Name: Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces rigatoni noodles, cooked al dente and drained; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn ordinary pasta into an addictive, crunchy snack, you’re in for a treat. This Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe takes rigatoni noodles and transforms them into golden, garlicky chips that are impossible to resist.

A white bowl filled with two layers: the outer layer is made of golden-brown baked rigatoni pasta pieces sprinkled with grated cheese and small green herb bits, while the inner layer is a small white bowl of bright red tomato sauce with a smooth texture, placed on the left side inside the larger bowl; the larger bowl sits on a dark brown cloth over a white marbled surface, with a small green parsley bunch near the bottom left and a white bowl with white creamy sauce at the bottom right, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of these crispy little pasta chips—they’re incredibly simple to make, yet so flavorful and fun to eat. Perfect for snacking or impressing guests at your next get-together!

Crunchy on the outside: Air frying turns rigatoni into perfectly crisp chips without deep frying.
Flavor-packed: Garlic olive oil and parmesan add a savory punch to every bite.
Quick prep: Just 25 minutes from start to finish, great for last-minute snacks.
Versatile serving: Delicious on their own or paired with dips like marinara or garlic sauce.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Keeping it simple is the secret here. Choosing good quality olive oil and fresh parmesan really lifts this snack from good to crave-worthy.

Flat lay of cooked rigatoni pasta noodles, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of minced garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl filled with grated parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Rigatoni noodles: The tube shape crisps beautifully and holds the seasoning well.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the pasta chips brown perfectly in the air fryer.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the chips with savory, aromatic flavor that wakes up your taste buds.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the garlic.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts slightly on the warm chips, delivering that classic Italian finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to dial up the spice, swap in different cheeses, or keep it vegan, this recipe welcomes your creativity!

Herby Twist: I love adding a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic oil mixture. It adds a lovely aromatic depth and a gentle heat that pairs perfectly with the parmesan topping.
Vegan-Friendly Version: Instead of parmesan cheese, I sometimes use nutritional yeast to keep it dairy-free. It gives a cheesy, nutty flavor that still delivers that savory punch.
Seasonal Flavor Boost: For a fall-inspired flair, toss the pasta chips with a dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg before air frying. It’s surprisingly delicious and cozy!
Dip It Up: While marinara is classic, creamy garlic sauce or even a fresh pesto can transform the experience and suit different moods.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe

A close-up image showing a woman's hand dipping a ridged, crunchy, golden-yellow chip into a small white bowl filled with thick, red marinara sauce. The small bowl sits in the middle of a larger white dish filled with many similar textured chips sprinkled lightly with herbs and cheese. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer to 400°F

Setting your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and letting it preheat is key. This ensures the pasta chips start crisping the moment they hit the basket. While it warms up, you can prep the rest of your ingredients—easy and efficient!

Step 2: Toss Rigatoni with Olive Oil

Grab a large bowl and add your cooked rigatoni noodles that are perfectly al dente. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them and toss well so each noodle gets an even coating. This light oil layer is what helps them achieve that signature golden crisp.

Step 3: Arrange the Pasta Noodles in a Single Layer

Place the coated rigatoni in your air fryer basket or rack. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer — crowding means soggy spots instead of crispy. If your basket is on the small side, don’t hesitate to cook in batches!

Step 4: Air Fry the Pasta to Perfect Crispness

Cook the pasta chips for 10 minutes, watching as they transform from soft noodles to crunchy little bites of golden delight. You’ll know they’re ready when each chip has a satisfying crunch and a warm toasted color.

Step 5: Mix Up Your Garlic Oil Flavor Bomb

While the pasta cooks, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. This flavorful mixture will infuse the chips with that irresistible savory punch right after air frying.

Step 6: Toss Pasta Chips with Garlic Oil Mixture

Once the rigatoni is golden and crispy, transfer it into a large bowl. Pour the garlic oil mixture over the hot chips and toss gently but thoroughly, coating every chip in that delicious seasoning.

Step 7: Sprinkle Parmesan and Serve While Warm

Finally, shower your crispy air fryer pasta chips with grated parmesan cheese. Give them one light toss to spread the cheesy goodness evenly. Serve immediately, ideally warm, alongside your favorite dips like marinara or creamy garlic sauce. You’ll be amazed at how addictive these crispy little bites are!

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe is all about the little details that take these air-fried rigatoni chips from good to irresistible. These tips are my personal favorites after many batches in the kitchen!

Perfect Pasta Texture: Be sure to cook your rigatoni noodles al dente. Overcooked pasta turns mushy rather than crisp when air fried, and undercooked pasta will be too hard. Finding that balance is key to achieving the ideal chip texture.
Single Layer Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Giving each piece enough space lets the hot air circulate freely, ensuring every chip crisps up evenly and beautifully.
Garlic Oil Tossing: Toss the warm pasta chips in the garlic-infused olive oil right after air frying. The warmth helps the flavors absorb better, resulting in a more fragrant, flavorful bite.
Timing Your Parmesan: Add the grated parmesan cheese at the very end and toss lightly. Adding it too early can cause the cheese to melt and lose its texture, which we don’t want on crispy chips!

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe

The image shows two close-up views of a clear glass bowl filled with crispy, golden-brown snack sticks that look crunchy and slightly ridged. In the top part, a small clear glass container with yellow oil and herbs is being poured gently over the sticks. In the bottom part, white grated cheese is sprinkled above the snack sticks, resting in the bowl with a light texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your crispy pasta chips, try garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice gentle heat, or a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar for a touch of tangy sweetness. Lemon zest over the top also pairs wonderfully with the garlic and parmesan flavors, brightening each bite.

Side Dishes

These chips shine as a standalone snack but also pair perfectly with side dishes like a chilled Caprese salad, roasted red pepper hummus, or your favorite marinara and creamy garlic sauces for dipping. They’re fantastic alongside a fresh Italian antipasto platter or even served as a crunchy contrast on a charcuterie board.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best eaten within 1 to 2 days to maintain crispness. Refrigeration can make them lose their crunch, so try to avoid that if possible.

Freezing

While freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining the perfect crunch, you can freeze the cooked pasta chips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and re-crisp before serving.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly air-fried crunch, reheat your stored pasta chips in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. This quick reheat restores their golden crispness beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other pasta shapes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni works great because of its tubular shape and size, other sturdy pasta shapes like penne or ziti can also be air-fried into crispy chips. Just make sure they’re cooked al dente to avoid sogginess.

How do I keep the pasta chips from sticking together?

Toss the pasta noodles well with olive oil before air frying to prevent sticking. Additionally, air fry them in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket for the crispiest and most separate chips.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan alternative. Also, ensure any dipping sauces you serve are vegan-friendly.

What dipping sauces go best with these pasta chips?

Classic marinara and garlic sauce are fantastic options, but you can also try pesto, roasted red pepper dip, or even creamy ranch. The choice depends on your flavor mood!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about turning simple pasta into crispy, crunchy chips with a burst of garlic and parmesan flavor. This Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe is not only quick and easy but endlessly customizable. Whether you’re serving them as a snack for movie night or as an elegant appetizer at your next gathering, they’re sure to delight. So grab your air fryer, get cooking, and enjoy that perfect, golden crunch!