Air Fryer Pasta Chips: A Quick, Crunchy Treat

Air Fryer Pasta Chips are a viral food trend that has taken TikTok by storm. They are a crunchy, addictive snack that can be made in an air fryer or baked in the oven. The recipe is simple: cook the pasta, season with olive oil, herbs, and spices, then either air fry or bake until crispy. The result is a delicious, golden-brown chip that can be enjoyed plain or with your favourite dip.

Choosing the right pasta shape

• Short pasta: It is recommended to use short pasta shapes such as farfalle (bow tie pasta), rigatoni, shells, or fusilli. These shapes provide a larger surface area for crisping and browning in the air fryer. They also have ridges or crevices that can scoop up more of the delicious seasoning and provide a satisfying bite.
• Gluten-free options: If you have dietary restrictions or prefer gluten-free pasta, go ahead and use it! Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. Chickpea pasta is a popular gluten-free option that can add extra crunch to your pasta chips.
• Easy to grab: Choose a pasta shape that is easy to grab with your fingers. This is important for both the cooking process and the snacking experience. You want to ensure that the pasta chips are easy to handle and dip into your favourite sauces.
• Personal preference: Ultimately, you can use any pasta shape you like. It's all about personal preference and what you have available. Feel free to experiment with different shapes and find the one that suits your taste and cooking setup the best.
• Farfalle: Farfalle, or bow tie pasta, is a popular choice for pasta chips. Its distinctive shape provides plenty of surface area for crisping, and the centre ridge can hold onto the seasoning. However, some people find the centres of farfalle a little tough to chew, so be sure to cook it thoroughly.
• Rigatoni: Rigatoni is a tube-shaped pasta that works well for pasta chips. Its ridged edges provide a nice texture, and the hollow centre can be filled with your favourite sauce. Rigatoni is easy to grab and dip, making it a convenient choice for snacking.
• Shells: Pasta shells, either small or large, can be a fun option for pasta chips. Their cupped shape allows them to hold plenty of seasoning, and they have a satisfying bite. Just be sure to cook them properly to avoid any chewiness.
• Fusilli: Fusilli, or spiral pasta, is another good choice for pasta chips. Its twisted shape provides an interesting texture and allows for even coating of the seasoning. Fusilli is also easy to grab and dip, making it a versatile option.

Boiling the pasta

Once the pasta is cooked, it should be drained and then seasoned with oil and other desired ingredients such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. It is important to ensure that the pasta is well coated with the oil and seasonings. At this stage, you can also add grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. The pasta should then be placed in the air fryer in a single layer, and cooked for 5 minutes before being flipped and cooked for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. The pasta chips are ready when they are golden brown and crispy.

Preparing the air fryer

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying, as they use hot air instead of oil to cook food, resulting in a healthier option. To prepare your air fryer for making pasta chips, there are a few steps you need to follow.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to the right temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking pasta chips is around 180-200°C (350-400°F). This will ensure that your pasta chips come out crispy and golden.

Next, you'll need to prepare the air fryer basket. It is recommended to use a non-stick cooking spray, such as olive oil, to coat the basket and prevent the pasta from sticking. You can also line the basket with parchment paper if you prefer.

Once your air fryer is preheated and prepared, it's time to add the pasta. Place the seasoned pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pasta in batches.

Now, you're ready to start cooking! Set the timer and let the air fryer work its magic. For crispy pasta chips, cook the pasta for around 10-12 minutes in the air fryer, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

If you're cooking in batches, make sure to let the air fryer regain its temperature before adding the next batch. Repeat the process until all your pasta is cooked to perfection.

Adding oil and seasoning

Firstly, after cooking your pasta of choice according to the package instructions, drain the water and transfer the pasta to a large bowl. It is important to ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente, which means it should be tender yet firm to the bite. For this, you will need to cook the pasta for around 8 minutes in boiling water.

Now, it's time to add the oil and seasoning. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the pasta. You will need around 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, depending on the amount of pasta you are using. You can also use avocado oil or any other oil of your choice. Make sure to coat the pasta evenly with the oil.

Next, it's time to add your choice of seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, onion granules, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. For a cheesy flavour, add grated Parmesan cheese to the mix. You can also use nutritional yeast to make it vegan-friendly. If you like your snacks spicy, add some chilli flakes or red pepper flakes. Give the pasta a good mix to ensure that all the seasonings are evenly distributed and coating the pasta.

At this stage, you can also add other creative seasonings to suit your taste buds. For example, you could try Everything Bagel Seasoning, Ranch seasoning, barbecue, or chipotle. Simply mix your chosen dried spices with the olive oil and then combine them with the pasta.

Once your pasta is coated with oil and seasonings, it's time to move on to the next step of cooking your pasta chips in the air fryer or oven. This step will give your pasta chips that crispy, golden texture that makes them so delicious!

Serving suggestions

Pasta chips are a versatile snack that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your pasta chips:

• Dips: One popular way to serve pasta chips is with a dip. Some great dip options include marinara sauce, garlic sauce, spinach artichoke dip, hummus, pesto, or your favourite sauce. These dips can add extra flavour and moisture to the crispy pasta chips.
• Seasonings: You can also experiment with different seasonings on your pasta chips. For example, you could try Everything Bagel Seasoning, Ranch seasoning, barbecue, or chipotle. Simply mix dried spices with olive oil and toss with the cooked pasta chips.
• Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a classic topping for pasta chips, but you can also get creative and try other cheeses, such as nutritional yeast to make it vegan, or grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
• Herbs: Adding fresh or dried herbs can enhance the flavour of your pasta chips. For example, oregano adds a nice aroma and herb flavour, while parsley can be used as a garnish.
• Spicy kick: If you like your snacks spicy, consider adding some chilli flakes to your pasta chips.
• Side dish: Pasta chips can also be served as a side dish to complement a meal. For example, they could be a fun alternative to garlic bread or crusty bread served alongside a salad or soup.
• Snack on the go: Pasta chips are a portable snack that can be enjoyed on the go. Pack them in an airtight container for a crunchy snack during your travels.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of dips, seasonings, cheeses, and herbs to find your favourite flavour profiles. The possibilities are endless!

Frequently asked questions