Crunchy Parmesan Pasta Chips (Print)

Crispy Parmesan-coated pasta shells air-fried to golden crisp for a savory, addictive snack or appetizer.

# Components:

→ Pasta

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

→ Coating

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

→ To Serve (optional)

09 - Marinara sauce for dipping

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're dangerously addictive—crunchy pasta shells coated in nutty Parmesan that disappear faster than you'd expect.
  • Takes less time than ordering takeout, and your kitchen smells incredible while they're crisping up.
  • Works as an elegant appetizer at dinner parties or a shameless snack eaten straight from the cooling rack.
02 -
  • Drying the pasta thoroughly after cooking is non-negotiable—wet pasta will never crisp, no matter how long you air fry it.
  • Don't skip the halfway shake; moving the pasta around ensures golden browning instead of pale spots and burnt pieces.
  • These are best eaten fresh while the contrast between crispy exterior and tender pasta is still perfect.
03 -
  • If your pasta comes out unevenly browned, your air fryer might have a hot spot—next time, flip the basket more often or rearrange the pasta halfway through more aggressively.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan makes a visible difference in texture and browning compared to the pre-grated kind.
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