Get ready to fall in love with a snack that’s crunchy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors: this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe transforms ordinary bowtie pasta into irresistible chips that everyone will crave. Perfectly crisped in the air fryer, dusted with garlic and Parmesan, these pasta chips are a playful twist on your favorite Italian tastes, ideal for snacking, dipping, or sharing with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role; from the firm texture of bowtie pasta that holds up during frying, to the fragrant garlic powder and salty Parmesan that elevate every crisp bite.
- 16 ounces bowtie pasta: This pasta shape provides the perfect surface to crisp up nicely while still keeping a fun, bite-sized form.
- Olive oil cooking spray: A light mist helps the pasta chips brown evenly and develop that irresistible crunch.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing the richness of the cheese and garlic.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and a salty finish to these chips.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings that warm, savory garlic punch without overpowering the dish.
- Marinara sauce: A classic dipping accompaniment that complements the chips’ cheesy, garlicky flavor.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta al dente
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your bowtie pasta just until it’s al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it—this texture is essential for the pasta to crisp up perfectly in the air fryer without falling apart. If instructions for al dente aren’t on the package, simply cook it 1-2 minutes less than usual.
Step 2: Cool and dry the pasta
Drain the pasta and run it under cold water to stop the cooking process immediately. Then spread the pasta out on paper towels to absorb as much moisture as possible, so your chips don’t come out soggy. Pat them dry gently but thoroughly.
Step 3: Season and prepare for air frying
Place the dried pasta in a large bowl, spray it lightly with olive oil cooking spray—about two pumps should do it—and sprinkle with kosher salt. Toss everything together so every pasta piece gets that bit of oil and seasoning, preparing them to crisp up beautifully.
Step 4: Air fry to crispy perfection
Transfer the seasoned pasta in a single layer to your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until the chips turn golden and crunchy. Give the basket a gentle shake halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping on all sides.
Step 5: Add the savory finishing touch
As soon as your pasta chips come out hot from the air fryer, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and garlic powder over the warm batch. Toss gently to coat every chip with this flavorful duo that makes this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Serve your chips warm or at room temperature with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. This combo adds a vibrant, tangy contrast that perfectly complements the creamy cheese and garlic flavors of the chips.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips recipe even more special, try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top. These simple garnishes add color, a fresh herbal note, and a subtle kick that elevates the flavor profile without stealing the spotlight.
Side Dishes
These pasta chips are wonderfully versatile as a snack or appetizer. Pair them with a fresh green salad or alongside a charcuterie board with olives, cured meats, and cheeses for a delightful party platter. They also shine next to a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup for an extra comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the pasta chips in a rustic bowl lined with parchment paper for a casual vibe, or in small individual cups with marinara dipping sauce nestled inside. For a fun twist, use them as crunchy croutons over Caesar salad or layered in a glass with alternating marinara and cheese for an interactive snack experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their crunch for up to 2 days, but it’s best to enjoy them sooner so they don’t lose their irresistible crispiness.
Freezing
While these chips are best fresh, you can freeze them for up to one month. Spread them out on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
Reheating
To bring leftover pasta chips back to life, pop them into your air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make them chewy rather than crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other pasta shapes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works wonderfully for crispness and bite, you can experiment with penne, rotini, or even small shells. Just keep in mind that smaller or more delicate shapes may need a shorter air frying time.
Do I have to use an air fryer? Can I bake the pasta chips instead?
You can bake the pasta chips at 425°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway. The air fryer just speeds up crisping and creates a beautifully uniform crunch.
Is it necessary to use garlic powder or can fresh garlic be used?
Garlic powder evenly coats the chips and crisps up nicely, but you can experiment with finely minced fresh garlic tossed into the pasta before air frying. Just be careful, as fresh garlic can burn more easily and become bitter.
What if I don’t have kosher salt? Can I use regular salt?
Yes, regular table salt will work, but use a bit less as kosher salt flakes are larger and less dense. Adjust to taste so your chips aren’t too salty.
Are these pasta chips gluten-free?
This recipe uses traditional wheat pasta, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can try using gluten-free pasta varieties to make a similar version, just keep an eye on cooking and crisping times.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe is one of those delightful discoveries that transforms simple pantry staples into an exciting snack you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re craving something crunchy and cheesy or looking for a creative appetizer to impress guests, these pasta chips deliver every time. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy pasta!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips are a delicious snack made by air frying bowtie pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, served perfectly with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Pasta and Seasoning
- 16 ounces bowtie pasta (1 standard box)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Other
- Olive oil cooking spray
- Marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta al dente according to the package directions. If no al dente instructions are provided, cook for 1-2 minutes less than the recommended time to ensure firmness.
- Drain and cool: Drain the pasta and immediately run it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- Dry and season: Spread the pasta evenly on paper towels and pat dry to remove excess moisture. Transfer to a large bowl, spray with 2 pumps of olive oil spray, add kosher salt, and toss well to coat evenly.
- Air fry the pasta: Transfer the seasoned pasta to the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta chips are crisp and golden, shaking or stirring midway if needed for even cooking.
- Add cheese and garlic: Remove the crispy pasta from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder over the top. Toss well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Serve: Serve the garlic Parmesan pasta chips warm or at room temperature with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Be sure to dry the pasta thoroughly before air frying to achieve maximum crispiness.
- You can adjust garlic powder and Parmesan cheese amounts to taste.
- Use a high-quality olive oil spray for best flavor and crisp results.
- Marinara sauce adds a nice contrast but can be replaced with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Store leftover pasta chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
