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A large grey bowl filled with crispy, golden brown Accordion Potatoes, with a side of dipping sauce.

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Transform your favorite pasta into irresistible, crunchy chips with the magic of an air fryer! Tossed in garlic and Parmesan, these pasta chips are a fun, addictive snack or appetizer.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fusion, Italian-inspired
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Chips
  • 8 oz Penne or Rigatoni Pasta or other medium-sized tubular pasta
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/8 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp Grated Parmesan Cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
For Serving (Optional)
  • 1 cup Marinara Sauce for dipping
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). You want it cooked enough to be soft but still hold its shape.
  2. Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander. Shake well to remove as much water as possible. It's crucial for crispiness that the pasta is dry.
Season the Pasta
  1. Transfer the drained pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure every piece of pasta is evenly coated.
  2. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast). Toss again until the cheese is well distributed and clinging to the pasta.
Air Fry the Pasta Chips
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. (Some air fryers don't require preheating, refer to your model's manual.)
  2. Arrange the seasoned pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will steam the pasta instead of making it crispy.
  3. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the pasta is golden brown, crispy, and crunchy. The exact time will vary depending on your air fryer and pasta shape.
Serve
  1. Remove the crispy pasta chips from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
  2. Serve immediately with a side of warm marinara sauce or your favorite dip.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure the pasta is very dry after draining. Feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends like chili powder, smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick. Store leftover pasta chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness.