Name: Crispy Garlic Parmesan 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

Imagine biting into a golden, crispy little handful of savory delight—this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe turns ordinary rigatoni into an irresistible snack. Whether you're craving a crunchy appetizer or a savory nibble, these air fryer pasta chips bring big flavor and fun texture to the table.

A white bowl filled with many short pasta pieces that look crispy and golden brown, sprinkled with green herbs and white grated cheese. Inside the bowl, there is a smaller white bowl on the left side containing thick red marinara sauce with a smooth texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a dark brown cloth underneath. There are some small green herb sprigs near the bottom left corner and a white bowl with white sauce at the bottom right edge. 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 Pasta Chips Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this recipe a dozen times now, and it never fails to impress guests and satisfy snack cravings alike. The crispy, garlicky coating paired with bubbling parmesan makes every bite a little celebration, plus it's so quick to whip up!

Crunch Factor: Air frying rigatoni creates perfectly crispy chips that are light yet satisfyingly crunchy.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have all on hand, making this an easy go-to snack anytime.
Flavor Explosion: Garlic, kosher salt, and parmesan combine for a savory punch that’s anything but boring.
Versatile Snack: Perfect on its own or dunked into your favorite marinara or garlic sauce for extra yum.

Ingredients & Why They Work

With just a handful of quality ingredients, this recipe is all about simple, bold flavors. I always recommend using good olive oil and fresh garlic for the best aroma and taste.

Flat lay of cooked rigatoni pasta noodles glistening with olive oil, a few sprigs of fresh garlic cloves minced beside a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with coarse kosher salt, another small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a neat pile of finely grated parmesan cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed 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: The tubular shape crisps nicely inside, giving great texture and bite.
Olive oil: Helps the pasta crisp up in the air fryer and carries the garlic flavor perfectly.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds vibrant aroma and a savory kick you can smell from across the room.
Kosher salt: Balances out the flavors and enhances the overall taste of the chips.
Black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice to complement the garlic and cheese.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Melts slightly on the warm chips for that signature salty, cheesy finish.

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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

The beauty of this Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to sprinkle in your favorite herbs, adjust the garlic to suit your taste, or even swap out the parmesan for something that fits your dietary needs. It’s all about making this crunchy snack your own!

Variation: For a spicy kick, I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic-oil mixture. It really wakes up the flavor and pairs perfectly with the creamy parmesan.
Vegan-friendly: Try using vegan parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of traditional parmesan to keep the snack dairy-free without sacrificing that cheesy goodness.
Herb-infused: Fresh or dried Italian herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary added to the seasoning mix create an herby, aromatic twist that brightens up the chips beautifully.
Dip it up: These chips are incredible dipped in marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or even a zesty pesto for a flavor combo that’s hard to beat.

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

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with golden crunchy ridged pasta chips sprinkled with green herbs and Parmesan cheese. At the center inside the bowl is a smaller white bowl with a thick, red tomato sauce. A woman's hand is dipping one pasta chip into the sauce. The background features a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer to Perfection

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat fully—this step is key. A hot air fryer ensures the rigatoni crisps up evenly and gets that gorgeous golden color we’re after. It should take just a few minutes, so use this time to prepare your other ingredients.

Step 2: Coat the Pasta with Olive Oil

In a large bowl, toss your cooked rigatoni noodles with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until each piece is lightly coated. This oil helps the chips develop a beautiful crispiness and gives a subtle richness to every bite. Be gentle so the pasta doesn’t break — you want whole tubes for maximum crunch!

Step 3: Arrange and Air Fry the Pasta Chips

Spread the oil-coated rigatoni in a single, even layer inside the air fryer basket or on the rack to allow air to circulate freely. Cook for 10 minutes at 400°F. You’ll notice them turn golden brown and crisp up nicely—perfect texture that’s crunchy on the outside with a subtle chew inside. If they aren’t quite crispy enough, feel free to air fry for 2–3 more minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 4: Mix Your Garlic Seasoning

While the pasta chips are cooking, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil with minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This savory mixture is going to bring all the flavor magic to your chips, so make sure the garlic is fresh for that vibrant punch. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder works too.

Step 5: Toss and Top with Parmesan

Once the rigatoni chips are crispy and golden, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour your garlic-oil seasoning over the hot chips, tossing gently but thoroughly so each piece gets coated in that garlicky goodness. Finally, sprinkle generously with grated parmesan cheese while the chips are still warm—this allows the cheese to melt slightly, adding richness and depth. Serve immediately for the crispiest results!

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe is all about getting that perfect crunch and balance of flavors. These tips come from hands-on experience to help you make the best crispy, garlicky, cheesy pasta chips every time.

Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure your rigatoni is cooked just until al dente. Overcooked pasta won’t crisp up well and can turn soggy instead of crunchy.
Single Layer Air Fry: Arrange the pasta chips in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket. This ensures proper airflow for uniform crisping and a golden-brown finish.
Fresh Garlic for Best Flavor: Using freshly minced garlic in the oil mixture really makes a difference, delivering a vibrant, aromatic punch that garlic powder just can't replicate.
Watch the Cooking Time: Stick around while air frying — if you leave them too long past 10 minutes, the chips can easily burn. Adding 2-3 extra minutes is fine if needed, but keep a close eye.

How to Serve Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe

The image shows two parts. On the top part, there is a clear glass bowl filled with crispy, short, ridged, golden-brown pasta tubes. Above the bowl, a glass container pours golden olive oil mixed with black pepper onto the pasta. On the bottom part, the same glass bowl with the pasta tubes now has a pile of white grated cheese on top, and more grated cheese is falling from above onto the pasta. Both parts have a white marbled surface underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to brighten the look and add a fresh herbal note. You can also dust a little extra parmesan for cheesier indulgence or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This appetizer pairs beautifully with a tangy marinara dipping sauce, creamy garlic aioli, or even a zesty pesto dip. Serve alongside a crisp green salad or a platter of antipasto meats and olives for a delightful Italian-inspired spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which can be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. Keep in mind the pasta chips will start to lose their crispness as they sit.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for these pasta chips because they tend to get soggy upon thawing and reheating. They’re best enjoyed fresh right out of the air fryer.

Reheating

To recapture the crispiness when reheating, place the pasta chips back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes. This quick heat blast helps restore that irresistible crunch better than a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other pasta shapes for the pasta chips?

Absolutely! While rigatoni works great due to its size and ridges, other tubular pasta like penne or ziti also make delicious pasta chips. Just make sure they are cooked al dente for the best texture.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

To make the recipe vegan, simply substitute the parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast. This keeps the cheesy flavor while adhering to a vegan diet.

Why should I preheat the air fryer before cooking?

Preheating the air fryer to 400°F ensures even cooking right from the start and helps the pasta chips crisp up perfectly without drying out or cooking unevenly.

Can I prepare the seasoning mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic-oil seasoning mixture ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just toss the warm pasta chips in it right after air frying to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly fun and satisfying about turning humble pasta into crispy, garlicky, parmesan-coated chips. This Crispy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Chips Recipe is perfect for gatherings, quick snacking, or whenever you crave that crunchy, flavorful bite. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to experiment with this unique appetizer — it’s a delicious crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and impossible to resist!