Forget the potato chips—these Air Fryer Pasta Chips are the crunchy, spicy snack you’ve been waiting for. Whip them up quickly in your air fryer for a satisfying treat that’s both addictive and easy.
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable Spices: Adjust the spice level to your preference.
- Healthier Alternative: A crunchy snack without deep frying.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry farfalle (bowtie) pasta: Provides the structure and crunch. Substitute with penne or rigatoni if needed.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil: Helps to crisp up the pasta and distribute the seasoning uniformly.
- ½ cup grated parmesan: Adds a savory, umami flavor. You can substitute with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in a blend of herbs for depth. If unavailable, use a mix of dried basil and oregano.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a robust garlic flavor. Garlic granules can be used as an alternative.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt: Enhances flavor and balances the spices.
- 1 teaspoon crushed black pepper: Adds a mild heat and earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes: Provides a kick of heat. Adjust to taste by reducing or omitting.
How to Make It
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle just shy of al dente, according to the package instructions. The pasta should still have a slight firmness since it will continue to cook in the air fryer. Drain well and set aside so excess water doesn’t interfere with the oil and seasonings.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to preheat at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking from the get-go, resulting in uniformly crispy chips.
Step 3: Season the Pasta
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, olive oil, parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat each piece of pasta with the oil and seasoning mixture, making sure every bowtie is well-flavored.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chips
Transfer the seasoned pasta to the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can affect crispiness. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chips are done when they’re golden and crispy.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once crispy, remove the pasta chips from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. This step ensures they harden to the perfect crunch before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while farfalle works great due to its shape and size, other short pasta like penne or rigatoni can also be used. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply replace the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast to keep the umami flavor without dairy.
What should I do if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the chips in a conventional oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy.
