Save I had friends over for movie night and ran out of snacks halfway through. I had leftover cooked pasta in the fridge and an air fryer sitting on the counter, so I tossed them together with whatever seasonings I could grab. Everyone ignored the movie and started passing around the bowl of crispy pasta pieces instead.
My teenage nephew caught me making these again last week and stood by the air fryer, eating them straight from the basket as soon as they were cool enough to touch. He texted his mom from the car ride home that he needed the recipe immediately.
Ingredients
- 250 g short pasta: Penne and rigatoni hold seasonings beautifully, but farfalle gets extra crispy in those little folds
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This helps the spices cling and creates that golden crunch
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Even garlic haters love this savory layer
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning: The oregano and basil give it that familiar comfort
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color
- 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the cheese shine through
- 40 g grated Parmesan: Creates those irresistible crispy cheese edges
Instructions
- Boil the pasta:
- Cook until just al dente, then drain and pat completely dry with a clean towel
- Toss with seasonings:
- Combine the pasta with olive oil and all spices until every piece is coated
- Add the cheese:
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan and toss again until its evenly distributed
- Preheat and arrange:
- Heat the air fryer to 200C and spread pasta in a single layer
- Air fry until golden:
- Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crispiness
- Cool and serve:
- Let them sit for a few minutes to crisp up further
Save These became my emergency snack for surprise guests because I always have pasta on hand. One friend actually requested them instead of birthday cake at her last dinner party.
Perfect Dipping Partners
Marinara sauce is the classic choice but do not skip trying them with garlic butter. Ranch dressing works surprisingly well too and appeals to kids who might be hesitant about the seasonings.
Seasoning Variations
I have experimented with chili flakes for heat and smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile. Everything bagel seasoning creates a completely different but equally delicious snack that my sister in law prefers.
Make Ahead Strategy
These are best eaten fresh but I have made them a few hours before serving. Store them uncovered to maintain crunch and avoid sealing them while warm or they will soften.
- Reheat leftover chips at 180C for 3 minutes to restore crispiness
- Try different pasta shapes for varying textures and crunch levels
- Double the batch because the first one will vanish quickly
Save Simple ingredients transformed into something completely unexpected and delicious.
Saffron Brook Recipe Q&As
- → What type of pasta works best for this snack?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle hold up well and crisp evenly during air frying.
- → How can I ensure the pasta chips become crispy?
Drain and pat the cooked pasta dry thoroughly before tossing with oil and seasonings to promote maximum crispness.
- → Can I customize the seasoning blend?
Yes, adding chili flakes, smoked paprika, or other herbs can provide interesting flavor twists.
- → What is the best way to store leftovers?
Place cooled pasta chips in an airtight container and consume within two days to maintain crunchiness.
- → Are these pasta chips suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this snack uses Parmesan cheese and no animal meat, making it suitable for vegetarian diets.