The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
If you’ve been craving a crunchy, cheesy snack that’s outrageously fun to make, The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine taking al dente pasta, tossing it with zesty seasonings and Parmesan, then crisping it up in the air fryer until golden and irresistible. This playful twist on pasta is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game nights, parties, or cozy movie sessions at home. It’s delightfully easy, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast—so let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe is a breeze. Each one plays a starring role in the flavor, crunch, and signature color that make these pasta chips so addictive. Here’s what you’ll need, plus why you shouldn’t skip a single component:
- 8 oz cooked pasta (penne or bowtie works best): These shapes hold their form and catch all the seasoning, creating maximum crunch and flavor in every bite.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: A drizzle brings everything together and helps the chips crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that makes each chip extra tempting.
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning: This blend brings those classic herby notes that pair perfectly with Parmesan and pasta.
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika: For a subtle smokiness and a hint of color that makes your chips pop.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures every chip is perfectly seasoned.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the show—Parmesan melts and crisps, adding a salty, cheesy crunch.
- Optional marinara or ranch for dipping: A side of dip takes these pasta chips from snackable to downright irresistible.
How to Make The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Dry the Pasta
Start with your pasta of choice—penne and bowtie are winners for their crunch potential. Cook the pasta just until al dente following the package instructions, then drain well. This next part is key: spread the cooked pasta out on paper towels and pat it completely dry. The drier, the better, since any extra moisture can prevent your chips from reaching their crispiest potential in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season and Toss
Transfer the dried pasta to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and grated Parmesan. Use your hands or a spatula to toss everything together until every piece of pasta is coated with cheesy, herby goodness. The Parmesan will cling to the pasta, promising melty, crunchy bites after air frying.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the pasta chips start crisping up the moment they hit the basket. A hot air fryer is your best friend for golden, even results.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the seasoned pasta in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t crowd them—if you need to, work in batches. This helps every chip get maximum airflow and crunch. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure all sides crisp up nicely. Watch closely during the last couple of minutes; you’re looking for a deep golden color and irresistible crunch.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the pasta chips cool for a few minutes—they’ll continue to crisp up as they rest. Then, pile them onto a serving plate and offer up bowls of your favorite dips, like marinara or ranch. Now comes the best part: dig in and savor every crunchy, cheesy bite of The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe!
How to Serve The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe

Garnishes
For an extra flourish, sprinkle your pasta chips with a little more Parmesan right after air frying, or add a pop of fresh chopped parsley or basil. A pinch of crushed red pepper is perfect if you like a little heat. The garnish isn’t just for looks—it adds fresh flavor and makes the chips even more tempting.
Side Dishes
The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp salad loaded with veggies, or a light soup like tomato basil. They also make a fantastic sidekick to antipasto platters or charcuterie boards. Their hearty crunch balances out creamy, tangy, or briny sides for a totally satisfying snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving the pasta chips in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper, or arrange them in a tall glass like breadsticks for a playful twist. For parties, try a DIY chip bar with different dips—think garlic aioli, pesto, or even spicy cheese sauce. However you serve them, these chips always steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare, honestly!), let the chips cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay crunchy at room temperature for up to 2 days, though the sooner you enjoy them, the better their texture will be.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe, as the chips can lose their signature crispiness once thawed. If you need to prepare ahead, it’s best to make the pasta and store it uncooked, then finish the air frying on the day you plan to serve.
Reheating
To revive any chips that have softened, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes. This quick blast brings back that magical crunch without drying them out or burning the cheese.
FAQs
Can I use any type Snack, Appetizer
Penne and bowtie are the top choices for The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe, but you can absolutely experiment with other shapes. Just stick with short, sturdy varieties like rigatoni or rotini for the best crunch and easy handling.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to cook it al dente and dry thoroughly, as gluten-free pasta can be a bit more delicate. The rest of the method stays exactly the same!
Can I make these chips spicy?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the seasoning mix for a gentle kick. You can also serve them with a spicy dip if you want to dial up the heat even more.
What’s the best way to get super crispy pasta chips?
The biggest secret is making sure your cooked pasta is as dry as possible before seasoning and air frying. Don’t skip the patting-dry step, and always arrange in a single layer in the air fryer. These small details make a huge difference in crispiness!
Can I double The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe?
You sure can! Just cook the chips in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This ensures each chip has space to crisp up perfectly and none get soggy or uneven.
Final Thoughts
Give The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe a try and watch how quickly they disappear! With their golden crunch, cheesy flavor, and endless dip possibilities, they’re sure to become a staple for your snack cravings. Grab your air fryer, gather your favorite seasonings, and let the deliciousness begin—you’ll never look at pasta the same way again.
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The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This air fryer pasta chips recipe transforms cooked pasta into a crispy, flavorful snack that’s perfect for parties or a quick appetizer. Tossed with olive oil, Parmesan, and a blend of seasonings, these chips offer a satisfying crunch and a deliciously savory taste, ready in just over 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 oz cooked pasta (penne or bowtie works best)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: marinara or ranch for dipping
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente following package instructions, then drain and pat dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Toss with Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and Parmesan cheese, tossing until evenly coated.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat fully before cooking.
- Arrange Pasta: Place the seasoned pasta in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air Fry: Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping, until the pasta chips are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pasta chips cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara or ranch.
Notes
- Make sure to dry the pasta thoroughly before air frying to achieve the best crispiness.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- These pasta chips make a great party snack or appetizer, perfect for dipping and sharing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 batch
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 5mg