How to Make Crunchy Pasta Chips – Viral TikTok Recipe

Crunchy, flavorful, and incredibly fun to eat, Pasta Chips are the latest viral sensation taking TikTok by storm. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this recipe transforms ordinary pasta into a crispy snack perfect for parties, movie nights, or casual munching. Follow along to learn how to make these irresistible pasta chips with a variety of seasoning options, tips, and creative variations. Looking for something sweet to pair them with? Explore our Dessert Recipes for Every Occasion for the perfect treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (rigatoni, penne, or farfalle work best)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)

How to Make Pasta Chips

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and allow it to cool slightly. Cooking the pasta until al dente is crucial for ensuring the perfect texture when crisped.

Step 2: Season the Pasta

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, mix it in as well. For even coverage, use your hands or a large spatula to ensure every piece of pasta is well-coated with seasoning.

Step 3: Air Fry or Bake

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the pasta on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The oven method produces a slightly lighter crunch but works just as well.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Remove the pasta chips from the air fryer or oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Cooling helps them firm up and achieve maximum crunchiness. Serve with your favorite dips like marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli.

Tips for the Best Pasta Chips

1. Choose the Right Pasta: Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or farfalle work best for this recipe. Avoid delicate shapes like angel hair or spaghetti.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Ensure the pasta is al dente to avoid a mushy texture when crisped.
3. Season Generously: The more seasoning, the more flavorful your chips will be. Adjust the spices to your liking or experiment with your favorite blends.
4. Use an Air Fryer for Extra Crunch: While the oven works great, an air fryer yields the crispiest results with less effort.
5. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer or Baking Sheet: Cook the pasta chips in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.

Variations to Try

• Cheesy Ranch: Add ranch seasoning and extra Parmesan cheese for a tangy, cheesy flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot paprika for a hint of heat.
• Garlic Butter: Toss the pasta with melted butter and garlic instead of olive oil for a richer, buttery taste.
• Smoky BBQ: Mix in smoked paprika and a pinch of brown sugar for a sweet and smoky BBQ-inspired snack.
• Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and fresh chopped parsley for a bright and refreshing twist.

The Viral TikTok Craze

Pasta Chips became a sensation on TikTok as food creators sought innovative ways to transform everyday ingredients. The simplicity of the recipe and its crunchy, snackable outcome made it a hit among home cooks. Many creators experimented with different seasonings, shapes, and cooking methods, making it a highly customizable and creative trend. Whether you’re looking for a snack to impress your friends or a way to reinvent pasta night, Pasta Chips are a fun and delicious solution. For more snack inspiration, check out our Ultimate Mediterranean Wrap Recipe.

Quality Tools for This Recipe

1. Large Pot: For boiling pasta until perfectly al dente.
2. Air Fryer or Oven: Both methods work, but the air fryer delivers unmatched crispiness.
3. Mixing Bowl: Ideal for tossing the pasta with seasonings evenly.
4. Tongs or Spatula: To flip the pasta halfway during cooking for even crispiness.

Dips to Pair with Pasta Chips

• Classic Marinara Sauce: A timeless choice that enhances the Italian seasoning on the chips.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and tangy, perfect for cooling down spicy variations.
• Garlic Aioli: A rich and garlicky dip that complements the crispy texture.
• Sriracha Mayo: For those who love a spicy kick with a creamy finish.
• Pesto: A herby, nutty dip that pairs beautifully with Parmesan-coated chips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Pasta Chips (Viral TikTok Recipe)

Recipe by Lucia Romano

5.0 from 2 votes

Course: Lunch, SnacksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

210

kcal

Crispy, crunchy, and utterly addictive, Pasta Chips are the ultimate snack! Made by air frying or baking cooked pasta to golden perfection, these chips are seasoned with Parmesan, garlic, and Italian herbs for a savory bite. Perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own!

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or bowtie)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)

Directions

• Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and let cool slightly.
• Toss the pasta with olive oil, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• For Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Cook pasta in a single layer for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
• For Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Spread pasta on a baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Let cool for a few minutes to crisp up fully.
• Serve with marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy!