- Air Fryer
- Pressure Cooker or Large Pot
- Parchment Paper
- Wire Cooling Rack
- Oil Spritzer or Spray Bottle
- Shallow bowl
If you are looking for the ultimate crunchy snack that doubles as the perfect dipping chip, these Air Fryer Pasta Chips are about to become your new obsession. We are talking golden brown, crispy fried pasta with a savory seasoned breadcrumb coating that holds up to any dipping sauce you throw at it. They are fun, they are easy, and they are a total crowd-pleaser.
This air fryer pasta chips recipe is one of those viral recipes that completely lives up to the hype. Bow tie pasta gets cooked al dente, tossed in butter, breaded with Italian seasoning and breadcrumbs, and then air fried to crispy, crunchy perfection. The result is a snack that is way more interesting than potato chips and infinitely dippable. Whether you serve them with classic marinara sauce, a cheesy spinach dip, or your own favorite dip, these pasta chips are going to disappear fast.
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Suggested Kitchen Tools for Air Fryer Pasta Chips
- Air Fryer
- Pressure Cooker or Large Pot for cooking pasta
- Shallow Bowl
- Parchment Paper
- Wire Cooling Rack
- Oil Spritzer or Spray Bottle
Ingredients & Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. You likely already have most of these in your pantry right now, and there is plenty of room to customize the seasonings to match your crunchy craving.
Bow Tie Pasta
Used in Recipe: Four ounces of dry bow tie pasta (farfalle), cooked al dente.
What it Does: The pasta is the base of the chip! The bow tie shape is not just adorable, it actually works really well here because the little folds and ridges grab onto the seasoned breadcrumb coating. Cooking the pasta al dente, or even slightly undercooked, is important because the pasta finishes cooking and crisping up inside the air fryer.
Substitutions: Any short pasta shape works great for pasta chips. Penne, rotini, rigatoni, shells, and cavatappi are all excellent choices. Whole wheat pasta is a great choice if you want a little more fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of pasta you choose, so always cook to al dente and adjust the air frying time if needed.
Butter
Used in Recipe: Two tablespoons of melted butter, used to coat the pasta immediately after cooking.
What it Does: Tossing the hot pasta in butter right after it comes out of the pot or pressure cooker serves two critical purposes. First, it keeps every piece of pasta separated so they do not clump together into one big sticky mess. Second, the fat helps the seasoned breadcrumb coating stick to the pasta during the breading process. This step is not optional! If you skip it, the pasta will stick together and the breading will fall right off.
Substitutions: Olive oil or avocado oil work perfectly in place of butter. Any neutral cooking oil will do the job. This is also a great way to keep the recipe dairy-free if needed.
Breadcrumbs
Used in Recipe: One cup of plain breadcrumbs, mixed with the seasonings to create the coating.
What it Does: The breadcrumbs create that irresistible crunchy fried pasta chip exterior. Plain breadcrumbs give you full control over the seasoning, which is exactly what we want here. The breadcrumbs toast and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, giving you that satisfying crunch in every single bite.
Substitutions: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs work well and will add even more flavor. If you use them, reduce or eliminate the added salt since they already contain salt. Panko breadcrumbs are another great option if you want an extra crunchy, lighter coating. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Italian Seasoning Blend
Used in Recipe: One teaspoon each of fine grain sea salt, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder.
What it Does: This seasoning blend is what transforms plain breaded pasta into seasoned pasta chips full of extra flavor. The salt enhances everything, the basil and oregano bring that classic Italian seasoning profile, and the garlic powder and onion powder add savory depth. Together they create a coating that tastes amazing on its own but also pairs perfectly with marinara sauce or any Italian-inspired dipping sauce.
Substitutions: This is where you can really get creative! You could swap out the Italian seasoning entirely for a barbecue rub (just choose one that is not too high in sugar, since sugar can burn during air frying), a Cajun spice blend, ranch seasoning, or even just salt and black pepper for a simple classic chip. For cheesy pasta chips, stir two to three tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast directly into the breadcrumb mixture. Nutritional yeast is also a wonderful dairy-free option that gives you that savory, cheesy flavor without any dairy.
Oil for Spritzing
Used in Recipe: About one to two tablespoons of avocado oil or olive oil, applied with an oil spritzer or spray bottle.
What it Does: Spritzing the breaded pasta with oil before and during air frying is what really makes the difference between a golden brown, crunchy chip and a dry, unevenly cooked one. The oil helps the breadcrumbs toast evenly and get that beautiful deep color. Without it, the breadcrumbs can burn in spots before the rest of the coating crisps up properly.
Substitutions: Any neutral oil works here. Coconut oil is another popular choice. An oil spritzer bottle gives you the most even, light coating and is definitely worth having in your kitchen if you air fry regularly.
How to Make Air Fryer Pasta Chips
Making these crunchy fried pasta chips is easier than you might think! There are a few key techniques that make the difference between a chip that is perfectly crispy all the way through and one that just does not quite get there. Follow these steps and you will nail it on the very first batch.
Mise En Place
Before you start cooking, gather all of your ingredients and equipment. Set out a large sheet of parchment paper on your countertop, have your shallow bowl ready for the breadcrumb mixture, and make sure your oil spritzer is filled and ready to go. Having everything in place before you start the breading process makes the whole thing go much faster and smoother.
Cooking the Pasta
Cook four ounces of bow tie pasta until al dente, or even slightly undercooked. This is one of the most important steps in the whole recipe. You do not want fully soft pasta here because the pasta is going to continue cooking inside the air fryer. If you start with overcooked pasta, you will end up with chips that are chewy in the middle instead of crunchy all the way through. It is perfectly fine if some pieces look a little undercooked in spots.
The moment the pasta is done cooking and you have drained it, toss it immediately with two tablespoons of melted butter (or oil) and stir to coat every piece. Do not let the pasta sit and cool before doing this step because the heat helps the butter coat evenly. This keeps the pasta from sticking together and ensures the breadcrumbs will actually adhere during breading. Spread the coated pasta out and let it cool slightly before moving on to the next step.
Quick Tip
My favorite way to cook the pasta is in a pressure cooker! Add the pasta with 1½ cups of water, pressure cook on high for 2 minutes, then allow a 5-minute natural pressure release. It comes out perfectly al dente every time with minimal cleanup.
While the pasta cools slightly, go ahead and start preheating your air fryer on its highest temperature setting for a full ten minutes. This step is really important and I do not want you to skip it! Make sure the cooking rack or basket insert is inside the air fryer during the preheat. You want that cooking surface to get very hot before the pasta chips go in. A hot surface is what gives you that immediate sizzle and crunch right from the start.
Breading the Pasta
- Preheat your air fryer on the hotest setting for a full 10 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, combine one cup of breadcrumbs with one teaspoon each of fine grain sea salt, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
Working in batches of about ten pieces at a time, add the buttered pasta to the breadcrumb mixture and toss with a spoon to coat both sides. Then lift the pasta out with a slotted spoon or your hand and arrange it in a single layer on the parchment paper. Working in smaller batches keeps the breading process tidy and makes sure every piece gets a good even coating. Repeat until all of the pasta is breaded.
Working in batches of about ten pieces at a time, add the buttered pasta to the breadcrumb mixture and toss with a spoon to coat both sides. Then lift the pasta out with a slotted spoon or your hand and arrange it in a single layer on the parchment paper. Working in smaller batches keeps the breading process tidy and makes sure every piece gets a good even coating. Repeat until all of the pasta is breaded and on the parchment paper.
Once all the pasta is breaded and laid out on the parchment paper, spritz the tops generously with avocado oil or olive oil. You want the breadcrumbs to look just slightly damp but not soaked. Even though it may look like you are using a lot of oil as you spritz, you will likely only use one to two tablespoons total over the entire batch. You only need to spritz one side right now. You will add another light spritz during air frying.
Quick Tip
Laying the breaded pasta on parchment paper before spritzing makes cleanup much easier and gives you a great surface to spritz from. You can even lift the parchment paper to carry the pasta over to your air fryer without making a mess.
Air Frying the Pasta Chips
After the ten-minute preheat is complete, carefully remove the hot rack or basket from the air fryer and close the air fryer door to keep the heat trapped inside. Arrange the breaded pasta chips in a single layer on the hot rack. If any spots look dry, give them a quick extra spritz. Place the rack back in the air fryer.
Lower the temperature and air fry at 400℉/200℃ for about ten minutes total, flipping the pasta two to three times throughout the cooking time. Check on them after four to five minutes. They should be starting to turn golden brown. After flipping, give them a light spritz of oil on the newly exposed side.
The chips are done when the breadcrumbs are deep golden brown and the pasta has crisped all the way through. The key is finding the balance between fully crisped chips and pasta that has gotten too hard. You do not want to break any teeth! Once you make the first batch, you will know exactly what timing works best in your specific air fryer.
Quick Tip
Every air fryer runs a little differently! For a standard basket air fryer, 400℉/200℃ works well. For a larger oven-style air fryer, increase the temperature by 25 to 50 degrees. For a smaller, more compact air fryer, start at 375℉/190℃ and check after 4 to 5 minutes. The sweet spot for most air fryers is somewhere between 375 and 425℉/190 and 220℃.
Cooling the Pasta Chips
Transfer the finished chips to a wire cooling rack in a single layer right away. This is an important step! The air circulating underneath the rack allows the chips to continue crisping up as they cool. If you put them on a flat plate or baking sheet, the bottoms will steam and soften instead of crisping up further. While the first batch cools, go ahead and air fry the remaining pasta. You may need to do two, three, or four batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Serve and Enjoy
These crunchy pasta chips are best served right after they have had a few minutes to cool down on the wire rack. Plate them up alongside your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear.
Because of the Italian seasoning blend, they pair especially well with marinara sauce or a cheesy spinach dip, but honestly any of your favorite dips will work beautifully here.
Air Fryer Pasta Chips
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Pressure Cooker or Large Pot
- Parchment Paper
- Wire Cooling Rack
- Oil Spritzer or Spray Bottle
- Shallow bowl
Ingredients
Pasta
- 4 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle) other short pasta shapes work well too; whole wheat pasta is a great choice for extra fiber
- 2 tablespoon butter, melted used to coat pasta after cooking so it does not stick together; olive oil or avocado oil can be substituted
Seasoned Breading
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs Italian breadcrumbs work well too; panko can be used for extra crunch
- 1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt reduce to ½ teaspoon if using Italian breadcrumbs which already contain salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil part of the Italian seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano part of the Italian seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For Air Frying
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil for spritzing; a spray bottle or oil spritzer works best; coconut oil also works
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Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Cook 4 oz of bow tie pasta until al dente or very slightly undercooked. Do not cook until fully soft or the chips will not crisp up properly. Some pasta pieces can even look a little undercooked in spots and that is perfectly fine.4 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- Pressure cooker method (recommended): Add the pasta and 1½ cups of water to your pressure cooker. Pressure cook on high for 2 minutes, then allow a 5-minute natural pressure release before opening.
- Stovetop method: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions but reduce the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes so the pasta is al dente or slightly underdone. Drain the pasta.
- Immediately toss the hot, drained pasta with 2 tablespoons of melted butter (or oil) to coat each piece. This step is very important to keep the pasta separated and prevent sticking. Spread the pasta out and allow it to cool slightly before breading.2 tablespoon butter, melted
Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer on its highest temperature setting for a full 10 minutes. Make sure the cooking rack or basket insert is inside the air fryer during preheat so the cooking surface gets very hot. This is key to getting crispy pasta chips right from the start.
Make the Seasoned Breading
- In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Stir well to combine.1 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Bread the Pasta
- Lay a large sheet of parchment paper on your work surface. Working in batches of about 10 pieces at a time, add the buttered pasta to the breadcrumb mixture and toss with a spoon to coat both sides thoroughly.
- Lift the breaded pasta out with your hands or a slotted spoon and arrange in a single layer on the parchment paper. Repeat until all the pasta is coated.
- Spritz the top of all the breaded pasta generously with avocado or olive oil until the breadcrumbs look just slightly damp. You only need to spritz one side at this stage. You will use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil total over the entire batch.2 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
Air Fry the Pasta Chips
- After the preheat is complete, remove the cooking rack or basket from the air fryer and close the air fryer to keep the heat inside. Arrange the breaded pasta in a single layer on the hot rack. If any spots look very dry, give them a quick spritz of oil.
- Lower the temperature and air fry at 400℉/200℃ for 10 minutes, flipping the pasta 2 to 3 times during cooking. Check on them after 4 to 5 minutes. They should be starting to turn golden brown. After flipping, give them another light spritz of oil.
- Air fryer temperature guide: Every air fryer runs differently. For a standard basket air fryer, 400℉/200℃ works well. For a larger oven-style air fryer, increase the temperature by 25 to 50 degrees. For a smaller compact air fryer, start at 375℉/190℃ and check after 4 to 5 minutes, adjusting heat as needed. The target range for most air fryers is 375 to 425℉/190 to 220℃.
- The chips are done when the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the pasta is crisped through. Be careful not to overcook, as the pasta can become too hard. Once you make the first batch, you will know exactly how to adjust the timing for the next one.
- Transfer the finished chips to a wire cooling rack in a single layer. The air circulating underneath helps them crisp up even more as they cool. Repeat the air frying process with the remaining batches.
- Serve immediately once cooled, with marinara sauce, spinach artichoke dip, cheesy spinach dip, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
• Cook the pasta al dente or even slightly undercooked. Fully soft pasta will not crisp up properly in the air fryer. COOKING TIPS
• Preheat the air fryer fully for 10 minutes with the cooking rack inside. A hot cooking surface is key to getting crispy chips. NUTRITIONAL DISCLAIMER
Nutritional information provided is an estimate based on typical ingredient values and standard portion sizes. Actual nutritional content may vary significantly depending on specific brands used, ingredient substitutions, preparation methods, portion sizes, and individual cooking techniques. For precise nutritional information tailored to your specific ingredients and preparation, please consult with a registered dietitian or use laboratory analysis. This information should not be used for medical nutrition therapy or to manage medical conditions without professional guidance.
Nutrition
Other Variations or Different Cooking Instructions
One of the best things about this air fryer pasta chips recipe is how endlessly customizable it is. Once you have the basic technique down, you can take these chips in so many different directions.
Cheesy Pasta Chips: Stir two to three tablespoons of finely grated parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture before breading. The cheese toasts up beautifully in the air fryer and adds a rich, savory flavor to every bite.
Spicy Pasta Chips: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a spicy seasoning blend to the breadcrumb mixture. Start with a half teaspoon and adjust to your heat preference.
BBQ Pasta Chips: Replace the Italian seasoning blend with a barbecue rub for a completely different flavor profile. Just make sure to choose a rub that is low in sugar, since high-sugar rubs can burn during air frying.
Ranch Pasta Chips: Use a packet of dry ranch seasoning mixed into the breadcrumbs for a tangy, herby chip that pairs perfectly with ranch dipping sauce.
Dairy-Free or Vegan Option: Use olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter to coat the pasta, and add nutritional yeast to the breadcrumb mixture in place of parmesan cheese. The nutritional yeast gives you that savory, cheesy flavor without any dairy.
Different Pasta Shapes: While bow tie pasta is a favorite choice for its cute shape and great texture, feel free to use any short pasta you have on hand. Penne, rotini, rigatoni, and shells all work really well. Just cook them al dente and follow the same breading and air frying process.
Make Ahead Option: If you want to make these ahead and serve them a few hours later or even the next day, slightly undercook the chips in your first air fry session. When you are ready to serve, pop them back in the air fryer at 350℉/175℃ for a few minutes until they are hot and crispy again.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
How to Store Leftover Pasta Chips
These pasta chips are absolutely at their best right after they cool down from the air fryer. That said, if you have leftovers (lucky you!), here is the best way to handle them.
Room Temperature
Store leftover pasta chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They will lose some of their crunch as they sit, but reheating them in the air fryer brings them right back to life.
Refrigerator
Refrigerating pasta chips is not recommended. The moisture in the refrigerator will soften the breadcrumb coating and make the chips lose their texture. Room temperature storage in an airtight container is the best way to keep them if you are not eating them immediately.
Freezer
Freezing is not recommended for pasta chips. The texture of the breadcrumb coating does not hold up well through the freeze and thaw process.
Quick Tip
Planning to make these ahead for a party or family gathering? Slightly undercook the chips on your first air fry so they are not quite done. When it is time to serve, put them back in the air fryer at 350℉/175℃ for a few minutes and they will crisp right up as if they were just made!
How to Reheat Pasta Chips
Air Fryer (Recommended)
The air fryer is by far the best way to reheat leftover pasta chips. Place them in the air fryer at 350℉/175℃ and heat for two to four minutes, checking frequently, until they are hot and crispy again. No need to preheat for this short a reheating session.
Oven
Spread the chips in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake at 350℉/175℃ for five to eight minutes until heated through and crisped up. The wire rack is important here, just like when cooling, because it allows air to circulate underneath the chips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all! Bow tie pasta (farfalle) is a great choice because of its fun shape and the way the folds hold onto the breadcrumb coating, but any short pasta shape will work. Penne, rotini, rigatoni, cavatappi, and shells are all excellent options. Just make sure to cook whichever type of pasta you choose to al dente or slightly under so the chips crisp up properly in the air fryer.
There are a few common reasons pasta chips do not crisp up the way they should. The most likely culprit is that the pasta was cooked too soft before breading. Make sure to cook to al dente or even slightly under. Another reason could be skipping or cutting short the preheat. A full 10-minute preheat with the cooking rack inside is key. Finally, make sure you are spritzing with enough oil before and during air frying. The oil is what helps the breadcrumbs toast and crisp evenly. Also be sure to cool the chips on a wire rack so air can circulate underneath.
Yes! Leftover pasta is actually a great way to make pasta chips, and it is a wonderful way to use up leftover pasta from the night before. Just make sure the pasta was not overcooked originally. Toss the leftover pasta in a little butter or oil to freshen it up and help the breadcrumbs stick, then proceed with the breading and air frying steps as normal.
Because of the Italian seasoning blend, these pasta chips pair especially well with marinara sauce and spinach artichoke dip. A cheesy spinach dip is another amazing option. But honestly, you can dip these in almost anything you love! Ranch dressing, pesto sauce, hummus, or even a creamy avocado dip all work beautifully. The chips are savory and well-seasoned enough to stand on their own too, so do not feel like you have to serve them with a dipping sauce if you prefer them plain.
Absolutely! You can cut all of the ingredients in half to make a smaller batch. The air frying process and timing stays exactly the same. This is a great option if you are making these just for yourself or for a smaller group rather than a full family gathering.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Pasta Chips
These crunchy pasta chips are the perfect snack or appetizer, and they shine brightest when paired with a great dipping sauce. Here are a few of my favorites to serve alongside them.
About the Recipe Author, Louise Long
Louise is a full-time recipe creator and food blogger @ The Salted Pepper. She has over 30 years of experience with cooking and recipe development. She owned a restaurant for several years and was a full-time RN until retiring to blog full-time.
She published her first cookbook in the Fall of 2018 and is very interested in writing several more.
Louise is also the creator of an online Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooking Course with over 100 instructional step-by-step videos. People absolutely rave about the course and all the value they have received from it.
Louise has several very active Facebook groups that help people with the basics of cooking and learning more about the appliances they love.
Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker & Air Crisper 101
Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker
Louise is also a YouTube creator and you can find most of her recipes in video format on The Salted Pepper YouTube channel.
She is very responsive to messages and eager to help in any way she can. Get more Information about Louise & contact information
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