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 looking for a crunchy, savory snack that’s a little out of the ordinary, you’re in the right place. This Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Parmesan Recipe transforms simple rigatoni pasta into irresistibly crispy bites loaded with garlic and parmesan goodness. Trust me, once you try these, regular chips will never quite cut it again!

A white bowl filled with two layers: the outer layer is made of golden-brown baked rigatoni pasta pieces sprinkled with grated cheese and small green herb bits, while the inner layer is a small white bowl of bright red tomato sauce with a smooth texture, placed on the left side inside the larger bowl; the larger bowl sits on a dark brown cloth over a white marbled surface, with a small green parsley bunch near the bottom left and a white bowl with white creamy sauce at the bottom right, 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’ve always loved finding creative ways to make snacks that are both flavorful and a little unexpected. These air fryer pasta chips deliver on crispiness and taste, and they come together so quickly—perfect for when friends pop by or when you want to treat yourself.

Crunchy Texture: Air frying the rigatoni gives you perfectly crisped chips that are super satisfying to munch on.
Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples create bold flavor with garlic, olive oil, and parm.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it a great last-minute appetizer or snack idea.
Customizable: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, or swap parmesan for nutritional yeast to make it vegan-friendly.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing quality ingredients makes all the difference here since the flavors are simple but bold. When shopping, look for pasta cooked al dente to keep it firm enough to crisp up nicely without turning brittle.

Flat lay of cooked rigatoni pasta noodles, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of minced garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl filled with grated parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Their tube shape crisps up beautifully inside and out, giving you lots of crunchy surface area.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the seasonings stick to every pasta chip.
Garlic (Minced): Fresh garlic punches up the flavor, bringing a savory warmth.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors without being overpowering.
Black Pepper: Gives a subtle spicy kick that balances the richness.
Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Adds that nutty, salty finish that makes these chips downright addictive.

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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

The great thing about this Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Parmesan Recipe is how easily it adapts to your taste buds. Whether you like them a little zestier, cheesier, or even vegan, there are plenty of ways to make these crunchy bites truly your own.

Variation: I love adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the garlic oil mixture for a smoky, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the parmesan.
Vegan alternative: Swap Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor while making it completely plant-based.
Herbal twist: Toss in some fresh chopped rosemary or thyme right after air frying for a fragrant and fresh herb boost.
Extra crispy: Give the pasta chips an extra 2-3 minutes in the air fryer for crunchier chips — just keep an eye so they don’t burn!
Seasonal flavor: During the holidays, try mixing in some finely grated lemon zest with the garlic oil for a bright, festive punch.

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

A close-up image showing a woman's hand dipping a ridged, crunchy, golden-yellow chip into a small white bowl filled with thick, red marinara sauce. The small bowl sits in the middle of a larger white dish filled with many similar textured chips sprinkled lightly with herbs and cheese. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat. This temperature is key to getting your rigatoni crisped perfectly and evenly. I usually give it a few minutes to come to temp while I prep the pasta—makes a big difference for that golden crunch.

Step 2: Coat the Pasta with Olive Oil

Take your al dente rigatoni noodles—make sure they’re drained well—and toss them in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. The goal here is to lightly coat each piece, which helps them crisp up beautifully without sticking. I like to give them a gentle toss for about a minute, making sure every noodle has that glossy sheen.

Step 3: Air Fry the Pasta

Arrange the coated rigatoni in a single layer in your air fryer basket or rack—crowding them can lead to soggy chips, so spread them out! Air fry the pasta for 10 minutes, keeping an eye on their color. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and have a satisfyingly crisp texture. If they need a bit more crunch, feel free to add 1 or 2 extra minutes.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Oil Seasoning

While the pasta cooks, mix together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This blend will soak into the warm chips, imparting a rich, savory flavor. Adjust the garlic amount to your liking if you want it punchier or milder.

Step 5: Toss and Serve with Parmesan

Once your pasta chips are out of the air fryer, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the garlic oil mixture over the hot chips and gently toss to coat every piece. Finally, sprinkle on the grated parmesan cheese, letting it melt slightly from the warmth. Serve these crispy delights immediately with marinara, garlic sauce, or your favorite dip for the perfect appetizer or snack.

Top Tip

Mastering the crunch and flavor of these Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Parmesan Recipe is easier than you think—here are some tried-and-true tips that make all the difference.

Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure your rigatoni is cooked al dente. This firmness holds up to air frying and prevents chips from turning too soft or breaking apart.
Even Layering: Avoid overcrowding the basket by laying out the pasta in a single layer. This little extra step ensures every chip crisps evenly and beautifully.
Flavorful Coating: Tossing the hot pasta chips immediately with the garlic-infused olive oil lets the aroma soak in, giving you that irresistible savory punch.
Cheese Timing: Sprinkle parmesan right at the end so it melts slightly but still keeps that lovely texture without turning soggy.

How to Serve Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Parmesan Recipe

The image shows two close-up views of a clear glass bowl filled with crispy, golden-brown snack sticks that look crunchy and slightly ridged. In the top part, a small clear glass container with yellow oil and herbs is being poured gently over the sticks. In the bottom part, white grated cheese is sprinkled above the snack sticks, resting in the bowl with a light texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley add a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of smoked paprika or chili flakes can bring a subtle warmth. For a zesty twist, a squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these crispy bites alongside a rich marinara dipping sauce or creamy garlic aioli for extra indulgence. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a bowl of roasted veggies to balance out the crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover pasta chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Proper storage helps maintain their crispness without absorbing moisture.

Freezing

If you'd like to freeze, lay the air-fried pasta chips on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for about a month. Just thaw at room temperature before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in your air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes. This revives their crunch like they’re freshly made—no sogginess here!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?

Yes! Rigatoni works best because its tube shape crisps nicely and holds seasoning well, but other sturdy pasta like penne or ziti can also work.

How do I prevent the pasta chips from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Make sure to toss the pasta with olive oil before air frying and arrange them in a single layer. You can also lightly brush or spray the basket with oil for extra insurance.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap out the parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor without dairy.

What dipping sauces pair best with these pasta chips?

Classic marinara, garlic aioli, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce make fantastic companions. Feel free to get creative with your favorite dips!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Air Fryer Pasta Chips with Parmesan Recipe as much as I do! It’s one of those delightful little snacks that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to whip up. Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself on a cozy night in. Happy cooking and crunching!