Save I discovered these chips by accident one late night when I had leftover cooked pasta and no idea what to do with it. My air fryer was already out from dinner, and on a whim I tossed the pasta with some Parmesan and spices just to see what would happen. The kitchen filled with this incredible cheesy, toasty aroma, and when I took that first bite—crunchy, savory, impossible to stop eating—I knew I had stumbled onto something special.
Last weekend I made a huge batch for friends who were coming over for game night. I underestimated how quickly they would disappear—people kept hovering near the bowl, and someone actually asked if I could make them again right then because they could not believe pasta could taste this good as a finger food.
Ingredients
- 250 g short pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work best because their shapes hold onto the seasoning and create satisfying crunchy nooks. I have tried shells too and they are fantastic.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This helps the spices stick and promotes even browning. Do not be tempted to skip it or the coating will not adhere properly.
- 60 g grated Parmesan: The salty, nutty backbone of the whole recipe. Freshly grated melts better but pre grated works in a pinch.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Distributes garlic flavor evenly without the risk of burnt fresh garlic bits.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that makes these taste like they came from an Italian American kitchen.
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is.
- ½ tsp sea salt: Enhances all the other flavors. Adjust based on how salty your Parmesan is.
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming the cheese.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta just right:
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente—firm to the bite, not soft. Overcooked pasta will not crisp up properly. Drain and rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Get the pasta bone dry:
- Pat the rinsed pasta thoroughly with paper towels. Any excess water will create steam instead of crunch, and you want maximum crispiness.
- Coat everything evenly:
- Toss the dried pasta with olive oil first, then add all the spices and cheese. Mix until every piece is covered—this is what makes each bite consistent and flavorful.
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Set it to 200°C (400°F) for about 3 minutes. A hot start means the exterior gets crispy before the interior dries out too much.
- Air fry in batches:
- Arrange pasta in a single layer—do not crowd the basket or pieces will steam instead of crisp. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even browning.
- Cool before serving:
- Let the chips rest for a few minutes—they continue crisping as they cool. This is when they go from slightly chewy to genuinely crunchy.
Save These have become my go to when I want something that feels like a treat but uses ingredients I always have on hand. My partner now requests them whenever we have people over, and watching someone try them for the first time—the surprise, then reaching for another—that never gets old.
Make Them Your Own
The base formula is solid, but the seasonings are totally flexible. Sometimes I go heavier on the smoked paprika for a barbecue style vibe. Other times I add onion powder or a pinch of cayenne if I want more heat.
Dipping Sauces That Work
Marinara is classic, but honestly ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are fantastic. The smoky, cheesy flavor profile pairs well with creamy, tangy, or sweet dipping sauces.
Serving Strategies
These work as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun side dish alongside sandwiches or soup. They are best the day they are made but still decent the next day if stored in an airtight container.
- Set out a few different dipping sauces and let guests choose their favorite
- Double the batch immediately because the first one will disappear faster than you expect
- Season lightly at first, then add more salt or spices after air frying if needed
Save Hope these bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine. Happy cooking.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pasta works best for this snack?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle hold up well and crisp nicely when air-fried.
- → How can I achieve maximum crispiness?
Ensure pasta is fully dried after cooking, toss evenly with olive oil and cheese, and shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking.
- → Can I use other cheeses besides Parmesan?
Yes, cheeses like Pecorino Romano offer a sharper flavor and can be substituted in the coating mix.
- → How should these pasta chips be stored?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and crunch.
- → Is there a way to add a spicy flavor?
Adding a pinch of chili flakes to the seasoning blend before air frying adds a pleasant spicy kick.