Air Fryer Pasta Crisps: A Quick, Easy Snack

Air Fryer Pasta Chips are a crunchy, salty, and delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer or baked in the oven. They are a perfect substitute for potato chips and can be made in various shapes like farfalle, rigatoni, shells, rotini, fusilli, or even triangles cut out of lasagna sheets. The chips are usually seasoned with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, but there are several variations to the recipe. The chips are cooked in the air fryer for 5-12 minutes at 180-400°C, depending on the desired level of crunchiness. They can be served with dips like marinara sauce, spinach artichoke dip, or a homemade chipotle sauce.

Choosing the pasta

The type of pasta you choose for your pasta crisps can make or break the final result. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you select the perfect pasta for your air fryer experiment:

Pasta Shape

When it comes to shape, you have a lot of flexibility. The internet-famous air fryer pasta chips are made with rigatoni, but you can also use farfalle (bow tie pasta), shells, fusilli, or even cut-up lasagna sheets. The key is to choose a shape that is easy to grab with your fingers and can scoop up sauce or dip. You want to avoid shapes that are too small or thin, as they may not hold up well in the air fryer.

Pasta Type

You can use any type of pasta you like, including whole wheat, gluten-free, or regular pasta. If you want to make a vegan dish, be sure to choose a pasta that doesn't contain eggs—most pasta is usually made with only flour and water. Additionally, if you're using gluten-free pasta, keep a close eye on cooking times as they may vary from regular pasta.

Amount of Pasta

The amount of pasta you need will depend on the size of your air fryer. Most recipes call for around 2 cups or 8 ounces of dry pasta, but you may need to adjust this depending on the size of your air fryer basket. For example, if you're using a Cosori 5.8qt air fryer, you may need to cook the pasta in batches.

Cooking the Pasta

Before air-frying your pasta, you'll need to cook it according to the package instructions. Most recipes recommend cooking the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the air fryer. Be sure to drain the pasta after cooking and give it a quick rinse if needed. It's important not to overcook the pasta, as it may become mushy and fall apart in the air fryer.

In summary, when choosing the pasta for your air fryer crisps, opt for a shape that is easy to grab and dip, and feel free to experiment with different types of pasta to find your favorite. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for a slightly firm al dente texture. With the right pasta choice and cooking technique, you'll be well on your way to making delicious and crispy air fryer pasta crisps!

Boiling the pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients and Cookware

Before you begin, gather your chosen type of pasta, a large pot, and enough water to boil the pasta. It is recommended to use a large pot to ensure the pasta has enough space to cook evenly.

Step 2: Boil the Water

Place the pot on the stove and turn on the heat to a medium or high setting. Allow the water to heat up and come to a rolling boil. You may add a pinch of salt to the water at this stage, as this can enhance the flavour of the pasta.

Step 3: Add the Pasta

Once the water is boiling vigorously, carefully add the pasta to the pot. Use a spoon or spatula to gently stir the pasta to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Follow the cooking instructions on the pasta package for the appropriate cooking time. The cooking time will vary depending on the type and shape of pasta you have chosen. For example, farfalle pasta may require 7-8 minutes of cooking time to achieve an al dente texture.

Step 5: Drain and Rinse the Pasta

After the pasta has finished cooking, carefully drain the water from the pot using a colander or sieve. You may rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking. However, some recipes suggest not rinsing the pasta to retain the starch, which can help the seasonings stick better.

Step 6: Let the Pasta Sit

Place the drained pasta in a bowl and let it sit for a brief period. This step allows the pasta to cool down slightly before proceeding to the seasoning and air-frying stages.

By following these steps, you will have perfectly boiled pasta that is ready to be transformed into crispy and delicious pasta crisps in your air fryer!

Adding flavour

There are many ways to add flavour to your pasta crisps. The first step is to choose a pasta shape that can scoop up sauce, such as farfalle, shells, rigatoni, or fusilli. Then, after boiling your pasta of choice, drain it and season with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, and grated Parmigiano Reggiano. You can also add chilli flakes for a kick.

For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmigiano Reggiano. If you want to get creative, you can experiment with alternative seasonings like Everything Bagel Seasoning.

Once you've combined your seasonings with the pasta, cook it in the air fryer as described above. After cooking, you can serve your pasta crisps with a dip of your choice, such as marinara sauce, spinach artichoke dip, or hummus.

• Olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt
• Olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil, smoked paprika, dried oregano, onion granules, salt, and pepper
• Olive oil, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper
• Olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper

Air frying the pasta

While the pasta is sitting, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). You can also take this opportunity to transfer the pasta to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, stirring in any desired seasonings and cheese at this stage if you prefer. However, some recipes suggest seasoning the pasta after air frying, so this is an optional step.

Next, arrange the pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pasta in batches. Air fry the pasta for around 5 minutes, then flip and cook for a further 2-3 minutes. The pasta is ready when it is golden and crispy. If you are cooking in batches, transfer the cooked pasta to a paper towel-lined plate to cool while you cook the remaining pasta.

Once all the pasta is cooked, you can serve it as it is or with a dip of your choice. Marinara sauce, spinach artichoke dip, and garlic sauce are all popular options. Enjoy!

Serving the pasta crisps

Once your pasta crisps are ready, it's time to serve them! You can serve them plain or with a dip. Some dip options include marinara, garlic sauce, spinach artichoke dip, or a homemade chipotle dipping sauce. You can also serve them with a hot, cheesy, spinach artichoke dip, as they do in Louisiana. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own dip by mixing the remaining oil with garlic, salt, and pepper, and pouring this mixture over the air-fried noodles.

If you have any leftover pasta crisps, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, air fry the pasta crisps for 1-2 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit in a preheated air fryer. However, it's important to note that air fryer pasta crisps are best eaten right after cooking.

Now you're all set to enjoy your delicious and crunchy pasta crisps!

Frequently asked questions