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.
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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.

- 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.
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

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

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:
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.
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.
Yes! Simply substitute the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan alternative. Also, ensure any dipping sauces you serve are vegan-friendly.
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!
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Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air Fryer Pasta Chips are a crispy, flavorful appetizer made from al dente rigatoni pasta noodles air-fried to golden perfection. Tossed in a garlic-infused olive oil mixture and topped with grated parmesan cheese, these chips are perfect for snacking or serving with your favorite dips like marinara or garlic sauce.
Ingredients
Main 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
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer. Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to preheat while you prepare the pasta chips.
- Toss Pasta with Oil. In a large bowl, add the cooked rigatoni noodles and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss well to ensure each noodle is evenly coated with the oil.
- Arrange Pasta in Basket. Place the coated noodles in a single layer inside your air fryer basket or rack to allow even cooking and crisping.
- Air Fry Pasta. Cook the pasta chips in the preheated air fryer for 10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare Flavoring Mix. While the pasta is cooking, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. Mix well to create a flavorful oil mixture.
- Toss Pasta with Flavoring. Transfer the air-fried pasta chips to a large bowl and pour the garlic oil mixture over them. Toss thoroughly to coat all the chips evenly with the seasoning.
- Add Parmesan and Serve. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the coated pasta chips and toss lightly. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as marinara or garlic sauce.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the rigatoni noodles al dente to ensure they become crispy when air fried and don’t become too soft.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the pasta chips in batches to avoid overcrowding for the crispest results.
- You can substitute parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly alternative.
- For extra flavor, add dried Italian herbs or red pepper flakes to the garlic oil mixture before tossing.
- Serve these chips warm for best texture; they may lose crispness if left to cool for too long.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 ounces
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg



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