Looking for a unique, crispy snack that’s both fun and easy to make? Air Fryer Pasta Chips are the answer! These chips are made by cooking pasta until crispy and golden in the air fryer, giving you a delicious snack that’s light, crunchy, and perfect for munching. Whether you’re craving a snack to enjoy during a movie, a crunchy addition to your salad, or an appetizer for a party, air fryer pasta chips are the perfect choice.
This recipe is a great way to repurpose pasta, turning it into a savory, crispy treat with minimal effort. With just a few basic ingredients like pasta, olive oil, and seasonings, you can create these addictive chips in no time. The air fryer ensures that each piece turns out crisp without needing to deep-fry, making it a healthier alternative to traditional chips.
If you love pasta and snacks, this recipe will soon become a go-to for satisfying your cravings in a fun, guilt-free way. Let’s get into how to make these crispy, flavorful pasta chips!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to love Air Fryer Pasta Chips:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just about 15 minutes from start to finish. It’s a fast, no-fuss way to satisfy your snack cravings.
- Crispy and Addictive: The air fryer crisps up the pasta perfectly, creating a crunchy texture that’s irresistible. It’s the perfect snack to munch on while watching a movie or enjoying a game.
- Customizable Flavors: You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences. Whether you like a classic garlic and herb flavor, a spicy kick with red pepper flakes, or a cheesy variation, the options are endless.
- Healthy Alternative: Compared to traditional fried chips, air fryer pasta chips are a healthier option with less oil and fewer calories. Plus, pasta is a great source of carbohydrates, providing an energy boost.
- Kid-Friendly: These chips are a fun and kid-friendly snack. The unique texture and flavor are sure to be a hit with the little ones, and they can even help make them!
- Great for Meal Prep: These pasta chips store well and make a great snack throughout the week. You can make a big batch in advance and store them in an airtight container for easy snacking.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) of uncooked pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne work best)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Equipment Used
- Air Fryer: The main tool for making these crispy pasta chips without excess oil. Preheat it to ensure even crisping.
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta until it’s al dente. A large pot allows the pasta to cook evenly and prevents sticking.
- Colander: To drain the pasta once it’s cooked, and to rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Mixing Bowl: A bowl to toss the cooked pasta with olive oil and seasonings, ensuring an even coating.
- Spoon or Tongs: To gently toss the pasta in the seasoning mixture and then place it in the air fryer basket.
- Air Fryer Basket or Tray: Depending on your air fryer model, use the basket or tray to cook the pasta chips in a single layer for the best crisp.
- Measuring Spoons: For precise measurements of the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Serving Plate: For presenting your crispy pasta chips, ready to be enjoyed with your favorite dip!
Directions & Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps prevent the pasta from getting too soft when air-fried.
- Season the Pasta: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the pasta is evenly coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry the Pasta: Add the seasoned pasta to the air fryer basket, spreading it out in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping. The pasta should be golden and crunchy when done.
- Serve: Once the pasta chips are crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or any additional seasonings of your choice.
- Enjoy: Serve your air fryer pasta chips as a snack, appetizer, or salad topper. Pair with your favorite dip, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
These Air Fryer Pasta Chips are a lighter alternative to traditional chips, with a good amount of protein and fiber. By using the air fryer, you significantly reduce the amount of oil used, making them a healthier option for snacking.
Variations
- Cheesy Pasta Chips: Toss the cooked pasta with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy snack.
- Spicy Pasta Chips: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix to give your pasta chips a spicy kick.
- Herb & Garlic Pasta Chips: Enhance the flavor by using fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, along with a bit of extra garlic for a fragrant, savory snack.
- Bacon Flavor: For a smoky twist, sprinkle cooked bacon bits over the pasta before air frying, or mix in some bacon-flavored seasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use any type of pasta?
While most pasta shapes work, smaller pasta types like fusilli, rotini, or penne work best since they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
2. Can I make these pasta chips in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the pasta chips on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping.
3. Can I store leftover pasta chips?
Yes, you can store leftover pasta chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: For the best results, spread the pasta out in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven crisping.
- Watch closely towards the end: Pasta chips can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on them during the last couple of minutes.
- Add seasonings after cooking: If you want a lighter seasoning, try adding extra herbs, Parmesan, or salt after the pasta chips have cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Air Fryer Pasta Chips with a variety of dips and sides:
- Dips: Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic butter, or even a creamy avocado dip.
- Toppings: Sprinkle the chips over a salad for added crunch, or serve them as a snack at your next gathering.
- For Movie Night: Pair with your favorite beverage and enjoy them as a crunchy, satisfying snack.
Air Fryer Pasta Chips:Crispy, Crunchy, and Perfectly Seasoned
Equipment
- Air Fryer: The main tool for making these crispy pasta chips without excess oil. Preheat it to ensure even crisping.
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta until it's al dente. A large pot allows the pasta to cook evenly and prevents sticking.
- Colander: To drain the pasta once it’s cooked, and to rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Mixing Bowl: A bowl to toss the cooked pasta with olive oil and seasonings, ensuring an even coating.
- Spoon or Tongs: To gently toss the pasta in the seasoning mixture and then place it in the air fryer basket.
- Air Fryer Basket or Tray: Depending on your air fryer model, use the basket or tray to cook the pasta chips in a single layer for the best crisp.
- Measuring Spoons: For precise measurements of the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Serving Plate: For presenting your crispy pasta chips, ready to be enjoyed with your favorite dip!
Ingredients
- 8 oz about 2 cups of uncooked pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne work best)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps prevent the pasta from getting too soft when air-fried.
- Season the Pasta: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the pasta is evenly coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry the Pasta: Add the seasoned pasta to the air fryer basket, spreading it out in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping. The pasta should be golden and crunchy when done.
- Serve: Once the pasta chips are crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or any additional seasonings of your choice.
- Enjoy: Serve your air fryer pasta chips as a snack, appetizer, or salad topper. Pair with your favorite dip, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for extra flavor.
Notes
Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.
Herb it up: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or extra garlic for a fragrant, flavorful twist.
Try different seasonings: Experiment with ranch seasoning, paprika, or smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.
Serve with dips: Pair with creamy dips like ranch, marinara, or garlic butter to complement the crispy chips.