Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Pasta
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
