01 -
Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta of choice - rigatoni or farfalle work particularly well for this recipe because of their shapes and ridges that catch seasonings. Cook the pasta until it's just al dente according to the package directions. You want it slightly firm since it will continue cooking in the air fryer. When done, drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it immediately to a large mixing bowl.
02 -
While the pasta is cooking, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This step is important for achieving that perfect crispy texture right from the start. Different air fryer models heat up at different rates, so give yours about 3-5 minutes to reach temperature.
03 -
Drizzle the olive oil over your still-warm pasta and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. The warm pasta will help the oil distribute more efficiently. Then sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with all the seasonings and cheese. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies!
04 -
Transfer your seasoned pasta to the preheated air fryer basket, arranging it in a relatively even layer. Don't worry about making it perfect - some overlap is fine. Cook for 10-14 minutes until the pasta turns golden brown and develops that irresistible crunch. For the most even cooking, pause halfway through (around the 6-minute mark) to give the basket a good shake or use tongs to gently toss the pasta. Keep an eye on it toward the end as different air fryer models can cook at varying speeds.
05 -
Once your pasta chips reach that perfect golden-brown crispiness, transfer them to a serving bowl or platter. They're best enjoyed immediately while still warm and at peak crunchiness! For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional freshly grated parmesan on top and add a bit of chopped fresh parsley for color and flavor. Serve them as a unique side dish with your meal or as a fun appetizer with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping.