Description
Transform simple pasta into outrageously crunchy, cheesy chips paired with a creamy garlic dip. This easy snack is perfect for parties, movie nights, or whenever you crave something crispy and savory.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or rotini; gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or avocado oil mayo)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2–3 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook for 8–9 minutes, or until just al dente. Drain well and shake off excess water. Let pasta dry for a few extra minutes.
- Transfer drained pasta to a mixing bowl. Add olive oil, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes or oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment if using oven.
- Spread pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket (in batches if needed). Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp. If baking, spread on baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Transfer chips to a wire rack or paper towel. Let cool for 5 minutes to crisp further.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Chill for 15 minutes if desired.
- Serve pasta chips warm with creamy garlic dip.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and dry the pasta well before crisping. Gluten-free and vegan adaptations are easy—use chickpea or lentil pasta and plant-based cheese and dip ingredients. Store chips in an airtight container for up to 2 days; re-crisp in oven or air fryer if needed. Dip can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup pasta ch
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3.5
- Carbohydrates: 17
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 7
Keywords: pasta chips, parmesan, snack, air fryer, baked, party food, crunchy, garlic dip, easy appetizer