Name: Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces rigatoni noodles, cooked al dente and drained; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

If you're craving a snack that's crispy, cheesy, and a little unexpected, you’re going to love this Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Parmesan Recipe. These crunchy little bites take rigatoni to a whole new level—perfect for munching solo or dipping into your favorite sauce.

A white bowl filled with many short pasta pieces that look crispy and golden brown, sprinkled with green herbs and white grated cheese. Inside the bowl, there is a smaller white bowl on the left side containing thick red marinara sauce with a smooth texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a dark brown cloth underneath. There are some small green herb sprigs near the bottom left corner and a white bowl with white sauce at the bottom right edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Parmesan Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Parmesan Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Parmesan Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly didn’t expect air frying cooked pasta to create such addictive chips, but once you try these, you’ll see why they’re an absolute game changer for snacking.

Unique Snack Experience: Crispy rigatoni that’s so satisfyingly crunchy, it’s unlike any pasta you’ve had before.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or movie nights.
Simple Ingredients: Just a few kitchen staples like olive oil, garlic, and parmesan come together to create amazing flavor.
Customizable & Shareable: Serve with all your favorite dipping sauces, from marinara to garlic aioli, for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right ingredients for these pasta chips is super straightforward. I always recommend using rigatoni because its ridges hold onto the flavorful oil and cheese beautifully. Plus, make sure your pasta is cooked just al dente and drained thoroughly—this helps achieve that perfect crisp.

Flat lay of cooked rigatoni pasta noodles glistening with olive oil, a few sprigs of fresh garlic cloves minced beside a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with coarse kosher salt, another small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a neat pile of finely grated parmesan cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Rigatoni noodles: The perfect sturdy pasta shape that crisps up well in the air fryer without breaking apart.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the pasta crisp up beautifully while infusing subtle garlic flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a fragrant, savory punch that pairs wonderfully with parmesan.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the richness.
Black pepper: Adds just a hint of heat and earthiness to keep things interesting.
Parmesan cheese: Its salty, nutty notes create that irresistible finishing touch on these crispy pasta chips.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Parmesan Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to tweak the flavors or cater to specific diets, you can play around with a few elements to make the perfect snack for your taste buds.

Variation: I personally love adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the garlic oil mixture for a smoky, spicy kick. It really ups the flavor and makes these chips extra addictive!
Vegan option: Swap the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy, making the snack totally vegan while still deliciously savory.
Herbal twist: Toss in some finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme with the garlic oil for an herby aroma that pairs beautifully with the crispy rigatoni.
Dipping sauces: Experiment with sides like a tangy marinara, creamy garlic aioli, or even a zesty pesto to complement the chips and keep things fresh every time you serve them.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Parmesan Recipe

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with golden crunchy ridged pasta chips sprinkled with green herbs and Parmesan cheese. At the center inside the bowl is a smaller white bowl with a thick, red tomato sauce. A woman's hand is dipping one pasta chip into the sauce. The background features a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s hot enough to crisp up those rigatoni noodles perfectly. A fully preheated air fryer means your pasta chips will cook evenly and develop that golden, crunchy exterior we’re aiming for.

Step 2: Coat Your Pasta in Oil

Place your cooked and drained rigatoni noodles into a large bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them and toss gently until every piece is lightly coated. This step helps the pasta crisp nicely without sticking together.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the coated rigatoni in a single layer on your air fryer basket or rack. Air fry for 10 minutes, checking around the 8-minute mark to see if they’re turning a lovely golden brown. The sound of gentle crackling and the sight of crisp edges means they’re ready to come out.

Step 4: Whip Up the Garlic Seasoning

While the pasta chips are cooking, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to create a fragrant, flavorful seasoning oil that will bring your chips to the next level.

Step 5: Toss and Coat

Once the pasta chips are out and still hot, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the prepared garlic seasoning oil over the chips and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every crispy piece is coated in that savory garlic goodness.

Step 6: Add That Parmesan Finish

Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over your seasoned pasta chips and give them one last gentle toss. This step lets the salty, nutty cheese stick to the warm chips, melting slightly and giving you that perfect cheesy bite in every chip.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Air Fryer Pasta Chips immediately so they stay at their crispiest. If you like, add a side of marinara, garlic dip, or your favorite sauce to dunk these savory crunchies. Trust me, they’ll disappear fast!

Top Tip

These tips will help you master the perfect crunch and flavor balance for your Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Parmesan Recipe. A little know-how goes a long way when turning cooked pasta into a crispy, addictive snack!

Single Layer Air Frying: Always spread your rigatoni pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Crowding causes uneven cooking and soggy spots, so patience here yields beautifully crispy chips.
Thorough Drying: Make sure your cooked rigatoni is well drained before air frying. I learned that excess moisture was the biggest culprit behind chips that turned limp instead of crispy.
Garlic Oil Toss: Toss the hot pasta chips immediately with the garlic-infused olive oil. This technique helps the seasoning absorb into each piece, making every bite flavorful and aromatic.
Watch the Time: Keep a close eye during the last couple of minutes of air frying to avoid burning. Those few extra seconds can turn your golden chips into bitter crisps!

How to Serve Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Parmesan Recipe

The image shows two parts. On the top part, there is a clear glass bowl filled with crispy, short, ridged, golden-brown pasta tubes. Above the bowl, a glass container pours golden olive oil mixed with black pepper onto the pasta. On the bottom part, the same glass bowl with the pasta tubes now has a pile of white grated cheese on top, and more grated cheese is falling from above onto the pasta. Both parts have a white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh pop, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving. A light dusting of smoked paprika or chili flakes adds a smoky or spicy twist. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil for sheen and richness.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside warm marinara or creamy garlic aioli for dipping. These pasta chips also pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or antipasto platter for a light appetizer spread. If you want to keep things cozy, a bowl of tomato soup is an indulgent match!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Parmesan in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crispy for up to 1 day, but it’s best to enjoy them fresh for maximum crunch.

Freezing

While freezing is not ideal due to potential loss of crispness, you can freeze cooked but not air-fried rigatoni noodles. Air fry directly from frozen following the same time and temperature, adjusting as needed.

Reheating

To refresh your pasta chips, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. This short reheating revives their crisp texture. Avoid microwaving as it softens the chips.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta besides rigatoni?

Absolutely! While rigatoni works great due to its tubular shape, other sturdy tube-shaped or ridged pastas like penne or ziti can also be used for crispy chips.

How do I ensure my pasta chips stay crispy?

Make sure your pasta is drained thoroughly and spread in a single layer in the air fryer. Also, avoid storing them in airtight containers for more than a day as moisture softens the chips.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and ensure your olive oil and garlic are fresh. This keeps the chips flavorful while keeping them vegan-friendly.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! The garlic parmesan flavor is mild enough for kids, and the crispy texture makes for a fun, healthier alternative to traditional chips. Just watch for any seasoning preferences your children might have.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about transforming simple rigatoni pasta into crispy, garlicky bites of joy with this Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Parmesan Recipe. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a party appetizer, these chips bring a delightful crunch and savory kick that’s hard to resist. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite snack that’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!