I'm so excited to share this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe with you—it’s a total game-changer for snacking. Imagine perfectly crispy rigatoni bites, kissed with garlic and topped with savory parmesan, made effortlessly in your air fryer!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, these crispy pasta chips have become my go-to for quick appetizers or late-night snacks. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and so easy to customize with your favorite dips.
- Super crispy texture: Air frying the rigatoni yields golden crunchy chips that beat anything store-bought.
- Simple ingredients: With just garlic, olive oil, kosher salt, pepper, and parmesan, it’s pantry cooking at its best.
- Speedy prep: You can have them ready in about 25 minutes, perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Versatile snack: Serve with marinara, garlic sauce, or your favorite dip to elevate any party or snack time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
All the ingredients you'll need are pretty straightforward and likely already in your kitchen. The key is to cook your rigatoni just al dente so the chips crisp up perfectly without being brittle.

- Rigatoni noodles: Their ridges help hold onto the garlic oil and parmesan, making every bite flavorful.
- Olive oil: I split this between coating the pasta first and mixing with garlic for seasoning—it adds richness and helps crispiness.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the olive oil with that punch of aroma and savoriness.
- Kosher salt: It seasons the chips evenly and enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of heat and complements the garlic perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for that salty, umami finish you just can’t beat on crispy pasta bites.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your tastes. Whether you prefer a little extra kick, want to cater to dietary needs, or simply love experimenting with flavors, these pasta chips are a fantastic base to get creative with!
- Spicy Twist: I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the garlic oil mixture before tossing. It adds a subtle heat that pairs perfectly with the parmesan.
- Herby Goodness: Fresh or dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme make a wonderful addition if you want to give these chips a more Mediterranean vibe.
- Vegan Version: Swap the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without dairy. Just remember the original recipe isn’t strictly vegan due to the cheese, but this tweak gets you close.
- Different Pasta Shapes: Rigatoni is ideal because of its size and shape, but feel free to try penne or ziti for a slightly different texture and bite.
- Serving Suggestions: These pasta chips are delicious on their own, but dipping them in marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or even a creamy ranch is a game-changer!
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer to 400°F
Start by setting your air fryer to 400°F and let it fully preheat. This ensures the pasta chips cook evenly and develop that perfect golden crispiness. A hot air fryer is key to avoiding soggy bites, so don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Lightly Coat the Cooked Rigatoni with Olive Oil
Place your cooked, al dente rigatoni noodles into a large bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them and toss gently to coat every noodle in a light layer of oil. This helps the pasta crisp up beautifully and keeps them from sticking together.
Step 3: Arrange the Pasta in a Single Layer
Spread the oiled rigatoni evenly in your air fryer basket or rack in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding—if you have a lot of pasta, it’s better to cook them in batches. This tip guarantees even airflow and prevents steaming, getting you crispy chips all around.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Air fry the pasta chips for about 10 minutes, but make sure to check them at 8 minutes. You want a beautiful golden color and a crispy texture without burning. If you like them extra crispy, feel free to add 1-2 more minutes—just keep an eye on them!
Step 5: Mix the Garlic-Infused Olive Oil Seasoning
While your pasta chips are cooking, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. This fragrance-packed mix will be tossed with the crispy chips to infuse every bite with savory goodness.
Step 6: Toss the Pasta Chips With the Seasoning
Once your pasta chips have finished air frying, immediately transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the garlic oil mixture over and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure each chip is coated with that vibrant seasoning blend.
Step 7: Sprinkle with Parmesan and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese evenly over your pasta chips. Serve right away for the best texture and flavor. Don’t forget to grab your favorite dipping sauces—marinara or garlic sauce complement these crispy bites beautifully!
Top Tip
Mastering the perfect crispy texture in this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe is easier than you think—with just a few simple tips, your pasta chips will turn out golden, crunchy, and full of flavor every time.
- Cooking in Batches: From my experience, overcrowding the air fryer basket leads to uneven crisping. Giving each noodle space ensures every chip turns out perfectly crispy.
- Al Dente Noodles Are Key: I’ve learned the hard way that overcooked pasta becomes brittle and can burn quickly. Cooking rigatoni to al dente makes all the difference for that ideal crunch without being too hard.
- Season Right After Frying: Tossing the hot pasta chips immediately with the garlic oil mixture lets the flavors soak in beautifully—don't wait!
- Watch Your Timing: I always check the chips around 8 minutes to prevent overcooking. A minute or two too long can turn crispy into burnt.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe

Garnishes
Sprinkle extra freshly grated parmesan cheese just before serving for an irresistible cheesy finish. Fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness that brightens the rich garlic and parmesan flavors. For a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate these chips to amazing savory snacks.
Side Dishes
These pasta chips pair wonderfully with classic marinara sauce or a creamy garlic aioli for dipping. They’re also a great companion to a crisp Caesar salad or a charcuterie board featuring cured meats and olives, making them a versatile appetizer perfect for any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them from getting soggy while preserving most of their crispiness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, spread the chips on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. This prevents clumping and maintains their texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. This restores their crispness better than the microwave, which can make them chewy or soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While rigatoni works great due to its sturdy shape, other tubular pastas like penne or ziti can be used. Just make sure they’re cooked al dente for the best crispy results.
To make a vegan version, substitute the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different, but still deliciously savory.
Overcrowding sacrifices airflow, which is crucial for even cooking and crisping. Spacing the pasta chips out allows hot air to circulate freely, resulting in a consistent golden crunch.
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with smoked paprika, Italian herbs, or even a pinch of chili powder to customize the flavor to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about crunching into these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips—the perfect blend of garlic, olive oil, and parmesan comes together in a snack that’s both crispy and comforting. Whether you’re serving them up at a casual get-together or just craving a flavorful bite, they’re sure to become a favorite. So next time you have leftover rigatoni or just want a creative spin on pasta, give this recipe a try—you’re going to love how easy and delicious this snack is!
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Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air Fryer Pasta Chips are a crispy and flavorful appetizer made from al dente rigatoni noodles air-fried to golden perfection. Tossed with garlic-infused olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese, these chips are perfect for snacking or serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta Chips
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer. Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat to ensure crisp cooking for the pasta chips.
- Coat noodles with oil. In a large bowl, add the cooked rigatoni noodles and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss thoroughly to ensure every noodle is lightly coated.
- Arrange noodles in air fryer. Spread the coated pasta noodles in a single layer on your air fryer rack or basket, avoiding overcrowding for even cooking.
- Air fry the pasta. Cook the noodles for 10 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Check at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Prepare seasoning mixture. While the pasta chips are cooking, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and mix well.
- Toss pasta chips with seasoning. Once the pasta chips are done, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the garlic oil mixture over. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat the chips with the flavorful seasoning.
- Add parmesan cheese and serve. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the chips and serve immediately. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces such as marinara or garlic sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
- For best results, ensure pasta is cooked al dente so it crisps nicely without becoming too hard.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even crispness.
- Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like smoked paprika or Italian herbs for variety.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative, though this recipe is not strictly vegan due to cheese.
- Store leftover pasta chips in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispness.
- If you prefer extra crispiness, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 ounces)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg



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