag.

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