Air-Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe

By What’s Baking

Crispy, savory pasta chips with a delicate crunch and rich flavor profile, perfect for dipping or enjoying as a unique standalone snack.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

12 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g short-cut pasta (like farfalle, penne, or rigatoni)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g grated Parmesan cheese</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp Italian seasoning</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">¼ tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Marinara sauce or dip of choice, for serving (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Large pot for boiling pasta</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Colander</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowl</li></ul>

BAKE SMARTER

Kitchen Converter

Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually 7-9 minutes. It's important not to overcook the pasta as slightly firmer pasta will crisp better in the air fryer.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Shake well to remove as much excess water as possible – this is crucial for achieving maximum crispness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated. The oil helps the seasonings adhere and promotes even browning during air frying.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the oiled pasta and toss until every piece is well-coated with the seasoning blend.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for about 2-3 minutes. Preheating creates an optimal cooking environment that helps achieve even crispness from the start.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Arrange the seasoned pasta in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd – work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results as the hot air cannot circulate properly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Air fry at 180°C for 5-6 minutes, then shake the basket to redistribute the pasta. Continue air frying for another 5-6 minutes until the pasta chips are golden brown and crispy. The chips will continue to crisp slightly as they cool, so don't worry if they don't seem completely firm when you remove them.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Transfer the pasta chips to a cooling rack or plate and let them cool for 1-2 minutes to reach their peak crispness. The cooling period allows excess moisture to evaporate and the chips to firm up completely.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Serve immediately with marinara sauce or your favorite dip. The pasta chips are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer while they're at their crispiest, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days (though they may lose some crispness over time).</li></ol>

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I use different pasta shapes for air fryer pasta chips?

Yes! While short cuts like farfalle, penne, and rigatoni work best due to their sturdy structure and surface area, you can experiment with other shapes like fusilli, rotini, or bow ties. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or delicate shapes that might break or cook unevenly.

Why aren't my pasta chips getting crispy in the air fryer?

Several factors affect crispiness: ensure pasta is thoroughly dried after boiling, coat evenly with oil, arrange in a single layer without overcrowding, preheat your air fryer, and cook at the recommended temperature. Pasta thickness matters too—thicker varieties may need additional cooking time.

What dipping sauces pair well with homemade pasta chips?

Beyond marinara, try creamy options like garlic aioli, whipped feta, or pesto dip. Hummus, buffalo dip, or spinach artichoke dip work beautifully too. For a spicy kick, serve with arrabbiata sauce or a jalapeño cheese dip. The crispy texture handles both light and substantial dips well.