Name: The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz whole grain pasta (penne, bowtie, rotini, shells); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ⅓ cup nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt

Crunchy, zesty, and totally irresistible—The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips are my go-to for anytime snacking or get-togethers! These plant-based, flavor-packed chips are a viral favorite for good reason. Each golden chip is dusted with punchy nutritional yeast and brightened by a splash of lemon juice, making them utterly addictive and impossible to stop munching.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Totally Snackable: These pasta chips are unbelievably crunchy and satisfying—perfect for dipping, munching, or topping your favorite salads!
Big, Bold Flavors: Nutritional yeast, garlic, and lemon juice come together for an irresistibly cheesy, tangy taste that keeps you coming back for more.
Naturally Plant-Based: The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips are totally vegan, but their flavor and crunch wow everyone at the table.
Ridiculously Simple: With just a handful of pantry staples and your air fryer, you’ll have this crowd-pleaser ready in under 30 minutes!

The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a few simple ingredients can transform into The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips! Each plays a key role—bringing the crunch, the flavor, or that extra pop of color. Here’s what makes this snack so magical:

Whole grain pasta: I love using penne, bowties, rotini, or shells; their nooks and grooves catch all the delicious flavor and crisp up beautifully.
Lemon juice: Adds a punch of brightness that wakes up all the savory flavors.
Nutritional yeast: The secret to that “cheesy” umami flavor—plus, it’s loaded with nutrients and gives the chips an irresistible golden color.
Garlic powder: Just a teaspoon brings that familiar, comforting garlic essence without overpowering the chips.
Onion powder: Adds depth and a little sweetness, making every bite more complex.
Salt: The key to unlocking and amplifying all those bold flavors—we can’t skip it!

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.

Variations

One of my favorite things about The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips? They’re wildly customizable! Feel free to play around with flavors, shapes, and ingredients to match your cravings or dietary needs.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes for fiery chips that are hard to put down.
Herb-Infused: Toss in some dried Italian herbs or rosemary for a garden-fresh twist.
Cheesy Parmesan: If you’re not strictly vegan, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan right after air frying takes these chips to the next level.
Gluten-Free: Just swap whole grain pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and follow the same steps—it works perfectly!

How to Make The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta

Begin by boiling your pasta of choice until just al dente—firm but not mushy. The perfect bite will help these chips get extra crispy once they hit the heat. Be sure not to overcook! Drain thoroughly and give the pasta a little shake so extra moisture is gone.

Step 2: Season and Toss

Transfer your cooked and drained pasta to a big mixing bowl. First, add the lemon juice and toss well. Next, sprinkle in the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Toss again—get in there with clean hands or a big spoon—until every piece is gleaming and evenly coated with those craveable seasonings.

Step 3: Air Fry (or Bake!)

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lay the pasta chips in a mostly single layer in the basket (it’s okay to work in batches). Air fry for 8–12 minutes, giving the basket a few shakes for even crisping. If you’re using the oven, spread the pasta out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Don’t worry if they’re not crunchy right out of the fryer—give them 10 minutes to cool and they’ll crisp up like magic!

Pro Tips for Making The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Al Dente is Everything: Slightly firmer pasta leads to maximum crunch—don’t overcook before air frying or baking!
Crowding Counts: Spread your pasta chips out in a single layer for the best airflow; more space means more crisp.
Shake It Up: Shaking the basket a couple of times during cooking ensures even color and the ultimate golden crunch.
Let Them Cool: Letting the chips rest for a few minutes right after cooking makes them even crispier and easier to eat by the handful!

How to Serve The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips

Garnishes

To make The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips look genuinely irresistible, scatter on some fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives, or a final dusting of extra nutritional yeast. For a little decadence, drizzle with a touch of olive oil or squeeze another hit of lemon just before serving.

Side Dishes

These chips are brilliant on their own but outrageous when paired with dips—think smoky hummus, creamy white bean dip, or classic marinara. If you’re hosting, serve them alongside a simple green salad or as an unexpected crunchy topping for hearty soups.

Creative Ways to Present

I love filling mini mason jars or fun bowls with pasta chips for a playful appetizer board. Or, try threading them on skewers for a whimsical finger food display—watch them disappear at any party! They’re also gorgeous nestled among veggies and dips for a crowd-pleasing snack platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, keep The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay gloriously crunchy for 2–3 days (if you can keep from eating them all in one sitting!).

Freezing

I wouldn’t recommend freezing these chips—moisture is their enemy and can zap that irresistible crunch. They’re best fresh or stored at room temperature for short-term snacking.

Reheating

If your chips start to lose their signature crisp, a few minutes in the preheated air fryer or oven will revive them in a snap. Just bake at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until hot and crunchy again.

FAQs

Can I make The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips with gluten-free pasta?

Yes! Most gluten-free pastas work beautifully—just be sure to cook them al dente so they hold their shape and crisp nicely in the air fryer.
Why aren’t my pasta chips super crispy right after cooking?

Don’t worry! Fresh from the air fryer or oven, they might feel only semi-crisp. Letting them cool for about 10 minutes will allow them to crisp up to perfection.
Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, bowties, shells, or rotini all work great. The key is picking a shape with enough surface area to grab the seasonings and crisp well.
Is nutritional yeast essential for The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips?

Nutritional yeast brings that signature “cheesy,” savory flavor, but you can substitute vegan Parmesan or simply use your favorite spice blends if needed—it will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright magical about The Best Air Fryer Pasta Chips—they’re a little crispy, a little tangy, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just want a snack that’ll make you smile, give this recipe a go. I promise, your tastebuds (and your snack-loving friends) will thank you!