Air Fryer Pasta Chips are a fun and crunchy alternative to potato chips!

Make your own version of the fried Olive Garden favorite appetizer using the air fryer. In just a few minutes a tasty and unusual snack can be ready for dipping and dunking. These little bite-sized snacks are so good with all kinds of dips and dressings or sauces! And they’re a huge visual upgrade from regular chips on a picnic or potluck table. So for something different, why not try serving a bowl of crispy crunchy pasta chips? 

close up of Air Fryer Pasta Chips with dip    

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What are Pasta Chips?

  • Everyone loves this recipe for homemade pasta chips because any shape of pasta can be used. Make homemade them as a topping for soups and salads, too!
  • Make a batch or two in minutes so they’re ready for parties, movie nights, or just a quick snack!
  • Experiment with seasonings, sauces and dips! Try it with pesto!
  • Use fiber-based pastas or gluten-free pasta for a kick of nutrition. Purchase vegetable-based pastas made from spinach or from legumes like red beans, black beans, or green peas. So many options!

Air Fryer Pasta Chips with dip on a white plate

Easy Ingredients & Variations

PASTA: This recipe uses rigatoni like bowtie, penne, and broken pieces of lasagna noodles that are perfect for dipping and scooping!

SEASONINGS: Use packaged Italian seasonings or try this homemade version. Or switch up the flavor profile and try some homemade Jerk Seasoning or even Everything Bagel Seasoning.

OILS: Olive oil has a mild, savory flavor but melted bacon grease, sesame oil or avocado oil can be used for flavor along with the seasonings.

ingredients to make Air Fryer Pasta Chips

How to Make Pasta Chips

Fun & easy to make, these unique air fried chips are ready in just a few simple steps:

  1. Cook pasta al dente. Drain & return to the pot. Stir in remaining ingredients, except parsley.
  2. Air fry (per recipe below). Cool before serving. 
  3. Top with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Eat them alone or with a dip or sauce.

Air Fryer Pasta Chips in the air fryer before cooking

Dip for Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Make Greek Yogurt Dip for a quick and easy condiment. Simply switch the cilantro for parsley or basil to give it an Italian flair, or if no fresh herbs are on hand, skip them altogether. Or use this simple Dillionaire Veggie Dip that everyone loves, or this spicy southwestern Smoked Tomato Guacamole.

Cooked Air Fryer Pasta Chips in the air fryer

Tips for Pasta Chips

  • For best results, don’t boil pasta too long otherwise the chips will break apart while they are being seasoned and air fried.
  • Avoid rinsing them before putting them back into the pot because the residual starch helps the oil and seasonings adhere.
  • Pasta chips will crisp up as they cool, but for extra crispy chips, pop them back into the air fryer a few minutes more.
  • Store left overs in a zippered bag at room temperature.

plated Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Other Easy Appetizers and Snacks To Try!

close up of Air Fryer Pasta Chips with dip
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Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Use your air fryer to make these crunchy pasta chips! Perfect served as a fun appetizer with dip, or use them as a topping for soups or salads.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Author Candace

Equipment

Ingredients  

  • 8 ounces rigatoni pasta or bow tie or penne (I used tortiglioni)
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish if desired
  • 1 teaspoon Italian dressing mix or your favorite seasoning mix (or ½ teaspoon oregano and ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • parsley finely chopped, to garnish, optional

Instructions 

  • Cook pasta to al dente according to package directions. Do not overcook. Drain and return to the pot to remove moisture.
  • About 2 minutes before pasta is ready, preheat air fryer to 400°F.
  • To the pot of pasta, add olive oil, parmesan, and seasoning and toss to coat.
  • Add pasta to air fryer basket* and cook for 10-12 minutes**, tossing the basket every 3-4 minutes until they are cooked to desired doneness.
  • Cool for about 3-4 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and parmesan if desired. Serve with dip, salsa, or hummus.

Notes

*While a single layer is best (meaning you may need to do batches), tossing the basket every 3-4 minutes works to cook them all at once!
**The "pasta chips" crisp as they cool. If you'd like them to be a bit more crisp after they've cooled, simply pop them back in the air fryer for another couple of minutes.
Nutrition information does not include dip.
5 from 9 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 180 | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 198mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 36IU | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.

Course Pasta, Snack
Cuisine American

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About the author

I am a wife, mother of two, and professional accountant. I love fantastic food, and it is so often the center of our lives, from everyday dinner, to family gatherings, and special evenings at fabulous restaurants. I have always loved cooking and baking, with my mom and grandma, and now, with my daughter and son. I love trying new recipes while enjoying my favorites too. I’m so happy to share them with you.
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