Crunchy, salty, and ridiculously addictiveair fryer pasta chips turn leftover bowtie noodles into the ultimate after-school snack. They’re crispy on the edges, tender in the middle, and ready in under 15 minutes.
I stumbled on this trick back in 2019 when my test kitchen ran out of tortilla chips during a recipe shoot. Tossed some cooked pasta with olive oil and garlic powder, cranked the air fryer to 400°F, and watched them transform into golden, crunchy bites that disappeared faster than I could plate them. The key is patting them completely dry before seasoningmoisture is the enemy of crunch.
Joe Rooney
Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe Easy Crispy and Delicious
Enjoy a crunchy and flavorful snack with these air fryer pasta chips made from rigatoni noodles. This easy recipe uses an air fryer to transform cooked pasta into crispy bites, infused with garlic and topped with parmesan cheese for a tasty appetizer everyone will love.
8 ounces rigatoni noodles, cooked al dente and drained
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Method
Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to warm up.
Place the cooked rigatoni in a large bowl and dribble with a tablespoon of olive oil, mixing gently to cover all pieces.
Arrange the pasta in one layer inside the air fryer basket or rack.
Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes until the pasta chips turn golden and crispy.
Move the crispy pasta chips to another bowl.
In a small bowl, stir together the remaining olive oil with garlic, salt, and pepper.
Pour the flavored oil over the pasta chips and toss everything to combine evenly.
Sprinkle the parmesan cheese generously on top and serve with your preferred dipping sauce such as marinara or garlic sauce.
Notes
These pasta chips are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Try different cheeses or seasoning blends for variety.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These crispy bites hit that perfect sweet spot between indulgent and surprisingly sensible. You’re starting with pasta you probably already made for dinner, tossing it with a handful of pantry staples, and transforming it into something that feels like a treat but won’t derail your goals.
Quick turnaround: From cooked noodles to snack bowl in under 15 minutes
Pantry-friendly: No special ingredientsjust rigatoni, olive oil, garlic, and parmesan
Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike can’t stop reaching for another handful
Tested and reliable: I’ve made these dozens of times, tweaking the timing and seasoning until they came out perfect every single batch
What You’ll Need
The magic happens with just a few everyday ingredients. Cooked rigatoni works best because those ridges catch the garlic oil and turn extra crispy, but any short pasta shape will do the job. You’ll drizzle on olive oil in two stagesfirst to prevent sticking, then mixed with garlic for flavor after they’re golden.
Parmesan cheese goes on at the very end so it doesn’t burn in the air fryer. Kosher salt and black pepper round out the seasoning without overpowering that garlicky, cheesy goodness.
Ingredient
Purpose
Easy Swap
Rigatoni noodles
Sturdy base that crisps beautifully
Penne, ziti, or bowtie pasta
Olive oil
Helps browning and carries garlic flavor
Avocado oil or melted butter
Garlic, minced
Savory depth
Garlic powder (½ tsp)
Parmesan cheese
Salty, nutty finish
Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast
How to Make Them Crispy Every Time
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°Fdon’t skip this step or you’ll lose that initial sizzle. Toss your cooked, drained rigatoni with just 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then spread them in a single layer in the basket. Overlapping pieces steam instead of crisp, so give them space.
Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway if you remember. You’re looking for golden-brown edges and a firm bite. Once they’re done, transfer to a bowl and immediately toss with the garlic-oil mixturethe heat helps the garlic bloom without burning. Finish with parmesan and serve right away.
Tips and Troubleshooting
Pro Tip: Pat your cooked noodles dry with a kitchen towel before tossing with oil. Extra water creates steam, and steam is the enemy of crunch.
Not crispy enough? Add 2 more minutes and check againair fryer models vary
Garlic burning? Add it after air frying, never before
Sticking to the basket? Use a light mist of cooking spray on the basket before adding pasta
Serving and Storage
These are best enjoyed warm and fresh, ideally within an hour of making them. Serve alongside marinara for dipping, or try ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy buffalo sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
Storage Method
How Long
Reheating Tip
Room temperature (airtight)
Up to 2 days
Air fry 2–3 min at 375°F
Refrigerator
Up to 4 days
Air fry 3–4 min at 375°F
Freezer
Not recommended
Texture suffers
They do lose some crunch as they sit, but a quick reheat in the air fryer brings back most of that texture. Just don’t microwave themyou’ll end up with sad, rubbery noodles instead of the crispy snack you’re craving.
Craving delicious recipes and fresh cooking inspo? Follow me on Pinterest!
FAQs ( Air Fryer Pasta Chips )
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like bow ties, penne, or shells work perfectly because they crisp evenly and hold seasonings well. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti as it won’t get properly crispy. Cook the pasta just until al dente before air frying for best results.
How long should I cook them in the air fryer?
Cook for 8-10 minutes at 400F, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning. Start checking at 8 minutes since air fryer models vary. They’re done when golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Do I need to dry the pasta before air frying?
Yes, pat the cooked pasta completely dry with paper towels before adding oil and seasonings. Excess moisture prevents proper crisping and can make them soggy. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes after draining to air dry slightly.
Can I make these ahead of time?
These taste best served immediately while still warm and crispy. If you must store them, keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350F to restore crispiness.
What seasonings work well with this snack?
Garlic powder, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning are classic choices. For heat, try red pepper flakes or paprika. Ranch seasoning powder and everything bagel seasoning also make delicious variations for different flavor profiles.
You’ll love how these air fryer pasta chips turn outgolden and crunchy in just 15 minutes, with that garlicky aroma that fills your kitchen and makes everyone come running. They’re the kind of snack that disappears before you can even sit down, and honestly, I usually make a double batch now because one is never enough. The texture hits that perfect spot between crispy edges and just a little tender bite in the center.
Try tossing them with smoked paprika and a squeeze of lemon for a Spanish twist, or swap the parmesan for crumbled feta and oregano if you’re craving something Mediterranean. A trick I learned from my grandmother’s kitchen: add the cheese while they’re still piping hot so it melts just slightly into those ridges. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them in the air fryerthey’ll crisp right back up like you just made them.
Did you grow up turning leftovers into something totally new? I’d love to see your versiontag me when you share your pasta chips, or tell me what dipping sauce won you over. Save this one for your next movie night or when the kids need an after-school snack that actually excites them. Here’s to easy wins in the kitchen that taste like you fussed.
