Crunchy, golden, and flavor-packed, The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips are the viral snack you absolutely need in your rotation! Imagine all the satisfying crispness of classic chips, but made from whole grain pasta and loaded with zesty, cheesy, and garlicky goodness. Once you try a handful, they’re impossible to stop munching!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Crunchy & Addictive: That irresistible crispiness will have you reaching back for more!
- Packed with Bold, Savory Flavor: Nutritional yeast, lemon, and spices make every bite taste cheese-y and vibrant, without any dairy.
- Remarkably Easy & Quick: Just toss, air fry, and munch—minimal effort for maximum fun.
- Whole Grain, Plant-Based Goodness: These chips are a smarter, more satisfying alternative to traditional snacks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Can you believe you only need a handful of pantry staples to bring The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips to life? Each ingredient builds a layer of texture and pop of flavor—nothing flashy, just the essentials that make this snack unforgettable.
- Whole grain pasta (8 oz): Shapes like penne, bowtie, rotini, or shells work best for holding that extra crunch and seasoning.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Fresh brightness that wakes up all the other flavors and keeps the chips from feeling heavy.
- Nutritional yeast (⅓ cup): Gives that irresistibly cheesy, umami punch—no dairy needed!
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Essential for that classic savory, aromatic backbone.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, toasty note that takes the seasoning over the top.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough to balance and highlight all those bold seasonings.
Variations
I’m all for making The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips your own. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, adjusting for allergies, or just feeling adventurous, there are tons of simple tweaks that keep things fresh and fun every single time.
- Spicy Pasta Chips: Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning mix for an extra kick.
- Herbed Chips: Toss in dried Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, or thyme) for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta; just be sure to cook it al dente to avoid crumbling.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle vegan parmesan or even regular parmesan after air frying for extra cheesy crunch (if not fully plant-based).
How to Make The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips
Step 1: Cook and Prep the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta of choice according to the package directions. You want it al dente—still firm! Drain thoroughly, then transfer the pasta to a mixing bowl while it’s still warm for best results.
Step 2: Season for Maximum Flavor
While the pasta is hot, add the fresh lemon juice and stir so every piece gets a little zing. Next, sprinkle nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt over the top. Toss everything gently, making sure every bite is coated evenly with that delicious, savory goodness.
Step 3: Air Fry (or Bake!) Until Golden and Crisp
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spread the pasta in an even layer (don’t overcrowd—work in batches as needed!). Air fry for 8–12 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice so everything cooks evenly. If you’re making a big batch, you can also bake in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet at 375°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Cool for Extra Crunch
This is the game-changer step for The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips: Let the chips cool undisturbed for about 10 minutes once they come out. They’ll crisp up beautifully as they cool—snag one while it’s warm if you can’t resist, but for premium crunch, patience pays off!
Pro Tips for Making The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips
- Shape Matters: Choose pasta shapes with hollow centers or ridges (penne, bowties, rotini) so seasoning clings and they stay crunchy after air frying.
- Don’t Skip the Drying: After draining, pat your pasta with a paper towel—or let it steam dry—so you don’t end up with chewy chips.
- Batch Cooking Brilliance: Spread pasta out in a single layer; overcrowding prevents even crisping (better to cook in two quick batches than one soggy one!).
- Let Them Cool Completely: If you can resist, let your pasta chips cool for about 10 minutes post-frying—they’ll firm up and reach peak crunch.
How to Serve The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips
Garnishes
I love to sprinkle a little extra nutritional yeast over The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips just before serving for another layer of savory zest. Freshly chopped parsley or basil adds color and a herby pop that makes them look as fresh as they taste!
Side Dishes
These chips are outrageously good next to a creamy vegan dip—think roasted red pepper hummus, avocado pesto, or classic marinara. They also make a killer crunchy topping for salads or a hearty side for soup night.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-worthy appetizer, serve The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips piled high in a rustic bowl with colorful dipping sauces in the center. Or layer them into jars tied with twine for a fun edible gift. You can even make “nachos” by scattering them on a platter and topping with anything you love!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, let the chips cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll stay deliciously crisp at room temperature for up to 3 days—just keep moisture out for maximum crunch.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t necessary (these really are best fresh!), you can freeze cooled pasta chips in a zip-top bag for up to a month if needed. Defrost at room temp, then re-crisp in the air fryer for a couple of minutes before serving.
Reheating
If your chips lose a little crunch, revive them with 2–3 minutes in a preheated air fryer at 350°F or in a hot oven. They’ll taste fresh-from-the-fryer good all over again!
FAQs
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Why did my air fryer pasta chips turn out chewy instead of crispy?
If your chips are chewy, the most common culprit is overcrowding the air fryer or not cooking them long enough. Try making sure the pasta is well spread out in a single layer and give them a little extra time, shaking the basket so they crisp evenly. Don’t forget that as they cool, they’ll crisp up even more!
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Can I use any pasta shape for The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips?
Absolutely! Penne, bowtie, rotini, and shells work best for that classic crunch, but feel free to try others. Small, sturdy shapes do best—avoid spaghetti or noodles that might not crisp evenly.
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How can I make these chips gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and cook it al dente (slightly underdone). Just be a little gentle after cooking, as GF pasta can be more delicate, but the results are just as scrumptious!
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Are The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips healthy?
These chips are made from whole grains and don’t require any oil or dairy, so they’re a lighter, more wholesome version of crispy snacks. Plus, they’re plant-based and high in fiber if you use whole grain pasta!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for your new favorite snack, give The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips a spot on your kitchen lineup. Simple, customizable, and so much fun to make (and eat!), these chips will wow your friends and satisfy any crunchy craving. Happy snacking!
Print
The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fry, Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make the best air fryer pasta chips – a delicious and healthy snack that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. These pasta chips are seasoned to perfection and can be made in the air fryer or oven for a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
8 oz whole grain pasta
- penne, bowtie, rotini, shells
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Season pasta: Add lemon juice and mix well. Then add seasonings and toss to coat.
- Air fryer method: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Add pasta chips evenly spread out. Cook for 8-12 minutes, shaking a couple of times to redistribute the chips.
- Oven method: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the pasta chips in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake until golden brown and crispy, about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Notes
- It’s okay if the chips aren’t super crispy at first. Let them cool for 10 minutes, and they’ll crisp up even more.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 200 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
