Name: Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-488375H50M33S
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American-Inspired
Ingredients: Pasta (any shape; rigatoni and farfalle work well); Olive oil (or avocado oil); Italian seasoning; Garlic powder; Sea salt; Black pepper; Parmesan cheese (or Romano, Pecorino)

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I make these crispy parmesan air fryer pasta chips when I want a snack that’s fun, quick, and totally addictive. With just pasta, olive oil, seasonings, and Parmesan, they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer in under 20 minutes—no breading or oven required.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these pasta chips turn ordinary pasta into a crunchy, cheesy treat. They’re versatile enough for any pasta shape or type—whole wheat, gluten-free, lentil, chickpea—and still come out perfectly crisp. The best part? They’re incredibly easy, with no messy breading steps, and they can be served as a snack, appetizer, or even a crunchy side for soups and salads.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (any shape; rigatoni and farfalle work well)
Olive oil (or avocado oil)
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Sea salt
Black pepper
Parmesan cheese (or Romano, Pecorino)

Directions

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente, following the package instructions.
I drain the pasta and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
I drizzle olive oil over the pasta and toss with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
I sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, coating each piece evenly.
I place the pasta in the air fryer basket in a single layer, cooking at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
I let them cool slightly before serving—they get even crispier as they sit.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes (plus pasta boiling time)
Total time: about 20 minutes

Variations

I like changing up flavors for these chips:

Toss with smoked paprika or chili flakes for a smoky kick.
Use truffle oil instead of olive oil for a gourmet twist.
Swap Parmesan for vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning for extra crunch and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover pasta chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To re-crisp them, I pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I skip the cheese?

Yes—just season the pasta well before air frying, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

2. Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

I do, because cooking it al dente first ensures it crisps up without becoming too hard.

3. Can I make them oil-free?

Yes—I use olive oil spray or skip oil entirely, though the chips won’t be quite as crispy.

4. What’s the best pasta shape?

I prefer rigatoni and farfalle because their shape and ridges hold seasoning and crisp evenly.

5. How can I serve them?

I serve them with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping, or use them as a crunchy topping for soups.

Conclusion

I find crispy parmesan air fryer pasta chips to be one of the easiest, most satisfying snacks I can make in minutes. They’re endlessly customizable, perfectly crunchy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time I whip up a batch.