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 that perfect combo of crunchy, garlicky, and cheesy snacks, you’re going to flip for this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe. It’s a fun twist on pasta you never knew you needed!

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

I still remember the first time I made these pasta chips; the air fryer worked its magic turning simple rigatoni into crunchy, golden bites loaded with rich garlic and parmesan flavors. They’re addictive, I warn you!

Crunchy Texture: Air frying creates that crispy, satisfying crunch without deep frying.
Easy Ingredients: No fancy components needed—just pantry staples you probably already have.
Quick Snack: Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re perfect for last-minute gatherings or movie nights.
Versatile Flavor: The garlic and parmesan blend pairs wonderfully with so many dipping sauces.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to ingredients for these pasta chips, simplicity is key. I always recommend using rigatoni because its shape traps flavors and crisps nicely. Grab fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan for the best taste impact.

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, ridged shape crisps well and holds onto the garlicky oil and parmesan.
Olive oil: Brings richness and helps crisp the pasta evenly in the air fryer.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses every chip with a punch of flavor that’s not overpowering.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the pasta chips perfectly.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to balance the garlic and cheese.
Parmesan cheese: The real star at the finish line—providing savory, cheesy deliciousness that melts slightly on warm chips.

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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 things about this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe is how easy it is to customize based on your tastes or what you have on hand. Whether you want to add a little heat or turn it into a cheesy herb-forward snack, there’s plenty of room for creativity.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic oil before tossing the pasta chips. It gives them a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the savory parmesan.
Herb Infusion: Fresh or dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme stirred into the seasoning mix add a lovely aromatic touch — perfect for a spring or summer gathering.
Vegan Option: Swap the parmesan for nutritional yeast and use vegan-friendly oil to make this dish suitable for plant-based diets without losing that cheesy, savory punch.
Cheese Variations: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese if you want a sharper flavor profile. They melt beautifully over the warm chips and take things up a notch.
Dip it Up: These pasta chips are fantastic dipped in classic marinara, garlic aioli, or even a zesty pesto sauce for a fresh burst of flavor.

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 the Air Fryer to Crisp Perfect

First, set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat completely. This step is key for getting that perfectly golden, crunchy texture on your pasta chips. Preheating ensures hot air circulates evenly, giving each rigatoni piece a crisp outer shell while keeping the inside tender.

Step 2: Coat the Pasta with Olive Oil

In a large bowl, add your cooked rigatoni noodles — remember, they should be cooked al dente and well drained to avoid sogginess. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the noodles, then gently toss to coat. Be gentle here so you don’t break your noodles but make sure each piece is lightly glossed with oil to crisp up beautifully in the fryer.

Step 3: Air Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Lay out the coated rigatoni in a single layer on the air fryer basket or rack. You want plenty of space so the hot air can circulate around each piece for even cooking. Air fry for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure all the pasta chips brown evenly. You’re looking for a golden color and a crispy crunch as your cue to move on.

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Seasoning Mixture

While the pasta chips cook, mix up your flavorful seasoning. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well so all the flavors come together, making a fragrant garlic oil that will soak right into the warm pasta chips.

Step 5: Toss the Chips in Garlic Oil

When the rigatoni comes out of the air fryer perfectly crisp, transfer it immediately to a large bowl. Pour the garlic olive oil mixture over the chips and toss thoroughly but gently, making sure every chip is coated with that delicious garlicky goodness.

Step 6: Sprinkle with Parmesan and Serve

Finish by sprinkling ½ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese evenly over the coated pasta chips. Toss lightly if you like, or simply leave the cheese on top for a beautiful presentation. Serve your crispy garlic parmesan pasta chips immediately with dipping sauces like marinara or garlic aioli to make every bite a crunchy, cheesy delight.

Top Tip

When making this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe, a few thoughtful tips can make all the difference between a good snack and an unforgettable party hit. Trust me, these nuggets of advice will help you get that perfect crunch every time and burst of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Perfect Pasta Texture: Always cook your rigatoni al dente. This gives the pasta enough firmness to hold its shape during air frying, avoiding any soggy or crumbly chips.
Even Layering: Lay the noodles in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Overcrowding causes uneven cooking and less crispiness, something I learned the hard way during my first try.
Shake Mid-Cook: Don't forget to shake the basket halfway through the 10-minute cooking time. It helps the pasta chips brown evenly on all sides and keeps that crunch consistent.
Fresh Garlic Oil: Add your minced garlic to the olive oil while the chips are still hot. This lets the flavors infuse and coat every chip beautifully without burning the garlic.

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 pasta chips love a little extra flair! Try sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a pop of green and fresh aroma. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful smoky heat. For an indulgent touch, drizzle a bit of truffle oil or a squeeze of lemon to brighten those garlicky parmesan notes.

Side Dishes

Serve your pasta chips with warm marinara sauce or a creamy garlic aioli for dipping—that combo never fails to impress. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad, a charcuterie board, or alongside roasted vegetables for a well-rounded appetizer spread. Thinking of a party? Add some bruschetta or stuffed mushrooms for more Italian-inspired bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them from absorbing moisture and losing their crunch.

Freezing

While these chips are best fresh, you can freeze any extras by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze on a flat surface to keep their shape. When ready to enjoy, thaw briefly at room temperature, then re-crisp in the air fryer.

Reheating

To reheat and regain that delightful crispiness, pop the pasta chips back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they crisp up quickly! Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soft.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other pasta shapes besides rigatoni?

Yes! While rigatoni works best because of its sturdiness and shape, other tubular or larger shaped pasta like penne or ziti can also work well for making these air fryer pasta chips.

How do I keep the garlic from burning when tossing the pasta chips?

To avoid burnt garlic, mix the minced garlic with olive oil separately and pour it over the hot chips right after air frying. The residual heat gently infuses the garlic flavor without cooking it too aggressively.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap regular rigatoni for your favorite gluten-free pasta cooked al dente. Just adjust cooking time slightly and keep an eye on crispiness during air frying.

Are these pasta chips suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it uses olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese without any meat products.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something wonderfully unexpected and satisfying about these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Pasta Chips. From the golden crisp to the luscious garlic parmesan flavor, they make a simple pasta transform into a crunchy, irresistible snack. I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative and share these with friends and family — trust me, they’ll be asking for more! Happy cooking and even happier snacking!