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A close-up of a bowl filled with golden, crispy Pasta Chips, garnished with herbs and served with a side of dipping sauce.

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Transform your favorite pasta into addictively crunchy, seasoned chips perfect for dipping or snacking. This quick and easy air fryer recipe is a game-changer for pasta lovers!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Pasta Base
  • 1 cup dry pasta e.g., penne, rigatoni, farfalle, about 4 oz
Seasoning & Coating
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Pinch red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
For Serving (Optional)
  • Marinara sauce, pesto, or ranch for dipping

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Pot
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. This helps ensure individual chips.
Season the Pasta
  1. Transfer the drained pasta to a medium mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until every piece is lightly coated. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss well to ensure all the seasoning adheres to the pasta.
  2. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the seasoned pasta. Toss gently one last time, making sure the cheese is distributed evenly.
Air Fry the Chips
  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Arrange the seasoned pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; if necessary, cook in two batches to ensure even crisping. Overcrowding will result in steamed, not crispy, pasta.
  3. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously every 3-4 minutes to promote even cooking and crisping. Continue cooking until the pasta chips are deeply golden brown and audibly crispy. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning, as air fryer models can vary.
Serve
  1. Carefully transfer the crispy pasta chips to a serving bowl. Serve immediately as a snack or appetizer with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, pesto, or ranch.

Notes

Experiment with different pasta shapes; shorter, sturdier shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work best for this recipe. For variety, try different spice blends such as smoked paprika, chili powder, or a dash of lemon pepper. Leftover pasta chips are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore crispness.