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Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Boiled pasta tossed in olive oil and Italian seasoning, then air fried until the edges shatter and the middles stay chewy. A 15-minute snack that costs about a dollar and disappears in seconds. Serve with warm marinara for dipping.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer pasta chips, pasta recipes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings 5 servings
Author Maggie

Ingredients

  • 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) or rotini pasta half a standard box
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • warm marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and let it cool for a few minutes — you want it dry, not dripping.
  2. Toss the cooked pasta in a bowl with the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese until every piece is well coated.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spread the pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket — don't pile them up or they won't crisp. You'll need to work in batches.
  4. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket every 3-4 minutes, until the pasta chips are golden and crunchy on the edges but still a little chewy in the centers.
  5. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping. They're best right out of the air fryer — the crunch fades as they sit.

Recipe Notes

Best pasta shapes: Bowtie (farfalle) and rotini work best — the folds and ridges catch seasoning and get extra crispy. Penne is also good. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti.

Oven method: No air fryer? Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Seasoning variations: Ranch seasoning mix, everything bagel seasoning, or cinnamon sugar with melted butter for a sweet version.

Budget note: Half a box of pasta (~$0.50), olive oil (~$0.25), spices from the pantry = about $1 total for a family snack.