Can I bake these if I don’t have an air fryer?

Absolutely! Simply spread the cooked, seasoned pasta on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Do I have to use rigatoni?

Nope! While rigatoni is wonderfully sturdy with a great crunch, other chunky shapes like penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta also work well. Just try to avoid delicate shapes, as they can get too brittle.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Definitely. Prepare them in advance and store in an airtight container. Give them a quick blast in the air fryer for extra crunch right before serving if needed.

What if my pasta chips aren’t crispy enough?

Make sure the cooked pasta is thoroughly dried before seasoning, avoid overcrowding in the air fryer, and cook until they’re a rich golden brown. Crispness improves as they cool, too!

Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 8 ounces rigatoni noodles, cooked al dente and drained; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for air frying); ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

Looking for a fun, crunchy snack that’s dangerously easy and wildly addictive? Meet Air Fryer Pasta Chips—the snack everyone will be talking about! With just a handful of simple ingredients and barely any effort, you can create a deliciously crisp treat in under 30 minutes. These chips have a satisfyingly golden crunch, infused with savory parmesan and garlic, and are perfect for busy weeknights, party platters, or whenever you need that salty, cheesy fix. The best part? You probably have everything you need in your pantry right now.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy and Effortless: These pasta chips come together incredibly fast—no complicated steps or fancy gear required.
Super Crunchy: The air fryer transforms ordinary pasta into crispy, golden chips with the perfect hearty bite.
Packed with Flavor: The irresistible combo of parmesan and garlic packs every chip with savory, cheesy goodness.
Endlessly Adaptable: Whether you’re craving Italian-inspired flavors, extra spice, or want to clean out the pantry, this recipe is built for endless customizing.
Kid Friendly and Party Ready: Serve them as a quirky appetizer, fun game-day nibble, or after-school snack. They’ll disappear in no time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rigatoni Pasta: Choose rigatoni for that sturdy, scoopable shape, but any short pasta works well. Be sure to cook it just until al dente so your chips stay perfectly crisp, not chewy.
Olive Oil: A little oil helps the parmesan stick and creates that irresistibly crispy crust in the air fryer. Use extra for drizzling if you want maximum crunch.
Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a punchy flavor and depth—skip the garlic powder if possible.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the savory flavors.
Black Pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and gentle spice.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan creates a salty, nutty coating that bakes into crunchy, cheesy goodness. Freshly grated is miles better than the can—but use what you have!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Ready to put your twist on pasta chips? Here are some fun ideas you can try:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
Herb Lovers: Toss in dried Italian herbs like oregano or basil for a Mediterranean vibe.
Cheese Swap: Try grated pecorino, asiago, or even a sharp cheddar for different flavor notes.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—just make sure it’s sturdy enough to crisp up.
Different Pasta Shapes: Penne, farfalle (bowtie), fusilli, or ziti all work. Smaller shapes get extra crunchy!
Dippable Delight: Serve with marinara, pesto, ranch, or a spicy aioli for dunking.

How to Make Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Step 1: Cook and Prep the Pasta

Begin by cooking the rigatoni just until al dente—don’t overcook, or they’ll get soft instead of crunchy. Drain thoroughly, then lay out the pasta on a clean kitchen towel and pat dry. Removing excess moisture is key to ultimate crispiness.

Step 2: Flavor It Up

In a large bowl, toss the pasta with olive oil, making sure each piece is lightly coated. Sprinkle in minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and most of the parmesan cheese (save a tablespoon or two for after air frying if you want extra cheesy finish). Stir well so every noodle gets seasoned.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crunchy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer—most work best at around 400°F. Arrange pasta in a single layer in the basket (it’s totally fine to do a couple of batches for the crunchiest result). Air fry for about 10–12 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through. You’re looking for a crisp texture and golden brown edges.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once they’re crisp and delicious, toss them with the remaining parmesan and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired. Let them cool for a couple minutes before diving in; they’ll get crunchier as they sit!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Dry is Key: The drier your pasta before air frying, the crunchier your chips. Use paper towels or a kitchen towel to soak up extra water.
Don’t Crowd the Basket: Space out the pasta chips in the air fryer. Overcrowding leads to soft spots and uneven crisping.
Watch Closely: All air fryers are a little different—start checking at 8 minutes to avoid over-browning.
Freshly Grated Cheese: For best flavor and texture, freshly grate your parmesan.
Extra Flavor?: Sprinkle a bit more cheese or flaky salt as soon as they come out—so good.

How to Serve

These crispy pasta chips were made for snacking and sharing! Here are some fun serving ideas:

Dip It

Pair these chips with a richly flavored dip—think classic marinara, creamy ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or garlicky pesto.

Charcuterie Board Star

Scatter a bowlful on your next snack board alongside salami, olives, and cheese.

Movie Night Treat

Forget popcorn—fill a big bowl with these and watch them vanish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the pasta chips cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll stay perfectly crisp for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Freezing

Not recommended. Freezing changes the texture and makes the chips lose their signature crunch.

Reheating

If your pasta chips lose a bit of crunch, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for a minute or two—good as new!

FAQs

Can I bake these if I don’t have an air fryer?

Absolutely! Simply spread the cooked, seasoned pasta on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Do I have to use rigatoni?

Nope! While rigatoni is wonderfully sturdy with a great crunch, other chunky shapes like penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta also work well. Just try to avoid delicate shapes, as they can get too brittle.
Can I make these ahead for a party?

Definitely. Prepare them in advance and store in an airtight container. Give them a quick blast in the air fryer for extra crunch right before serving if needed.
What if my pasta chips aren’t crispy enough?

Make sure the cooked pasta is thoroughly dried before seasoning, avoid overcrowding in the air fryer, and cook until they’re a rich golden brown. Crispness improves as they cool, too!

Final Thoughts

If you love crunchy snacks with bold flavors, these Air Fryer Pasta Chips are a total game changer. They’re so easy, satisfy every salty craving, and add a playful twist to the snack table. Don’t be afraid to get creative with add-ins and dips—it’s hard to go wrong. Give this recipe a try and watch everyone fight over the last chip!