Tender pasta shapes are tossed with cheese, garlic, basil, and a touch of olive oil, then air-fried or baked until crisp. These Crunchy Pasta Chips make an irresistible snack or appetizer that everyone will love.
Easy Crunchy Pasta Chips in the Air Fryer or Oven
Pasta chips are a fun, crunchy twist on a familiar favorite. They had a moment, then resurfaced thanks to air fryers and social media — and for good reason. If you love pasta, you’ll enjoy how simple these are to make and how addictive they taste.
Serve them warm with marinara, basil pesto, or enjoy them plain. The combination of cheese, garlic, and basil gives each bite plenty of flavor, while the air fryer or oven delivers a satisfying crispness.
Are pasta chips healthy?
Pasta chips can be a reasonably healthy snack when made with good-quality pasta, modest oil, and simple seasonings. Air frying keeps added oil to a minimum, and you can easily use gluten-free pasta if needed. As with any snack, portion control and ingredient choices determine how healthy they are overall.
What You’ll Need
The recipe is straightforward: pasta, a little olive oil, cheese, and seasonings. Here’s a closer look at each ingredient. For exact amounts, see the recipe card below.
- Pasta: Any short, bite-sized shapes work well — penne, bow-tie, rigatoni, etc.
- Olive Oil: A tablespoon is enough to help the seasonings and cheese stick to the pasta.
- Cheese: Freshly grated asiago or Parmigiano-Reggiano adds savory depth.
- Garlic Powder: Gives the chips a bold, garlicky note.
- Dried Basil: Complements the garlic and cheese with a soft herb flavor.
- Dipping Sauce (optional): Marinara or basil pesto are excellent for serving.
How to Make Pasta Chips
The method is simple: cook the pasta, toss it with oil, cheese, and seasonings, then crisp it in the air fryer or oven until golden and crunchy.
Air Fryer Method
- Cook the pasta. Follow the package directions. Drain and rinse, then transfer the pasta to a large bowl.
- Toss with oil and seasonings. Add the olive oil, grated cheese, garlic powder, and dried basil. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Air fry in batches. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place half the pasta in the basket and air fry for 7–10 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times so the pieces crisp evenly. Repeat with the remaining pasta.
- Serve. Transfer the chips to a plate, garnish with extra grated cheese, and serve warm with pesto or marinara if desired.
Oven Method
- Cook the pasta. Prepare the pasta according to package directions, drain, rinse, and place in a large bowl.
- Toss with oil and seasonings. Mix in the olive oil, grated cheese, garlic powder, and dried basil until well combined.
- Bake in a single layer. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly oil or line a baking sheet with parchment and arrange the pasta in a single layer. Bake 20–24 minutes, turning or shaking the pan a few times, until the pasta is browned and crisp.
- Serve. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with extra cheese, and enjoy with dipping sauces if you like.
Tips for Success
These quick tips will help you get the best texture and flavor from your pasta chips.
- Salt the pasta water: Salting the cooking water seasons the pasta from the inside and improves overall flavor.
- Cook al dente: Avoid overcooking so the pasta holds its shape and crisps properly.
- Customize the seasoning: Try taco seasoning with salsa for dipping, barbecue spices with honey mustard, or ranch seasoning with a creamy dip — make them your own.
Serving Suggestions
Pasta chips are great on their own but also work well as part of an appetizer spread or as a crunchy side to soup. Pair them with simple, fresh dishes or bold dips for contrast.
- Cowboy Caviar: A bright, salsa-like bean and corn salad that complements the crunchy chips.
- Caprese Stuffed Avocado: Fresh basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella inside avocado halves make a light, elegant partner.
- Hearty Soup: A savory butternut squash or tomato-based soup pairs nicely with garlic-and-basil pasta chips for dipping or snacking alongside.
How to Store Leftovers
- Store leftover pasta chips in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for 3–4 days. If they soften, briefly re-crisp them in the air fryer or oven before serving.
Crunchy Pasta Chips (Air Fryer OR Oven)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dry pasta (penne, bow-tie, rigatoni, or similar; gluten-free works too)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly grated asiago or Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Basil pesto, for serving (optional)
- Marinara, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse.
- Transfer pasta to a large bowl and toss with the olive oil.
- Stir in 1/4 cup grated cheese, garlic powder, and dried basil until evenly combined.
If Air Frying:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Add half the pasta to the basket and cook 7–10 minutes, or until browned and crispy, shaking the basket twice during cooking.
- Repeat with the remaining pasta.
- Remove the chips, transfer to a serving plate, and garnish with extra grated cheese.
- Serve with basil pesto and/or marinara.
If Baking in the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper.
- Spread the pasta in one single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake 20–24 minutes, or until browned and crispy, shaking or turning the pasta 3–4 times while it cooks.
- Remove from the oven, transfer to a serving plate, and garnish with extra grated cheese.
- Serve with basil pesto and/or marinara.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate. Values may vary by ingredients and tools used.
More Fun Snack Ideas
- Grilled Potato Wedges
- Chicken Potstickers
- Tex-Mex Egg Rolls (Cheesecake Factory Copycat)