Crunchy Parmesan Pasta Chips (Printable)

Golden pasta shells air-fried with Parmesan and spices for a crispy, savory snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 9 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)

→ Coating

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
06 - ¼ tsp smoked paprika
07 - ½ tsp sea salt
08 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ To Serve (optional)

09 - Marinara sauce for dipping

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking. Pat dry with paper towels.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with olive oil until evenly coated.
03 - Add Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
04 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
05 - Arrange pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping, until golden and crunchy.
06 - Remove chips and allow to cool slightly before serving. Offer marinara sauce as a dip if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They're ready faster than you can order takeout, and somehow feel fancier than their five-ingredient reality.
  • The contrast between the creamy cheese coating and the snappy pasta texture is genuinely addictive.
  • You get to use an air fryer for something that actually justifies keeping it on the counter.
02 -
  • Do not skip the cold water rinse and the drying step—moisture left on the pasta will cause uneven cooking and soggy spots that feel like a betrayal after all that work.
  • These keep best in an airtight container because even a few hours of exposure to air makes them lose that satisfying crunch, so plan to eat them the day you make them or store them properly.
03 -
  • Use a kitchen scale for the pasta and cheese if you have one—it takes the guesswork out and means more consistent crispness every time you make them.
  • Shake the air fryer basket with confidence halfway through, not timidly—movement is what keeps them cooking evenly and prevents burnt edges.
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