Have you ever wondered what happens when you turn pasta into a crispy, crunchy snack? Say hello to Air Fryer Pasta Chips! This viral TikTok trend has taken the internet by storm, and for a good reason. These golden, crispy pasta bites are cheesy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.

Using an air fryer, you can achieve a perfect crunch without the extra oil of deep frying. Whether you need a quick snack, a fun party appetizer, or a healthy alternative to potato chips, these pasta chips will be your new favorite.

In this post, you’ll learn:

How to make the crispiest pasta chips in an air fryer
The best pasta shapes for this recipe
Seasoning variations and dipping sauce ideas
How to store and reheat leftovers

Let’s dive in! 🔥

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Still not convinced? Here’s why air fryer pasta chips deserve a spot in your snack rotation:

✔️ Healthier than deep-fried chips – Uses minimal oil and still gets super crispy.
✔️ Quick & easy – Ready in under 20 minutes!
✔️ Customizable flavors – From cheesy garlic to spicy buffalo, the options are endless.
✔️ Perfect for dipping – Pairs well with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
✔️ Great for meal prep – Store them in an airtight container and reheat anytime!

This snack is fun, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying—just like potato chips, but better!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Before we start, here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta:

1 cup Short pasta works best – Farfalle (bowtie), rigatoni, or penne hold their shape well.
Cooked al dente – Overcooked pasta can become too soft and won’t crisp up properly.

Seasonings & Coating:

2 tablespoons Olive oil or avocado oil – Helps the seasonings stick and enhances crispiness.
¼ cup Parmesan cheese – Adds a cheesy, golden crust.
1 teaspoon Garlic powder – For a rich, savory flavor.
Salt & black pepper – Enhances the overall taste.

Optional Dips:

Marinara sauce – Classic pizza-like flavor.
Garlic aioli – Creamy and garlicky!
Ranch dressing – Perfect for dipping.
Alfredo sauce – For a rich, cheesy experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta al dente (firm to the bite). This helps it stay crispy when air-fried.
Drain the pasta and pat it dry using a paper towel. (Excess moisture prevents crisping!)

Step 2: Season the Pasta

Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
Add Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until every piece is coated with delicious flavor.

Step 3: Air Fry the Pasta Chips

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange the pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd!).
Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Once golden brown and crispy, remove from the air fryer.

🔥 Pro Tip: If you want them extra crispy, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes!

Serving Suggestions & Dipping Sauces

Now for the fun part—what to pair your pasta chips with!

🥫 Marinara Sauce – A classic Italian-style dip.
🧄 Garlic Butter Parmesan – Toss chips in melted garlic butter for extra flavor.
🧀 Alfredo Sauce – If you love creamy, cheesy dips.
🌶️ Buffalo Ranch – Mix ranch dressing with a dash of buffalo sauce.

Serve these with a charcuterie board, enjoy them on game day, or just snack on them while watching Netflix!

Storage & Reheating Tips

Want to save leftovers for later? Here’s how to keep them crispy:

🛑 Storage: Place the pasta chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheating: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness.

❌ Avoid the microwave – it will make them soft and soggy!

Flavor Variations & Customizations

Love variety? Here are some fun ways to spice up your pasta chips:

🌶️ Spicy Pasta Chips – Add cayenne pepper or buffalo seasoning for extra heat.
🧄 Garlic Butter Parmesan – Toss in melted garlic butter after air frying.
🧀 Cheddar Ranch – Sprinkle with ranch seasoning and cheddar cheese.
🥑 Vegan Version – Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
🌾 Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta like Barilla GF.

✨ The possibilities are endless—get creative!

FAQs About Air Fryer Pasta Chips

❓ Why are my pasta chips not crispy?
✔️ Dry your pasta before air frying.
✔️ Avoid overcrowding the basket.
✔️ Cook a little longer if needed.

❓ Can I bake these in the oven?
✔️ Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

❓ What’s the best pasta shape for chips?
✔️ Farfalle (bowtie) – Holds seasonings well.
✔️ Rigatoni – Creates hollow, crunchy bites.
✔️ Penne – Classic shape, great for dipping.

Final Thoughts: Try This Viral Snack Today!

Air fryer pasta chips are crispy, cheesy, and ridiculously addictive! Whether you’re making them for a party, snack, or game day, they’re sure to be a hit.

🔥 Now it’s your turn! Have you tried making pasta chips? What’s your favorite seasoning? Drop a comment below!

👉 Love air fryer snacks? Check out these recipes:

You can also follow me on Instagram, and Pinterest for more easy & air fryer baking recipes.