Name: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips 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

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!

A white bowl filled with many short pasta pieces that look crispy and golden brown, sprinkled with green herbs and white grated cheese. Inside the bowl, there is a smaller white bowl on the left side containing thick red marinara sauce with a smooth texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a dark brown cloth underneath. There are some small green herb sprigs near the bottom left corner and a white bowl with white sauce at the bottom right edge. 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 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.

Flat lay of cooked rigatoni pasta noodles glistening with olive oil, a few sprigs of fresh garlic cloves minced beside a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with coarse kosher salt, another small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a neat pile of finely grated parmesan cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed 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 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.

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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

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

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with golden crunchy ridged pasta chips sprinkled with green herbs and Parmesan cheese. At the center inside the bowl is a smaller white bowl with a thick, red tomato sauce. A woman's hand is dipping one pasta chip into the sauce. The background features a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

The image shows two parts. On the top part, there is a clear glass bowl filled with crispy, short, ridged, golden-brown pasta tubes. Above the bowl, a glass container pours golden olive oil mixed with black pepper onto the pasta. On the bottom part, the same glass bowl with the pasta tubes now has a pile of white grated cheese on top, and more grated cheese is falling from above onto the pasta. Both parts have a white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

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.

How can I make these pasta chips vegan?

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.

Why should I avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket?

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.

Can I add other seasonings to the garlic oil?

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!