Crunchy Parmesan Pasta Chips (Printable Version)

Crispy air-fried pasta shells coated in Parmesan and spices, ideal for a savory bite.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 9 ounces short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)

→ Coating

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
06 - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
08 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ To Serve (optional)

09 - Marinara sauce for dipping

# How To Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking, then pat dry with paper towels.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with olive oil until evenly coated.
03 - Incorporate Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure all pieces are well coated.
04 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
05 - Arrange pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp.
06 - Remove the chips and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Offer marinara sauce on the side if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're dangerously addictive and ready in under 25 minutes, which means you can make them on a whim whenever a craving strikes.
  • The garlic and Parmesan coat every nook and cranny, delivering savory flavor that tastes way more complicated than it actually is.
  • One recipe feeds a crowd or becomes your secret snacking stash, and they're the kind of thing guests actually remember.
02 -
  • Drying the pasta thoroughly after cooking is non-negotiable if you want crispness, not chewiness—don't skip the paper towel step even if you're in a hurry.
  • The second you overcrowd the air fryer basket, you'll end up with soggy patches and unevenly cooked chips, so work in batches even if it feels like extra work.
03 -
  • Don't skip the cold rinse after cooking the pasta—it stops the cooking process and prevents the pieces from sticking together into clumps.
  • If your air fryer runs hot or cold, adjust the temperature and timing slightly; some air fryers need 190°C while others prefer 210°C, so watch the first batch carefully.
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