Pasta Chips are a deliciously crunchy viral TikTok recipe that's perfect for enjoying with warm marinara sauce or any of your favorite dips! These crispy, seasoned pasta pieces achieve the perfect crunch in just under 30 minutes, making them an ideal party snack or appetizer.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This viral sensation transforms regular pasta into addictively crunchy chips that are perfect for dipping. With minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, these pasta chips offer a unique twist on traditional snacks, making them ideal for parties, game days, or casual snacking.
Essential Ingredients For Success
- Pasta Base: - Farfalle pasta: 16 oz (454g) - Cook to precise al dente stage (9-11 minutes) - Pasta should maintain defined shape with slight resistance
- Seasoning Blend: - Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon (3g) dried herb blend - Fine sea salt: 1 teaspoon (6g) - Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon (1g) - Grated Parmesan: ½ cup (50g) at 70°F (21°C)
- Coating Component: - Extra virgin olive oil: ¼ cup (60ml) - Smoke point minimum 375°F (191°C)
- Optional Garnish: - Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons (8g) finely chopped - Additional Parmesan: ¼ cup (25g) freshly grated
Step By Step Instructions
- Pasta Preparation
- Cook pasta in 4 quarts water with 1 tablespoon salt at rolling boil. Cook exactly until al dente (9-11 minutes). Drain thoroughly, shake to remove excess moisture. Pasta should be completely dry before seasoning.
- Seasoning Application
- Toss pasta with olive oil ensuring even coating. Add seasoning blend and Parmesan, distribute uniformly. Each piece should be completely coated.
- Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Arrange pasta in single layer, avoiding overlap. Cook 7-9 minutes until golden brown (Pantone 7509 C), shaking basket at 4-minute mark.
- Oven Alternative
- Bake at 400°F (204°C) on parchment-lined sheet for 15-20 minutes. Flip pieces halfway through. Final color should be uniform golden brown.
- Deep Frying Option
- Heat oil to 375°F (191°C). Fry in small batches 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Maintain oil temperature between 365-375°F (185-191°C).
- Finishing Process
- Season immediately after cooking with additional salt if desired. Cool 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Storage Guidelines
Store in airtight container at room temperature (68-72°F/20-22°C) for up to 3 days. Maintain low humidity environment for optimal crispness. Reheat in air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 1-2 minutes if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with dipping sauces at 70-75°F (21-24°C):
- Marinara sauce (warm)
- Ranch dressing
- Garlic aioli
- Pesto
Arrange chips with minimal overlap to maintain crispiness.
Recipe Variations
Customize seasonings while maintaining ratios:
- Taco seasoning: 1 tablespoon (9g)
- Ranch seasoning: 1 tablespoon (9g)
- Garlic Parmesan: 2 teaspoons (6g) garlic powder + ¾ cup (75g) Parmesan
Adjust spice levels according to preference while maintaining total seasoning volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta shapes like farfalle, penne, ziti, or rigatoni work best. They should be similar in size for even cooking.
- → Why are my pasta chips not crispy?
Make sure to cook pasta al dente first and air fry in single layers. You may need to adjust cooking time for desired crispness.
- → Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes, bake in the oven at 400°F on a lined baking sheet, but they may take longer to get crispy.
- → How long do they stay crispy?
Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. They may lose some crispness over time.
- → What dips work well?
Marinara sauce is classic, but try ranch, pesto, alfredo sauce, or any favorite dip.