Pasta Chips Recipe
If you love playful, snackable treats that double as appetizers and conversation starters, Pasta Chips will steal your heart (and maybe your last bite). These ultra-crispy, golden chips transform humble cooked pasta into an irresistible, Parmesan-dusted crunch fest with hints of Italian herbs and a little heat if you’re feeling adventurous. They offer everything you want in a snack: satisfying texture, bold flavor, and plenty of room for creative serving and dipping. Whether you’re gathering friends for movie night or just jazzing up your usual pasta routine, Pasta Chips are your next obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pasta Chips is their short, accessible ingredient list — every item brings something essential to the experience, from that signature crunch to pops of savory flavor. Here’s why each plays its part:
- Farfalle pasta: The bow-tie shape delivers plenty of surface area for crisping and holds on to all the good flavors. Feel free to swap in penne or rigatoni if you want a change!
- Olive oil: A generous drizzle lightly coats the pasta, promoting golden crispiness and that classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan not only gives a nutty, salty hit but also melts into a satisfying crust as the chips cook.
- Italian seasoning: This herby blend provides depth and fragrance, so every bite is singing with Italian inspiration.
- Salt: Essential for drawing flavor out of the pasta and making all the seasonings pop.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a touch of heat if you like your snacks with a little kick.
- Parsley (optional garnish): A shower of fresh parsley adds color and freshness, making those Pasta Chips party-ready.
How to Make Pasta Chips
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the farfalle pasta in salted water according to the package directions, aiming for al dente texture (usually about 10 minutes). You want the pasta firm enough to hold up to air-frying and provide that signature crunch. Once it’s done, drain well, and transfer immediately to a large mixing bowl while still hot.
Step 2: Season and Toss
While the pasta is warm, drizzle over the olive oil, add Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re in the mood. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly — you want every single piece to be coated so each chip turns out flavorful and golden. Pro tip: taste and adjust the seasoning here if you’d like extra cheese or more spice!
Step 3: Air Fry in Batches
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket with a little olive oil. Add half of the pasta in a single layer (overcrowding will keep things from crisping evenly). Cook for 6 minutes, then shake the basket to flip and redistribute the pasta, and air fry for another 4 to 6 minutes until your desired level of crunch is reached. Repeat with the second batch, adjusting the timing if needed if your first batch taught you any tricks!
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Pile up your freshly-crisped Pasta Chips on a serving plate and, while they’re still warm, shower them with extra Parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley. Serve them immediately just as they are, or paired with your favorite dips like marinara sauce — but don’t be surprised if they vanish as soon as they hit the table!
How to Serve Pasta Chips
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good finishing touch. Extra finely grated Parmesan snow and a pop of green from chopped parsley make Pasta Chips look as inviting as they taste. If you want to get fancy, a twist of lemon zest or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt will add extra flavor dimension and visual wow.
Side Dishes
Pasta Chips pair beautifully with a simple antipasto platter: think marinated olives, mozzarella balls, or roasted red peppers. They’re also perfect alongside a crisp salad (Caesar is a personal favorite) or even as a whimsical side on pizza night. The crunch plays well with creamy dips and anything bold or umami-rich.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Pasta Chips upright in tall glasses like party breadsticks, or arranged in a rustic bowl with toothpicks for easy grazing. If you’re feeling ambitious, construct a “chip and dip” board with an assortment of sauces — marinara, pesto, whipped ricotta, or even a garlicky aioli. Get playful: these are made for fun, hands-on snacking!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you actually manage to have leftovers, let the Pasta Chips cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay satisfyingly crispy for up to three days, perfect for snacking or adding crunch to salads and soups.
Freezing
While Pasta Chips are best fresh, in a pinch, you can freeze cooled chips in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible, seal tightly, and store for up to a month. Just keep in mind, they may soften a bit and lose a touch of crunch during thawing.
Reheating
Bring back peak crispiness by reheating Pasta Chips in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, or on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for about 5 minutes. Give them a gentle shake or toss halfway through to ensure even warming and maximum crunch.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes for Pasta Chips?
Absolutely! While farfalle is classic and adorable, penne, rigatoni, rotini, or even large shells will work. Just aim for shapes with enough heft and surface area to crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Do I need to use an air fryer, or can I bake Pasta Chips?
If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries! You can spread the seasoned pasta on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crunchy.
What dips go well with Pasta Chips?
Marinara sauce is a fan favorite, but pesto, whipped ricotta, garlic aioli, or even a creamy ranch dressing will turn these into a customizable snackable feast. Let your cravings lead the way!
How do I keep Pasta Chips crispy if making ahead?
Make sure they’re fully cooled before storing, and keep in an airtight container. If they soften a bit, simply pop them back in the air fryer or oven briefly to restore their crunch.
Can I make Pasta Chips gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your seasonings are gluten-free too. The crunch might be a little different, but they’ll still be just as addictive and fun to eat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Pasta Chips enough — they’re a snack, a party trick, and a guaranteed way to put smiles on faces. Try them once and you’ll wonder where they’ve been all your life. Don’t be afraid to riff on the seasonings or make them your own, and be sure to share (if you can bear to part with a handful)!
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Pasta Chips Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy pasta chips are a fun and flavorful snack or appetizer that can be easily made in an air fryer. Coated with parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, these chips have a delicious savory taste with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Pasta Chips:
- 1 lb. farfalle pasta (or similar)
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente, usually around 10 minutes. Drain and add to a large bowl.
- Coat with Seasonings: Add the olive oil, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pasta and toss to coat.
- Air Fry: Add half of the pasta to an olive oil-greased air fryer basket and fry at 400°F for 6 minutes, shake, then cook for an additional 4 to 6 minutes depending on desired crispiness. Cook the remaining pasta in a separate batch.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and parsley if desired. Enjoy plain, with marinara sauce, or a dip of choice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Pasta chips, Air fryer, Snack, Appetizer, Italian seasoning
