Pasta chips are a fun and crunchy snack that’s just as addictive as regular potato chips! This viral air fryer recipe is simple, requiring just a few ingredients like pasta, olive oil, parmesan, and seasonings. These chips are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for munching on their own or pairing with marinara sauce for dipping. Whether you use an air fryer or bake them in the oven, these pasta chips are a deliciously unique snack.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (farfalle or penne work best)

• 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil

• ½ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder or granules

• ¾ teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste

• ½ cup marinara, for dipping

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain but do not rinse.

2. Season the Pasta: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and sea salt.

3. Air Fry: Place the seasoned pasta in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes, tossing once or twice during cooking. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

4. Serve: Once the pasta chips are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 157 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 28g

• Protein: 8g

• Fat: 3g

• Sodium: 354mg

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 6g

Why Pasta Chips Are So Irresistible

Pasta chips offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make them hard to resist. The exterior becomes perfectly crispy, while the inside retains a slightly chewy texture, similar to the satisfying crunch of potato chips with a bit more substance. The seasoning mix, including parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and garlic powder, adds layers of savory flavor that elevate the simple pasta into a gourmet snack.

The best part? Pasta chips are completely customizable. You can experiment with different seasonings, cheeses, and even sauces for dipping, allowing you to create a personalized snack that suits your taste. Whether you like a bit of heat, extra garlic, or more cheese, the recipe is incredibly flexible and can easily be adjusted.

How to Make Pasta Chips

Making pasta chips is a simple process that takes just a few ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking 8 oz of pasta (farfalle or penne work best) according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it, as this helps the seasoning adhere better to the pasta.

2. Season the Pasta: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, freshly grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and sea salt. The olive oil helps the pasta crisp up, while the parmesan cheese adds a savory richness. The seasoning mix gives the pasta chips an aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy texture.

3. Air Fry the Pasta: Place the seasoned pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 10 minutes, tossing the pasta once or twice during the cooking process to ensure even crisping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pasta in batches for the best results.

4. Serve: Once the pasta chips are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool. For an added treat, serve them with marinara sauce for dipping. The tangy marinara complements the savory flavor of the chips, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Customizing Your Pasta Chips

One of the great things about pasta chips is their versatility. While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily make these chips your own by experimenting with different flavors and toppings. Here are a few ways to customize your pasta chips:

• Cheese: While parmesan is the classic choice, you can also try other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or even a sprinkle of grated romano for a bolder flavor.

• Seasonings: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. You can also try smoked paprika, onion powder, or even a touch of lemon zest for a refreshing twist.

• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano can be mixed in to add an extra layer of flavor. For a more Mediterranean taste, consider adding dried rosemary or thyme.

• Dipping Sauces: While marinara sauce is a great option for dipping, you can also serve these chips with ranch dressing, garlic butter, or a creamy blue cheese dip for an indulgent snack.

• Baked Version: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these pasta chips in the oven. Simply spread the seasoned pasta in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Nutritional Information

These pasta chips are not only fun and flavorful but also relatively healthy, especially compared to traditional fried snacks. Each serving contains approximately 157 calories, with 28g of carbohydrates and 8g of protein, thanks to the pasta and parmesan cheese. The chips also provide 5g of fiber, which helps keep you full longer.

The fat content is moderate at 3g, mostly from the olive oil, which provides healthy fats. The sodium content is around 354mg per serving, which comes from the salt and soy sauce, so you can adjust the seasoning to suit your dietary needs. While these chips do contain some sugar (around 6g), the overall balance of nutrients makes them a better snack option than traditional chips or fried snacks.

The Perfect Snack for Any Occasion

Pasta chips are the perfect snack for almost any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick and easy snack, or simply want to try something new, these chips will be a crowd-pleaser. Their satisfying crunch and savory flavor make them ideal for pairing with dips, enjoying while watching a movie, or serving alongside your favorite appetizers.

If you have kids at home, they’ll love the fun shape and crunch of pasta chips. Plus, the recipe is simple enough to get them involved in the kitchen. You can even make these chips together as a fun activity that results in a tasty treat.

Conclusion

Pasta chips are an easy, delicious, and addictive snack that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you make them in the air fryer or bake them in the oven, these crispy chips offer the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a satisfying snack that’s perfect for any occasion.

The customizable nature of the recipe means you can experiment with different cheeses, seasonings, and dipping sauces to create a snack that’s tailored to your tastes. Whether you’re making them for a party, an after-school treat, or just because, pasta chips are sure to be a hit!