Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe (Easy Air Fryer Snack)

 

Learn how to make crispy Pasta Chips with pasta, Parmesan cheese, olive oil and garlic herb seasoning. An easy air fryer snack that's crunchy, cheesy, and perfect for dipping.

These pasta chips make the perfect snack, appetizer, or party food. Seasoned and air-fried or baked until golden and crunchy. Sere them with marinara sauce, alfredo sauce or even ranch dressing for an irresistible treat that's easy to make and always a crowd pleaser!

Whether you are looking for a fun game0day snack or a creative way to enjoy pasta, these crispy Pasta Chips are sure to become a new favourite!

 

This recipe I am sharing with you today is something I would never have thought to do on my own, but I had seen a few videos of people doing them and I was intrigued.  I started thinking about those crunchy bits of pasta at the edges of a casserole using pasta and how moreish they were.  Then I started thinking about a snack that was only those crunchy bits, with something to dip them in.

I was invested.

I watched a few videos and then put together something on my own. Eileen helped me. She was really eager to try them herself.  And I have promised to go over and help her figure out how to use her air fryer when she gets back into her own place.

Not only were these really simple to do, but they used simple ingredients that I always have in my larder. Pasta, oil, seasoning and cheese. Easy!

Do make sure you cook your pasta just to al dente. You don't want to be using soggy pasta as it won't crisp up nicely.  I used a circular round twisty shaped pasta that I had picked up at Winners/HomeSense, right from Italy and it worked very nicely. We ended up with plenty of crispy bits to enjoy and a few chewy bits as well.

The cheese added nicely to the crunch, and I used Kinder Butter Herb & Garlic Seasoning for the seasoning blend and flavour. I probably used more than I recommended using, but we wanted a stronger garlic flavour. You do you.

These were lovely served with some heated marinara sauce for dipping. I was only going to enjoy one, but these were so moreish that I ended up having at least half a dozen before I could reign myself in.  These will make a great snack for holiday entertaining in the weeks ahead, or for a special game night when you have people over to watch the hockey or whatever! I highly recommend!

 

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

TO MAKE

🧄PASTA CHIPS WITH GARLIC & PARMESAN🧄

 

Simple ingredients put together in a most delicious way.

• 8 ounces (227g) pasta
• 2 TBS extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic herb blend, divided
• 1 TBS freeze dried parsley, divided

To serve:

• Your favorite marinara or alfredo sauce 

🧄NOTES ON INGREDIENTS🧄 

Pasta

Choose a short pasta shape such as a rotini, fusilli, penne or farfalle. These shapes hold the seasonings well and become wonderfully crisp when cooked. Cook the pasta just until al dente as softer pasta may not crisp up as nicely. I used Rotini which is a circular corkscrew type of pasta.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This has a nice peppery flavour and helps the seasonings adhere to the pasta while also promoting a golden, crunchy finish. You can substitute avocado oil if you prefer.

Grated Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan adds a rich, savoury flavour and contributes to the delicate crispy coating. Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the best flavour and texture.

Garlic Herb Blend

A garlic herb seasoning blend adds plenty of flavour with minimal effort. Dividing the seasoning before and after cooking ensures every bite is well seasoned. Italian seasoning can also be substituted and you can add some red pepper flakes for some heat if you wish.

Freeze Dried Parsley

This adds colour and a fresh herb flavour. Dividing it between the cooking and finishing stages helps to maintain both flavour and appearance.  Dried parsley may be used in a pinch, but the freeze-dried parsley offers a brighter taste.

INGREDIENT TIP:

For even more flavour, reserve a small amount of the cheese, garlic seasoning, and parsley to sprinkle over the hot pasta chips just prior to serving. This simple step gives the finished dish an extra burst of cheese, herby goodness.

 

HOW TO MAKE

🧄PASTA CHIPS WITH GARLIC & PARMESAN🧄 

These really are quite a simple make. You can do them in the oven as well if you don't have an air fryer available. Same temperature, on a baking sheet, but it may take slightly longer to get the essential crispness.

1. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain well. Pour into a bowl.(It is important that you drain it very well so that it cooks up crisper.)
2. Whisk together the olive oil, 1 tsp of the seasoning and half of the parsley. Pour over the drained pasta and toss together to coat well. Add half of the cheese and toss again. (Make sure everything is evenly coated.)
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400*F/200*C. (If you are doing them in the oven the same temperatures apply.)
4. Place the dressed pasta into your air fryer baskets/trays. (Spread them into an even layer with space between each piece for the air to circulate around the pasta.)
5. Air fry for 12 minutes, giving the pasta a shake halfway through the cook time, until crispy.
6. Toss with the remaining seasoning and arrange on a serving tray. Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and Parmesan. (You can adjust the seasonings according to your own tastes.)
7. Heat up your desired dip while the pasta is air frying. Pour into a bowl and serve hot for dipping the chips in.

 

🧄HINTS AND TIPS FOR SUCCESS🧄 

Cook the pasta just until al dente

Overcooked pasta can become too soft and may not crisp up properly in the air fryer or oven.

Drain the pasta well

Excess water can prevent the pasta from becoming crispy.

Season the pasta while it is still warm

Warm pasta absorbs the oil, Parmesan cheese and seasonings more evenly.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket.

Arrange the pasta in a single layer, working in batches if needed. You want to allow the hot air to circulate and crisp every piece.

Shake the basket halfway through cooking

This helps the pasta chips to cook evenly and prevents burning.

Watch the final few minutes carefully

pasta chips can go from perfectly golden to overcooked quite quickly.

Grate your own cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan melts and adheres to the pasta better than the pre-grated varieties.

Adjust the seasoning to taste

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or extra garlic for more flavour.

 

🧄FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS🧄

WHAT TYPE OF PASTA WORKS BEST FOR PASTA CHIPS?

Short pasta shapes such as rigatoni, bow ties, penne, rotini or fusilli work well. I used a shape called Rotini. You want a shape that is going to crisp up nice in the air fryer and hug the sauce nicely for dipping.

DO I NEED TO USE AN AIR FRYER?

Not at all. You can bake them in the oven, although an air fryer will typically make them crispier.

CAN THESE BE MADE AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, simply store them in an airtight container after they cool completely. They are best enjoyed within a few days.

ARE THESE BEST SERVED HOT OR COLD?

They are best served warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature.

CAN I USE GLUTEN FREE PASTA?

Yes, gluten free pasta works well, although cook times may vary slightly.

ARE THESE A SNACK OR AN APPETIZER?

They can be served as either one. They are perfect for parties and gatherings.

CAN I REHEAT LEFTOVER PASTA CHIPS?

Yes, just reheat them in an air fryer or hot oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.

 

🧄A FEW OTHER SNACKS & NIBBLES TO ENJOY🧄

We are coming up to the season of year where we all tend to do a lot of entertaining. Here are a few other favourite snacks and nibbles we enjoy sharing with guests.

CARAMEL POPCORN TWISTS -  We make this every Christmas. Not only is it easy to make but it is incredibly moreish. It also makes a really lovely gift to give someone.  Its crisp, sweet, crunchy, and delicious! Everyone always asks for the recipe. Its like Caramel Popcorn, but without the nuisance of husks.  Melts in the mouth.

BITS & BITES -  The Canadian version of Chex Mix. It just wouldn't be the holidays without this crunchy, savoury snack mix. Loaded with buttery, savoury, crisp bits of cheerios, cheese crackers, shreddies, pretzels, gold fish and sometimes peanuts. Everything is tossed together with a savoury, lightly spiced salty butter and then baked to golden crispy perfection. This is really quite addictive.

  

Pin this delicious recipe to your Appetizer, or Snack recipe boards and remember to FOLLOW ME on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram! 

That way you can be assured that you are always up to date with fresh content as soon as I post it. You can also sign up to receive a weekly newsletter from Grow. Thank you!

Yield: variable

Author: Marie Rayner

Pasta Chips with Garlic & Parmesan

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 12 MinTotal time: 27 Min

These are a very simple make and oh so delicious. Using simple store cupboard ingredients these tasty pasta chips come out perfect in the air fryer. Crunchy and filled with flavour.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (227g) pasta
• 2 TBS extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic herb blend, divided
• 1 TBS freeze dried parsley, divided

To serve:

• Your favorite marinara or alfredo sauce

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain well. Pour into a bowl.
2. Whisk together the olive oil, 1 tsp of the seasoning and half of the parsley. Pour over the drained pasta and toss together to coat well. Add half of the cheese and toss again.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400*F/200*C.
4. Place the dressed pasta into your air fryer baskets/trays.
5. Air fry for 12 minutes, giving the pasta a shake halfway through the cook time, until crispy.
6. Toss with the remaining seasoning and arrange on a serving tray. Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and Parmesan.
7. Heat up your desired dip while the pasta is air frying. Pour into a bowl and serve hot for dipping the chips in.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @marierayner5530 on instagram and hashtag it #EnglishKitchen

This content (written and photography) is the sole property of The English Kitchen. Any reposting or misuse is not permitted. If you are reading this elsewhere, please know that it is stolen content and you may report it to me at: mariealicejoan at aol dot com 

 Thanks so much for visiting! Do come again!

If you like what you see here, why not consider signing up for my newsletter and/or subscribing/following me on Grow. You can also bookmark my recipes via the Grow platform. Check out the heart on the right hand side of the screen.