Save I had a bag of penne sitting in my pantry for weeks, and one rainy afternoon I decided to throw it in the air fryer just to see what would happen. The house filled with this incredible toasty, cheese smell that had my roommate wandering into the kitchen looking slightly confused. We ended up eating the entire batch straight from the basket while standing at the counter, burning our fingers and not even caring.
Last summer I made these for a backyard get-together, and honestly I was worried they'd be too weird. But people kept asking where I bought them, and when I explained they were just pasta with some seasoning thrown together, someone actually wrote down the recipe on a napkin. Now they show up at every game night I host.
Ingredients
- 250 g short pasta: I like rigatoni best because those ridges catch all the seasoning and cheese, but penne works great too. The shape matters here, you want something with nooks and crannies.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This is what makes them get golden and crispy. Dont be shy with it, but also dont drown the pasta or theyll just be greasy instead of crunchy.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder instead of fresh garlic here because it distributes evenly and wont burn in the high heat of the air fryer.
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning: The dried herbs get all toasty and fragrant. Sometimes I add extra oregano if Im feeling particularly Italian that day.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Gives them that gorgeous golden color and just a hint of smoky flavor. Smoked paprika takes these to a whole new level.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Pasta needs salt, and since these are basically chips, seasoning them well is crucial. You can always add more at the end.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Just enough to give them a little kick. Freshly cracked pepper makes a huge difference if you have the patience.
- 40 g grated Parmesan: The cheese gets all crispy and salty and basically irresistible. Use the good stuff if you can, it really shines here.
Instructions
- Boil the pasta:
- Cook the pasta until its barely al dente, then drain it really well and pat it dry with a clean towel. The drier the pasta, the crispier it will get in the air fryer.
- Season everything:
- Toss the still-warm pasta with olive oil and all the seasonings in a big bowl until every piece is coated. The warmth helps the oil and spices stick.
- Add the cheese:
- Throw in the Parmesan and toss again so it gets into all the crevices and coats the pasta evenly. You want cheese on every bite.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Get your air fryer nice and hot at 200°C while you finish prepping. A hot air fryer means better crunch from the start.
- Crisp them up:
- Spread the pasta in one layer and air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway through. Watch them closely at the end because they go from perfect to burned fast.
- Let them cool:
- Let the chips sit for a few minutes to get even crispier. They keep cooking a bit as they cool, so resist the urge to eat immediately.
Save My mom called me while I was perfecting this recipe, and I was absentmindedly eating batch after batch while explaining what I was making. By the time I got off the phone, Id eaten almost the entire recipe and had to start over. These are the kind of snack that just disappear.
Perfect Dipping Partners
These chips are practically begging to be dunked in something. Marinara sauce is classic and never wrong, but I also love them with a creamy garlic dip or even just some plain Greek yogurt mixed with herbs. Theyre sturdy enough to handle thick dips without breaking.
Switch Up The Flavors
Sometimes I go heavy on the chili flakes when I want something spicy. Other times I skip the Italian seasoning and use cumin and smoked paprika for a completely different vibe. These are like a blank canvas for whatever flavor mood youre in.
Make-Ahead Magic
They are definitely best fresh, but Ive made big batches and kept them for a couple days. Just let them cool completely before storing, and they stay surprisingly crunchy. Give them a quick refresh in the air fryer for 2 minutes if they soften up.
- Double or triple this recipe for parties because they go fast
- Try different pasta shapes to see which ones get the crispiest
- Keep the seasoning blend simple or go crazy with spices based on what you love
Save These have become my go-to when I want something salty and crispy but dont want to resort to regular potato chips. Plus they feel slightly more acceptable as dinner when Im feeling lazy.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short varieties like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle hold up well and create ideal bite-sized chips.
- → How do I ensure the crispiest chips?
Dry the cooked pasta thoroughly before tossing with oil and seasonings to prevent sogginess.
- → Can I use different seasonings?
Yes, try chili flakes, smoked paprika, or your favorite spice blends to customize the flavor.
- → Is air frying necessary?
Air frying provides consistent crispiness with less oil, but oven baking at high heat is an alternative.
- → How should I store leftover pasta chips?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to retain crunch.