Name: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer 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 but want to switch things up, you’re going to adore this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe. Imagine perfectly crispy rigatoni noodles, infused with garlic and topped with savory parmesan—an irresistible snack or appetizer that’s sure to impress!

A white bowl filled with two layers: the outer layer is made of golden-brown baked rigatoni pasta pieces sprinkled with grated cheese and small green herb bits, while the inner layer is a small white bowl of bright red tomato sauce with a smooth texture, placed on the left side inside the larger bowl; the larger bowl sits on a dark brown cloth over a white marbled surface, with a small green parsley bunch near the bottom left and a white bowl with white creamy sauce at the bottom right, 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 Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ever since I tried making these pasta chips in my air fryer, they’ve become my go-to snack for movie nights and casual get-togethers. The flavor combo is simple yet so addictive, and they come together faster than you’d expect!

Crunchy Twist on Pasta: Turns regular rigatoni into crispy, chip-like bites with a delightful texture.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect when you want something tasty without the fuss.
Garlic-Parmesan Flavor: The garlic-infused olive oil and freshly grated parmesan take these chips to the next level.
Versatile Snack: Great on their own or dipped in marinara, garlic sauce, or your favorite dips.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you get started, it’s key to use rigatoni noodles cooked al dente—this keeps them firm enough to crisp up perfectly without falling apart. Also, fresh parmesan really makes a difference in flavor, so pick a good quality one if you can!

Flat lay of cooked rigatoni pasta noodles, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of minced garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl filled with grated parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Their hollow shape crisps up beautifully in the air fryer and holds on to flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps achieve that golden, crispy texture while adding richness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the oil with savory warmth.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all those delicious flavors just right.
Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to each bite.
Parmesan Cheese: The finishing touch that brings a cheesy, salty punch.

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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 parts about the Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make these pasta chips uniquely yours!

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of red chili flakes to the garlic oil mixture for a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the parmesan’s nuttiness—it’s the perfect little spice boost!
Cheese Swap: If you want to try something different, swapping parmesan for pecorino romano gives a sharper, saltier edge. For a vegetarian-friendly option, nutritional yeast works wonderfully as a cheesy sprinkle substitute.
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme tossed into the garlic oil mixture can brighten up the flavor and add an herbaceous aroma that’s irresistible.
Dipping Sauces: While marinara and garlic sauce are classic matches, I’ve also enjoyed these chips dipped in pesto or even a creamy basil aioli—feel free to experiment!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe

A close-up image showing a woman's hand dipping a ridged, crunchy, golden-yellow chip into a small white bowl filled with thick, red marinara sauce. The small bowl sits in the middle of a larger white dish filled with many similar textured chips sprinkled lightly with herbs and cheese. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat for Perfect Crispiness

Start by setting your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and letting it preheat for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for even cooking and ensures those rigatoni noodles come out golden brown and irresistibly crispy every time.

Step 2: Coat the Pasta with Olive Oil

Next, toss your cooked, al dente rigatoni noodles with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large bowl. This light coating helps the noodles crisp up nicely without getting greasy—make sure each noodle is evenly coated for consistent results.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Place the coated noodles in a single layer inside your air fryer basket or on the rack. Air fry for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. You’ll notice the pasta turning a beautiful golden brown as it crisps—this is when you know they’re ready!

Step 4: Mix the Garlic Oil Seasoning

While the pasta chips are cooking, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir these together to infuse the oil with garlicky, savory goodness that will elevate each chip.

Step 5: Toss, Top, and Serve

Once the pasta chips are air-fried, transfer them to a clean bowl and pour over your garlic oil mixture. Gently toss to coat every chip in that flavorful oil. Finally, sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese and serve immediately. Don’t forget to have some marinara or garlic dipping sauce on the side to complete this crunchy, garlicky delight!

Top Tip

Getting those rigatoni noodles perfectly crispy and flavorful takes a little know-how. These tips will help you make the best Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe every time — crunchy, golden, and bursting with flavor.

Cook Al Dente: From my experience, cooking the rigatoni just al dente is key — if they’re too soft, they won’t crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
Single Layer Cooking: I learned the hard way that layering the noodles makes some chips soggy. Spreading them in a single layer ensures every chip gets evenly crispy.
Garlic Oil Timing: Tossing the chips in the garlic-infused olive oil after air frying keeps the garlic flavor fresh and vibrant without burning it during cooking.
Shake It Up: Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!

How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe

The image shows two close-up views of a clear glass bowl filled with crispy, golden-brown snack sticks that look crunchy and slightly ridged. In the top part, a small clear glass container with yellow oil and herbs is being poured gently over the sticks. In the bottom part, white grated cheese is sprinkled above the snack sticks, resting in the bowl with a light texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These crispy pasta chips are lovely topped with extra parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. For a spicy kick, dust with some chili flakes or smoked paprika. A squeeze of lemon over the top also brightens the dish wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Serve your Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips alongside classic Italian dips like marinara sauce or creamy garlic aioli. They also pair beautifully with antipasto platters, fresh salads, or roasted veggies, making them a versatile appetizer or snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. This keeps the chips from absorbing moisture and getting soggy.

Freezing

Because these pasta chips are best fresh and crispy, freezing isn’t recommended. The texture tends to suffer once thawed.

Reheating

To bring back their crispiness, reheat leftover chips in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3–5 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for these chips?

Yes! Rigatoni works great because of its sturdy shape, but other tubular pastas like penne or ziti can also create crispy chips. Just make sure to cook them al dente for the best texture.

How do I make these chips vegan?

To keep the recipe vegan, swap the parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese alternative. The crispy texture and garlic oil coating will still deliver fantastic flavor.

Can I add other seasonings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add red chili flakes for heat, Italian seasoning for herbaceous notes, or smoked paprika for a smokey twist. Just mix them into the garlic oil before tossing.

What dipping sauces pair well with these pasta chips?

Classic marinara or garlic sauce are perfect, but you can get creative with pesto, ranch, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce. These chips are wonderfully versatile!

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe is such a fun way to elevate everyday pasta into a crunchy, addictive snack. They’re straightforward to prepare, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. I hope this recipe brings a touch of excitement to your appetizer game and becomes a new favorite in your kitchen!