Making Pasta Chips: Air Fryer Alternatives

Pasta chips are the latest food trend, going viral on TikTok. They are made by pre-boiling pasta, seasoning them with oil and herbs, and then deep-frying, baking, or air-frying them. While an air fryer can be used to make pasta chips, they can also be made in an oven. The oven-baked version might not be as crispy as the air-fried version, and the centers might be a little chewy, but some people prefer this textural contrast.

How to make pasta chips in the oven

Pasta chips are a fun and delicious snack that can be made in an oven or an air fryer. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make crispy and addictive pasta chips in your oven.

Ingredients:

First, gather your ingredients. You will need:

• Short pasta (e.g. farfalle, rigatoni, penne, fusilli, macaroni)
• Olive oil or another oil of your choice
• Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, marjoram)
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (optional: nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
• Chilli flakes or other seasonings of your choice (e.g. paprika, everything bagel seasoning)

Step 1: Boil and Season the Pasta:

Start by boiling your chosen short pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Then, drain the pasta and place it into a bowl. Add your desired seasonings, such as Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy, salty flavour. Drizzle with olive oil and mix well to combine.

Step 2: Bake Until Crispy:

Preheat your oven to around 200°C (392°F or 400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned pasta on the tray in a single layer, making sure the pasta pieces are not overlapping or touching each other. Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the baking time depending on the shape and size of your pasta.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy:

Once the pasta chips are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool down to reach maximum crispness. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, pesto, hummus, or vegan cheese sauce.

Tips:

• Make sure to properly drain the pasta after boiling to ensure the seasonings stick and the pasta is flavourful and crisp.
• Do not overcrowd your baking tray. Depending on the size of your tray, you may need to cook the pasta chips in batches.
• These pasta chips are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.

Now you're ready to make your own crispy and addictive pasta chips in the oven! Enjoy this fun and tasty snack!

How long to bake pasta chips for

Pasta chips are a fun, crunchy snack that can be made in an air fryer or in the oven. They are a great alternative to regular potato chips and can be made in under 20 minutes!

How Long to Bake Pasta Chips in the Oven

To make pasta chips in the oven, preheat your oven to 200°C/392°F/375°F. Spread the cooked pasta in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure the pasta pieces are not overlapping or touching each other. Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

How Long to Make Pasta Chips in an Air Fryer

If you are short on time, an air fryer will speed up the cooking process and make your pasta chips even crispier. To make pasta chips in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 180°C/350°F and cook the pasta chips for 7-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Tips for Making Crispy Pasta Chips

• Check the package instructions and cook the pasta until just al dente. Do not overcook, or they won't crisp up well.
• Properly drain the pasta before adding oil and seasonings. This ensures the seasoning sticks and makes the pasta more flavourful and crisp.
• Use only as much oil as needed. Pasta chips made in the oven or air fryer require less oil than deep-fried pasta chips, making them a healthier option.
• Do not overcrowd your air fryer or baking sheet. Depending on the size, you may need to cook the pasta chips in batches.
• You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size and shape of the pasta you use.
• Let the pasta chips cool down before serving to allow them to crisp up further.

Storing Pasta Chips

Pasta chips are best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container or sealed jar at room temperature for up to 5 days.

What type of pasta is best for pasta chips

Pasta chips are typically made with short pasta, which is easier to grab and dip than longer varieties. The best shapes for scooping up sauce include farfalle (bow tie pasta), shells, rigatoni, fusilli, penne, macaroni, and ziti. These shapes also tend to hold onto seasonings and crisp up nicely when air-fried or baked.

Gluten-free pasta chips can be made using brown rice pasta, corn pasta, chickpea pasta, quinoa pasta, or any other gluten-free brand.

When choosing a type of pasta, it is best to avoid shapes that are too small, such as elbow macaroni, as these may not become brittle when cooked. It is also recommended to avoid pasta with a super smooth surface, and instead opt for shapes with ridges or hollow centres.

The quality of the pasta can also impact the texture and taste of the chips. A good quality pasta will hold its shape and not turn mushy when boiled.

Can you make pasta chips without cheese?

Yes, you can make pasta chips without cheese! While the viral recipe for pasta chips includes Parmesan, you can skip the cheese and customise the dish with your choice of seasonings and spices. For instance, you can try ranch, barbecue, or chipotle seasoning. You can also use nutritional yeast to make a vegan version of the dish.

Ingredients:

• 7 oz short pasta (e.g. farfalle or rigatoni)
• 1 tsp Italian herbs (e.g. oregano, basil, thyme)
• 1 tsp paprika powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Method:

• Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions, until al dente.
• Drain the pasta and place it into a bowl. Add the Italian herbs, paprika powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix well.
• Spread the pasta on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not overlapping or touching each other.
• Bake at 392°F (200°C) for 17-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Alternatively, cook in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
• Let the pasta chips cool down to achieve maximum crispiness before serving.

What dips go well with pasta chips?

Pasta chips are incredibly versatile and they pair well with a variety of dips and sauces. Their crispy texture and customisable flavour make them a delightful snack for any occasion. Here are some ideas for dips that go well with pasta chips:

• Marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce: For a classic combination, serve pasta chips with marinara or Alfredo sauce. The savoury, creamy sauce pairs well with the crispy texture of the pasta chips.
• Creamy hummus: Hummus is a perfect dip for pasta chips, offering a tangy and creamy contrast to the crispy chips.
• Spicy Sriracha mayo: For a bold and spicy kick, pair pasta chips with Sriracha mayo. The creamy texture of the mayo balances the crispiness of the chips, while the spicy kick adds a punch of flavour.
• Tangy tzatziki: Tzatziki sauce is a refreshing and tangy dip option for pasta chips. Its cool, creamy flavour complements the crispy texture of the chips.
• Crab Rangoon dip: Crab Rangoon dip is a tasty pairing with pasta chips, adding a touch of savoury and creamy flavour to the snack.
• Whipped salmon cream cheese: This dip offers a unique and indulgent twist to the classic cream cheese dip, making it a perfect pairing with the crispy pasta chips.
• Vegan mayo and ketchup: For a vegan-friendly option, pair pasta chips with vegan mayo and ketchup. This combination offers a tangy and creamy contrast to the crispy chips.
• Hummus or vegan cheese sauce: These dips are great options for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant. They provide a creamy and savoury contrast to the crispy pasta chips.
• Aioli dip: An aioli dip is a delicious and creamy option to pair with pasta chips, adding a garlicky punch to the snack.
• Pesto: For a rich and savoury option, pair pasta chips with creamy pesto. The combination of crispy chips and herbaceous pesto is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Frequently asked questions