Pasta Chips Recipe: How to Make This Viral Crispy Snack at Home

Pasta chips took over social media for good reason. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. If you’re tired of plain chips or want a snack that feels fresh and fun, pasta chips are worth a try. Here’s how to make them at home, ways to season them, and tips to get them perfectly crispy every time.

What Are Pasta Chips?

Pasta chips are exactly what they sound like. Cooked pasta is tossed with oil and seasoning, then air-fried or baked until it turns golden and crispy. The result is a chip-like snack with a satisfying crunch and endless flavor options. They’re a fun twist on traditional chips and a clever way to use up leftover pasta.

This snack shot to fame on TikTok, where home cooks shared creative ways to season and serve pasta chips. They’re now a go-to party snack, easy appetizer, or movie-night treat.

Best Pasta to Use

Not every pasta shape works the same way. To get the best crunch, pick shapes that have a sturdy bite. Farfalle (bow ties), rigatoni, rotini, penne, or even large shells work well. Small shapes or thin noodles don’t crisp up as nicely and can break apart easily.

Cook the pasta until just al dente. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy and won’t crisp properly.

Basic Ingredients for Pasta Chips

The beauty of pasta chips is that you only need a few basics:

Pasta: About 2 cups of uncooked pasta.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and makes the chips crisp up.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any spices you love.
Cheese (optional): Grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick.

How to Make Pasta Chips in an Air Fryer

An air fryer is the quickest way to make pasta chips. Here’s a simple method:

Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain well.
Toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of spices.
Sprinkle with grated parmesan if you like.
Place the pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping.

The result should be golden pasta pieces with a light, crunchy texture.

How to Bake Pasta Chips in the Oven

No air fryer? No problem. You can bake pasta chips too:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread the oiled and seasoned pasta in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once or twice, until crisp and golden.

Keep an eye on them toward the end so they don’t burn.

Tasty Seasoning Ideas

Classic garlic and parmesan is just the beginning. Try these tasty variations:

Spicy: Add smoked paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper.
Italian: Use Italian seasoning and extra parmesan.
BBQ: Toss with BBQ spice mix for a smoky twist.
Herb and lemon: Add dried rosemary and a squeeze of lemon after baking.
Cheddar: Mix in powdered cheddar seasoning for a cheesy crunch.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite spice blends.

Dips That Go Well with Pasta Chips

Pasta chips are tasty on their own but even better with a dip. Some popular options include:

Marinara sauce: Classic pairing that tastes like crispy pizza bites.
Ranch dressing: Cool and creamy with a garlic-flavored chip.
Hummus: Adds a savory, earthy contrast.
Spinach and artichoke dip: Rich and cheesy.

Set out a few dips if you’re serving them for a party or snack board.

Tips for Perfect Pasta Chips

Drain your pasta well before tossing with oil. Excess water can steam the chips instead of crisping them.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or baking sheet. Give each piece space for hot air to circulate.
Season generously. Pasta itself is mild, so bold flavors make these chips shine.
Eat them fresh for the best crunch. They lose crispness if they sit too long.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crunch.

Are Pasta Chips Healthy?

Pasta chips are lighter than fried potato chips since they’re baked or air-fried. They still count as a treat but are easy to make portion-friendly. Use whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta for a higher fiber version.

When to Serve Pasta Chips

Pasta chips fit just about any occasion. Serve them at parties, game nights, or movie marathons. They make a fun after-school snack for kids or a way to use leftover pasta creatively.

They’re also a unique addition to grazing boards. Mix them in with other snacks like nuts, veggies, and cheese for a spread that stands out.

Bring This Viral Snack Home

Pasta chips prove that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make a fun, crunchy snack at home. Next time you’re in the mood for something new, boil up a batch of pasta, toss it with your favorite seasonings, and pop it in the air fryer or oven. One bite of that crispy, cheesy crunch and you’ll see why this snack is still winning fans everywhere.