Crispy Pasta Snack

Featured in Appetizing Starters.

Turn regular pasta into crispy chips using your air fryer. This viral TikTok recipe creates a unique snack by seasoning cooked pasta with Parmesan and Italian herbs, then air frying until crunchy.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:07:47 GMT
A close-up of a bowl filled with golden, cooked fusilli pasta garnished with herbs and grated cheese. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl filled with golden, cooked fusilli pasta garnished with herbs and grated cheese. | cookingwithcasey.com

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.

A close-up view of a bowl of pasta sprinkled with cheese and herbs, accompanied by a blue checked napkin and fresh tomatoes in the background. Pin it
A close-up view of a bowl of pasta sprinkled with cheese and herbs, accompanied by a blue checked napkin and fresh tomatoes in the background. | cookingwithcasey.com

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.

Pasta Chips

Crunchy air-fried pasta tossed with Parmesan and Italian seasonings, perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or your favorite dips.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
22 Minutes
Total Time
27 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Tasty Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (1 batch)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 lb farfalle pasta.
02 1½ tbsp olive oil.
03 ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese.
04 1½ tsp Italian seasoning.
05 1 tsp salt.
06 ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional).
07 Parsley (optional garnish).

Instructions

Step 01

Cook pasta al dente according to package.

Step 02

Drain and transfer to a large bowl.

Step 03

Toss with olive oil, cheese, and seasonings.

Step 04

Air fry at 400°F in batches.

Step 05

Cook for 6 minutes, then shake the basket.

Step 06

Cook for an additional 4-6 minutes until crispy.

Step 07

Garnish with extra cheese and parsley.

Step 08

Serve with marinara sauce or a dip of choice.

Notes

  1. Can use various pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.
  2. Customize seasonings as desired.
  3. Viral TikTok recipe.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer.
  • Large bowl.
  • Colander.
  • Measuring spoons.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Wheat (pasta).
  • Milk (parmesan).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 519
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 86 g
  • Protein: 19 g