These crispy parmesan air fryer pasta chips are a game-changer! Ready in under 20 minutes, they're quick, easy, and delicious. Use your favorite pasta for a perfect snack, appetizer, or side—no oven needed!
The easiest crispy air fryer pasta chips recipe
Move over tortilla chips and popcorn—crispy, parmesan-coated air fryer pasta chips are here to steal the show! They're fun, delicious, and ready in under 20 minutes, making them the ultimate snack, appetizer, or side dish.
What makes this recipe so amazing? It's made with just four simple ingredients, no breading required, and it works with any pasta shape or type. I've tried it with whole wheat, chickpea, gluten-free, lentil, and even protein pasta—each batch comes out perfectly crispy and so satisfying.
Plus, it's super customizable and great for all ages. You can even make it gluten-free or vegan with one easy swap. I've made these dozens of times, and they never disappoint.
I can't wait for you to try this recipe and see why it's a total game-changer. Let me know what you think!
Why you'll love this air fryer recipe:
- Quick and easy: Air-fried to crispy perfection in under 15 minutes.
- Crispy and cheesy: Each pasta chip is golden, crunchy, and coated in parmesan.
- No bread crumbs needed: Skip the panko and egg wash—this recipe keeps it simple.
- Only 4 ingredients: Minimal effort, maximum flavor!
- Customizable: Works with whole wheat, regular, protein, chickpea, lentil, or gluten-free pasta.
- Gluten-free option: Easily swap to make it 100% gluten-free.
- No oven required: Perfect for keeping the kitchen cool.
The ingredients
Air fryer pasta chips are easy to make and call for 4 ingredients. This recipe is super customizable, and you can use any pasta you love. Here's what you'll need to make these crispy pasta chips:
- Pasta: Use any type or shape. Rigatoni and farfalle are great options. This recipe works with regular, chickpea, gluten-free, whole wheat, protein, or lentil pasta.
- Olive Oil: Helps make the pasta chips extra crispy. You can swap it for avocado oil or use olive oil spray for an oil-free option.
- Seasonings: A mix of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper adds all the flavor you need.
- Parmesan Cheese: The secret to crispy and cheesy pasta chips. You can also use Romano or pecorino for a twist.
Step-by-step how to make pasta chips in the air fryer
These air fryer pasta chips are super easy to make and don't need any breading. In under 20 minutes, you'll have crispy, cheesy chips perfect for a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Here's how to make them:
Step One: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta (rigatoni works great) al dente, following the package instructions. Once cooked, strain the pasta and add it to a mixing bowl.
Step Two: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
Step Three: Toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, seasonings, salt, and parmesan cheese. Make sure they are fully coasted.
Step Four: Put the pasta in the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 10–14 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. The time depends on the pasta shape—rigatoni takes about 13 minutes, and farfalle takes about 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through (around 6 minutes) to ensure they cook evenly.
Step Five: Serve your crispy pasta chips immediately! Top with extra parmesan and fresh parsley. Enjoy as a snack, appetizer with marinara or pesto, or as a side dish to your main meal.
Expert tips for homemade air fryer pasta chips
- Boil Your Pasta First: This is my #1 tip! Always boil the pasta before air frying. Uncooked, hard pasta will dry out in the air fryer. Boiling softens the pasta, ensuring it crisps up perfectly.
- Avoid Long Pasta: Spaghetti or other long pasta won't work well for this recipe. Stick to short shapes like rigatoni, farfalle, or elbows.
- Use Any Kind of Pasta: This recipe is super flexible! I love using regular wheat, chickpea, or protein pasta. You can also go for lentil, gluten-free, or whole-wheat pasta. It's the easiest and most customizable pasta chip recipe.
- Watch the Cook Time: Different pasta shapes cook at different speeds. I air-fry rigatoni for 13 minutes and farfalle for 10. Smaller pasta shapes like cavatappi, elbows, or fusilli may cook faster, so check around 8 minutes.
- Shake the Basket: At the 6-minute mark, give the basket a shake. This helps the pasta chips cook evenly, so they're all golden and crispy, not burnt. Every air fryer is different, so always keep an eye on them.
- Make It Vegan: Omit the parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast for a vegan version of these pasta chips.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free. It's easy and delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover cooked pasta?
Yes! As long as the pasta has been boiled, you can use it.
Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape or type, including regular wheat, chickpea, protein, gluten-free, whole-wheat, or lentil pasta. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, as it doesn't work well in the air fryer.
Do I need to cook the pasta first?
Yes, it's essential to boil the pasta before air frying. Uncooked pasta will dry out in the air fryer, but boiling softens it, allowing it to crisp perfectly.
How long do the pasta chips take to cook in the air fryer?
Cooking time depends on the pasta shape. Rigatoni takes about 13 minutes, farfalle (bow-tie) takes around 10 minutes, and smaller pasta shapes like cavatappi or elbows may cook in 8–9 minutes. Always check around the 8-minute mark to avoid burning.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make these chips gluten-free. It's an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes! To make these pasta chips vegan, just omit the parmesan cheese and swap it with nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
How do I store leftover pasta chips?
I recommend enjoying pasta chips right after air frying for the best crispy texture. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To re-crisp them, pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Air Fryer Tortellini
- Air Fryer Gnocchi
- Air Fryer Home Fries
- Air Fryer Bagel Bites
- Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Pasta Chips
Ingredients
- 2 cups rigatoni or farfalle (bow-tie), regular, whole wheat, chickpea, or gluten-free
- 1 - 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the rigatoni. Cook al dente according to the package. When done, strain the pasta and add it directly to a mixing bowl.
- Meanwhile, preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
- Toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, seasonings, salt, and parmesan cheese.
- Add it to the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 10 – 14 minutes until golden brown and crispy. I recommend shaking the basket at the 6-minute mark since all air fryers are different.
- Enjoy immediately! Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve as a side with your favorite main dish or as an appetizer with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping.
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
Sharing is caring!
Julie says
I used nutritional yeast in place of cheese with a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice. So delicious! Thanks!
Tati Chermayeff says
Thank you, Julie! Your review made my day! So kind.