Air Fryer Pasta Chips: A Quick, Crunchy Snack

Air Fryer Pasta Chips are a quick and easy snack that can be made in an air fryer or oven. The chips are made by cooking pasta, seasoning it with oil, spices, and cheese, and then air frying or baking until crispy. The result is a crunchy, salty snack that can be enjoyed plain or with a dipping sauce such as marinara, spinach artichoke dip, or garlic sauce. The recipe is versatile, allowing for different types of pasta and seasonings to be used, and can be made vegan by using vegan pasta and seasonings.

How to Make Pasta Chips in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right pasta shape

Short Pasta Shapes: It is generally recommended to use short pasta shapes, such as farfalle (bow-tie pasta), rigatoni, shells, fusilli, or even gluten-free or pulse pasta. These shapes tend to work better because they provide a larger surface area for crisping and browning in the air fryer. They also tend to be easier to pick up and dip.

Scooping Shapes: Opt for pasta shapes that can scoop up sauce or dip easily. This adds to the overall enjoyment of the snack, allowing you to get the perfect bite with dip and pasta chip in one go. Examples include shells, scoops, or fusilli.

Avoid Long, Thin Pasta: While you can technically use any shape, it's best to avoid long, thin pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair. These tend to be more challenging to work with and may not hold up well in the air fryer. They are also less dip-friendly.

Hole in the Middle: Pasta shapes with a hole in the middle, such as rigatoni or fusilli, can work well because the hole helps to ensure even cooking and crisping. The hot air circulates through the hole, cooking the pasta chip from the inside out.

Personal Preference: Ultimately, you can make pasta chips with any shape you like. It's all about personal preference and what type of pasta you enjoy working with. You can even get creative and use shaped pasta, such as stars or letters, for a fun twist.

Remember, the key to successful pasta chips is to cook the pasta al dente before air frying it. This ensures that the pasta doesn't get too soft and fall apart during the air frying process. Experiment with different shapes and find the ones that work best for you and your air fryer!

Seasoning options

The seasoning options for pasta chips are endless. You can use any of your favourite seasonings, including salt and ground black pepper. Here are some specific examples:

• Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning
• Salt and ground black pepper
• Smoked paprika, dried oregano, onion granules, salt and pepper
• Everything Bagel Seasoning
• Ranch seasoning
• Barbecue seasoning
• Chipotle seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Roasted red pepper and garlic seasoning
• Chicken salt
• Nutritional yeast
• Chilli flakes
• Garlic herb salt
• Rosemary
• Garlic salt
• Garlic powder
• Parsley

Oven-baked alternatives

Oven-baked pasta chips

Pasta chips are a perfect crunchy snack that can be made in an air fryer or baked in an oven. Here is a detailed, direct, instructive guide on how to make oven-baked pasta chips.

Ingredients

• Pasta (short pasta is preferable, and the shape should be able to scoop up the sauce. Examples include farfalle, shells, rigatoni, or fusilli. Gluten-free and pulse pasta are also great options)
• Olive oil (or avocado oil or your preferred choice of oil)
• Oregano (for aroma and herb flavour)
• Garlic powder
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (or parmesan cheese)
• Chilli flakes (optional)

Instructions

• Boil pasta of choice as per packet instructions. They should be cooked just over al dente.
• Drain and place the pasta into a bowl. Season with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, and chilli flakes (optional).
• Grate in the parmesan cheese and mix well so that all the pasta is nicely coated.
• Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F.
• Place the pasta on a baking tray lined with a baking sheet or parchment paper. Spread the pasta out so that they aren't overlapping or touching.
• Bake for 17-20 minutes (depending on oven strength) until they are nice and golden brown.
• Serve with your favourite sauce, such as napoletana sauce, pesto, or even hummus!

Tips

• Pasta chips are healthier than regular potato chips if they are air-fried or oven-baked.
• You can easily make them vegan by ensuring the pasta you are using doesn't include any eggs (most pasta is usually made with only flour and water). Also, ensure that the seasonings you are using are vegan, such as herbs, spices, and nutritional yeast.
• You can use alternative seasonings such as Everything Bagel Seasoning.

Dips and sauces

Air fryer pasta chips are a versatile snack that can be served with a variety of dips and sauces. Here are some ideas to elevate your pasta chip experience:

Marinara Sauce

A classic choice for a reason, the tangy tomato-based marinara sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy, cheesy pasta chips. It adds a burst of flavour and is a popular option for those who want a more substantial snack.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

For a creamy, indulgent experience, try dipping your pasta chips into a hot spinach artichoke dip. This combination is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for those who want a more luxurious snack option.

Spicy Momo's Chutney

If you're feeling adventurous, try pairing your pasta chips with a spicy momo's chutney for a unique flavour profile. The chutney will add a burst of spice and a tangy twist to your snack.

Hummus

For a healthier option, hummus is a great choice to dip your pasta chips into. It adds a creamy texture and a punch of flavour, all while being a good source of protein and healthy fats.

Garlic Sauce

A simple yet delicious option is to dip your pasta chips into a garlic sauce. The garlic flavour will complement the pasta chips perfectly, especially if they are already seasoned with garlic powder.

Other Ideas

• Ranch
• Barbecue
• Chipotle
• Pesto
• Napoletana sauce

Get creative and experiment with different dips and sauces to find your favourite combinations. The possibilities are endless, and you can easily customise your snack to suit your taste preferences.

Air fryer settings

Air fryers are a great alternative to deep frying, as they use hot air instead of oil to cook your food. This means you can still get that crispy, fried texture and taste without the added fat and calories.

When making pasta chips in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure your pasta is cooked al dente before placing it in the air fryer. This will ensure that it doesn't overcook and become mushy.

Secondly, preheat your air fryer to the right temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). However, some recipes suggest lower temperatures of 350°F (180°C). This lower temperature may be better for achieving a slower, crispier cook without burning the pasta.

Thirdly, don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pasta chips in batches. Place the pasta in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece so that they cook evenly and don't stick together.

Finally, keep an eye on your pasta chips as they cook. Depending on your air fryer and the batch size, cooking times may vary. Most recipes suggest cooking times between 5 and 10 minutes, but it's important to check on your pasta chips regularly to ensure they don't burn.

So, to summarise, here are the key air fryer settings and tips for making perfect pasta chips:

• Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F (180-200°C).
• Cook your pasta al dente before placing it in the air fryer.
• Place the pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed.
• Cook for 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown, checking regularly to avoid burning.

Frequently asked questions