These Air Fryer Pasta Chips are a viral trend that is simple and customizable. It’s not just about making something trendy but delicious. You won’t believe these crunchy, golden pasta chips come out so very good.
I love make easy snacks in my air fryer. Two of my families favorites are my air fryer roasted chickpeas and air fryer garlic cheese bread.
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Why this Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe is a Keeper
This simple recipe is a fun, TikTok-tested snack. The flavors are super customizable, and air-fried noodles are just as good as, but healthier than, potato chips.
- Only 5 Ingredients: All you need is pasta, olive oil, seasoning, cheese, and salt!
- Family Favorite: A crunchy snack both kids and adults can’t stop eating.
- Adaptable: Make it gluten-free, vegan, or low-sodium with a few simple swaps—see our tips below!
- Versatile: Switch up the seasonings to match your cravings—Italian, BBQ, ranch, and more.
- Budget-Friendly: Pasta is inexpensive, making this a wallet-friendly snack.
- Kid-Friendly: Fun to eat, dip, and share—kids love the crunch!
- Portable: They’re easy to grab for picnics, road trips, or school snacks.
Do I Need to Boil the Pasta First?
Yes you will need to boil the pasta al dente. This ensures it’s cooked through and lets the spices stick to it easier.
Pro Tip for the Best Air Fryer Chips
Make sure to dry the pasta completely after boiling to get the crispiest texture in the air fryer.
Ingredient Notes to Make Air Fryer Pasta Chips
You only need a few simple ingredients to make air fried pasta chips, and most are pantry staples!
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Pasta: I used bowtie pasta to make this easy appetizer. Feel free to try other types of pasta like penne, rigatoni pasta or rotini.
- Oil: Use vegetable oil or olive oil to make tik tok pasta chips.
- Seasonings: Use your favorite Italian Seasoning. You can also mix individual seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or salt and pepper to taste.
Variations and Substitutions to Make Pasta Chips in the Air Fryer
Feel free to use different ingredients to substitute or experiment with flavors.
- Gluten Free: Use gluten-free pasta for a GF option.
- Spices:Try different spice blends: taco seasoning, Cajun, BBQ rub, or even everything bagel seasoning.
- Cheese: Sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheesy flavor.
- Heat: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder for a spicy kick.
Special Equipment Needed for Crispy Pasta Chips
Sometimes a specific piece of equipment is needed to make a recipe just right. In this case, all that’s needed is an air fryer.
- Air Fryer: Using an air fryer will make your pasta delightfully crunchy.
How to Make the Viral Tiktok Recipe for Pasta Chips
This recipe comes together in just 3 quick and easy steps. This snack is so good, it’s one of quickly became one of my favorite recipes.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Preheat Air Fryer and Cook the Pasta: Preheat the air fryer and cook pasta according to package directions. Cook them al dente, then drain well.
- Toss in Oil and Seasonings: Add the pasta to a large bowl, drizzle with oil and toss to coat. Stir in the the garlic salt and Italian Seasoning a little at a time. Add the grated parmesan cheese just before air frying.
- Fry the Pasta: Add the pasta to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry until golden brown and crispy, shaking halfway.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Seasoning Chips
Prepping ahead of time can really help to save time and kitchen space if hosting a get together.
- Pasta: Boil and dry pasta ahead of time—store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying. Toss in a little oil to help prevent sticking.
- Seasoning: Pre-mix your favorite seasoning blend and store it in a jar for easy flavor swaps.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Crunchy Pasta Chips
If your air fryer is busy making something else, these chips can be made another way.
- Oven-Baked Pasta Chips: Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crisp as air-fried, but they’ll still be delicious.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers
- Storing: Transfer pasta chips that have cooled to an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Re-crisp in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes at 350°F.
- Using Leftovers: Leftovers make a great crunchy topping for salads or soups. You can also add pasta chips to a bowl and serve with dips.
Common Questions About This Pasta Chips Recipe
If the fried pasta turned out chewy or soggy, they may have been boiled too long. Be sure to undercook by 2 minutes and drain well.
Yes. Make different versions using whole grain farfalle, chickpea pasta or nutritional yeast.
Some of my favorite dipping sauces include marinara sauce, hummus, ranch or chocolate ganache for a sweet version.
Expert Tips for Making Pasta Chips
- Air Fryer: Don’t overcrowd the basket—work in batches for even crisping.
- Sogginess: Let pasta dry completely before air frying to avoid sogginess.
- Crunch: For extra crunch, add a second sprinkle of Parmesan halfway through cooking.
- Even: Shake the basket for even browning.
- Serve With: Serve with Baked Tortilla Chips, Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls or Air Fryer Zucchini Fries.
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Air Fryer Pasta Chips
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Ingredients
- 1 pound Short pasta, such as bow ties, rigatoni, or rotini
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Garlic salt
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F.
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions, stopping 1 to 2 minutes before it reaches al dente.
- Drain the pasta and spread it on a baking sheet or clean kitchen towel. Allow it to dry for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the garlic salt and Italian seasoning over the pasta and toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and toss until the pasta is fully coated.
- Arrange the pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the pasta is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve immediately.
Christina’s Notes
Letting the pasta dry slightly after draining helps prevent sogginess.
Sprinkle on a little extra Parmesan halfway through cooking for additional flavor.
Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or whipped feta dip.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Re-crisp in the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes before serving if needed.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.