Air fryer pasta chips made with farfalle pasta (or any other shape) are a unique and crunchy snack that's easy to make. Deliciously seasoned and coated in Parmesan cheese, these crispy pasta shapes are so flavorful you won't be able to put them down.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
You're gonna love making these air fryer pasta chips because they're super simple to whip up and incredibly tasty.
Imagine a snack that's a little bit different from the usual but still has that satisfying crunch and flavor. Plus, it's fun to see pasta turn into something you can munch on, like chips! No wonder this recipe went viral on social media.
Pasta chips can be dipped into your favorite dip, tomato salsa, aioli, or homemade tomato sauce (see my quick recipe below). Perfect for game night, movie night, or as finger food at your next party.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Pasta: You can use this recipe with most pasta shapes, but I particularly like farfalle for its fun bow shape. Generally, the pasta shape should be big enough to hold with your fingers and dip into the sauce.
- Olive oil: You need to coat the pasta with a little olive oil for that perfect crispy air-fried finish. It also allows the seasoning and Parmesan cheese to stick to the pre-boiled pasta.
- Seasoning: I used salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and dry Italian herbs. You can also use ready-to-go Italian seasoning or taco spice blend.
- Parmesan cheese: A half cup of this cheesy goodness goes a long way. If you don't have Parmesan, any similar hard cheese will work, like Asiago or Romano. This gives the pasta chips a lovely umami flavor and extra crunch but can, of course, be omitted for a vegan version.
Homemade Tomato Sauce
This is optional, but if you want to whip up super quick tomato sauce, use fresh or canned tomatoes blended with salt, garlic powder, chili flakes, dry herbs, and olive oil. If you're in a pinch, store-bought marinara sauce is a quick and tasty alternative.
Watch How To Make It
Step by Step Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil farfalle until al dente, then drain. I recommend cooking 1-2 minutes less than recommended on the packet instructions.
- Season: Toss the warm pasta with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, and any other seasonings you like.
- Air Fry: Spread the pasta in the air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve: Let them cool a bit, and enjoy with your favorite dip!
Quick Tomato Sauce
This is my hack for making super quick tomato sauce. Add a cup of canned tomatoes to a blender or a tall jug. Add salt, garlic powder, chili, herbs and a few drizzles of olive oil and puree until smooth. Taste for salt and adjust as needed.
Expert Tips
- Even Cooking: Make sure to spread the pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket for the most even cooking and crunch. It's okay if a few pieces overlap in places.
- Watch Closely: Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on your pasta chips to prevent them from burning, especially in the second half of cooking. It's always better to check an extra time than to burn the chips.
- Cool Them First: You have to cool air-fried pasta chips on a tray or wire rack before serving for their crunchy texture to settle. Oftentimes, some of the chips might feel a little soft to bite while still hot but will dry up and firm up once cooled.
You may also like: 11 Pasta Salad Recipes Italian
FAQs
Yes! Just follow the same steps but keep a closer eye on them, as gluten-free pasta might cook differently.
They're best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days. They might lose some crunch, though.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other hard cheeses that you enjoy or have on hand.
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Air Fryer Pasta Chips
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry farfalle pasta, 4 oz / 120 grams
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- ½ grated Parmesan cheese, 3 oz / 90 grams
Tomato sauce
- ⅔ cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the farfalle pasta in salted water until just al dente. I did mine for 8 minutes. You want the pasta to be cooked through but still firm.
- Season the Pasta: Drain the pasta well and transfer it to a mixing bowl. While the pasta is still warm, toss it with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Spray the bottom of the basket with a little oil. Spread the seasoned farfalle pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's okay if they overlap a little, but they should not be in a pile.Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or using a spatula to flip the chips over halfway through the cooking time until the pasta chips are golden and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.
- Add Final Touches: Once done, carefully remove the pasta chips from the air fryer. I like to spread them on a paper-lined baking sheet to cool down. Allow the pasta chips to cool slightly (they will crisp up a bit more as they cool).
- Serve: Serve them as a snack on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or a creamy garlic dip.
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