Save Crispy, golden pasta chips tossed with zesty lemon, Parmesan, and a kick of chili, perfect for snacking or entertaining.
This recipe became an instant favorite for my snack cupboard and perfect for parties.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 250 g (about 9 oz) rigatoni or penne pasta, 1½ liters (6 cups) water, 1 tsp salt
- Coating: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste), 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, zest of 1 lemon, ½ tsp black pepper, 80 g (¾ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp sea salt
- Garnish: Extra grated Parmesan, fresh parsley chopped, lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) or set air fryer to 200°C (400°F)
- Cook pasta:
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot Add salt and pasta Cook until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions) Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking
- Coat pasta:
- In a mixing bowl toss cooked pasta with olive oil chili flakes garlic powder smoked paprika lemon zest black pepper and 60 g (½ cup) Parmesan Season with sea salt
- Arrange pasta:
- Arrange pasta in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket Do not overcrowd
- Bake or air fry:
- Bake for 18 22 minutes (oven) or air fry for 10 12 minutes shaking halfway until golden and crisp
- Finish:
- Immediately sprinkle with remaining Parmesan Cool for 5 minutes before serving
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing
Save Making these chips developed into a fun family activity with everyone eager to taste test.
Required Tools
Large pot Colander Mixing bowl Baking sheet or air fryer Parchment paper (if baking) Grater or zester
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) Milk (Parmesan cheese) Check Parmesan label for animal rennet if vegetarian Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 270 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 34 g Protein 11 g per serving
Save Enjoy these zesty and crispy chips as a snack or party appetizer that everyone will love.
Common Questions
- → How do I ensure the pasta chips become crispy?
Drain pasta thoroughly and allow it to dry before coating. Spacing the pieces evenly on parchment or in the air fryer prevents steaming, helping achieve crispiness.
- → Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, short tubular pasta like rigatoni or penne works best, offering ideal shape and surface for the coating to adhere.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Modify the amount of chili flakes according to your taste, adding less for mild heat or more for a bolder kick.
- → What alternatives exist for Parmesan cheese?
Try pecorino or vegan Parmesan-style cheese for a different flavor or dietary preference, maintaining the savory topping effect.
- → Is air frying better than baking?
Both methods yield crispy chips; air frying often shortens cooking time and may create a more uniform crunch, while baking is convenient and reliable.