Name: Air Fryer Parmesan 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

If you love crunchy snacks and Italian flavors, you’re going to flip for this Air Fryer Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe. Imagine rigatoni transformed into crispy, garlicky little chips with a golden parmesan finish — they’re addictively tasty and perfect for sharing!

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 Air Fryer Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I make these pasta chips, they disappear in minutes. They’re a fun twist on classic pasta and an irresistible party appetizer you can whip up quickly.

Crunchy & Flavorful: Crispy rigatoni air-fried to golden perfection with bold garlic and parmesan seasoning.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes — perfect for last-minute snacks or appetizers.
Healthy-ish Indie Snack: Air frying uses less oil, so these have all the crunch without the guilt.
Customizable: You can easily swap spices or cheeses to tailor them to your taste buds.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients are simple but important. Choosing rigatoni cooked just right and fresh parmesan cheese makes all the difference in texture and flavor. Plus, the olive oil and seasoning combo elevates the humble pasta into a crave-worthy snack.

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: Use rigatoni because their ridges hold the seasoning, and cooking them al dente keeps them firm for that perfect crisp.
Olive oil: Divided into two parts — one coats the pasta pre-air frying, the other mixes with garlic and seasonings to maximize flavor.
Garlic (minced): Adds that irresistible savory punch that pairs beautifully with parmesan.
Kosher salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the richness of the cheese and oil.
Black pepper: A little heat to add depth without overpowering the dish.
Parmesan cheese (grated): The star topping that melts slightly on the hot chips, giving a salty, nutty crunch.

📝

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 Air Fryer Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to spice things up, go lighter, or add a seasonal twist, there are plenty of ways to customize these crispy delights to match your tastes and mood.

Variation: For a smoky kick, I love sprinkling a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder right after air frying. It adds depth and a little heat that pairs perfectly with the parmesan.
Vegetarian-Friendly Twist: Since this recipe is already vegetarian, try adding Italian herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to the garlic oil mix for a fresh herbaceous note.
Make it Vegan: Swap the parmesan for nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan alternative to keep these crispy treats dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
Seasonal Flavor Boost: In the fall, a sprinkle of pumpkin spice mixed with a little salt can add a subtly sweet and earthy vibe. It’s unexpected but delightful!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Parmesan 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: Heat Things Up Right

Start by preheating your air fryer to a sizzling 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is key to achieving that golden brown crispiness we’re after. Giving your air fryer a few minutes to warm up ensures the rigatoni chips cook evenly and develop that irresistible crunch.

Step 2: Olive Oil Love

Take your cooked rigatoni—ideally cooked al dente so they hold up well—and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss well to make sure every piece is coated with a thin layer of oil. This not only helps the chips crisp up but also infuses a subtle richness into every bite.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Lay the coated rigatoni in a single layer on your air fryer rack or basket. This lets the hot air circulate around each piece, creating maximum crunch. Air fry for 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the color—they should turn a beautiful golden brown and feel crisp to the touch when ready.

Step 4: Garlic Seasoning Magic

While your pasta chips are crisping up, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This flavorful oil blend is going to elevate those crispy noodles with savory warmth and a wonderful garlicky punch.

Step 5: Toss and Coat With Care

Once the rigatoni chips come out of the air fryer, immediately transfer them to a clean bowl. Pour the garlic oil seasoning over the hot chips and toss gently but thoroughly. The heat helps the flavors soak in, so every chip gets a perfect coating of savory goodness.

Step 6: The Parmesan Finale

Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese generously over the seasoned pasta chips. The cheese will start to melt slightly from the residual heat, clinging to each crispy chip beautifully. Serve these right away with your favorite dips like classic marinara or a creamy garlic sauce for sharing and dipping fun.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get perfectly crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Parmesan Pasta Chips every time—because the little details make all the difference!

Cook Pasta Al Dente: I always make sure to cook the rigatoni just until al dente. This keeps the pasta firm enough so it crisps nicely in the air fryer instead of getting soggy.
Single Layer Matters: Spreading the pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket allows the hot air to circulate evenly, which really helps each chip get that golden, crunchy texture I love.
Toss While Hot: Tossing the chips in the garlic oil right after air frying helps the flavors stick to the pasta better. Don’t wait until they cool down!
Serve Immediately: Parmesan melts on contact with the warm pasta chips. Waiting too long can make the chips lose their crispiness, so try to serve right away.

How to Serve Air Fryer Parmesan 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

For a little extra flair, garnish your Air Fryer Parmesan Pasta Chips with freshly chopped parsley or basil. A light sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a gentle heat that pairs beautifully with the garlic and parmesan. If you're feeling fancy, a drizzle of balsamic glaze offers a sweet tang that balances the savory flavors.

Side Dishes

These pasta chips are perfect alongside Italian-inspired dips like marinara sauce, creamy garlic aioli, or even a zesty pesto. Pair them with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded appetizer spread that's sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the Air Fryer Parmesan Pasta Chips in an airtight container at room temperature. For best taste and texture, enjoy them within 1 day as they tend to lose their crispiness over time.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for these pasta chips because the texture changes when thawed and reheated. They’re best enjoyed fresh off the air fryer.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta chips back in the air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes. This helps restore some of their crispiness and warms them through, but it’s best to eat them immediately after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other pasta shapes for this recipe?

Yes! While rigatoni works wonderfully for Air Fryer Parmesan Pasta Chips because of its shape and size, other tubular pasta like penne or ziti can also be used. Just make sure to cook them al dente for the best texture.

What dipping sauces go well with these pasta chips?

Marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a pesto dip are fantastic choices. You can even try a spicy arrabbiata sauce if you want to add some heat!

How do I prevent the pasta chips from sticking together?

Make sure to toss the cooked pasta with olive oil before air frying and spread them out in a single layer without overcrowding. This allows the chips to crisp individually rather than clumping together.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the parmesan cheese with a vegan parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor while making the recipe vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about those crunchy, garlicky pasta chips fresh from the air fryer—comforting yet unique. I hope this Air Fryer Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe becomes your go-to appetizer for movie nights, gatherings, or any time you crave a crunchy nibble. Remember, a little extra love in the seasoning always takes these snacks to the next level. Happy cooking and even happier snacking!