Save Crispy, golden pasta chips tossed with zesty lemon, Parmesan, and a kick of chili, perfect for snacking or entertaining.
I love making these pasta chips for casual get-togethers because everyone enjoys their unique crunch and flavor.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) or set air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- Arrange pasta in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
- Step 5:
- Bake for 18–22 minutes (oven) or air fry for 10–12 minutes shaking halfway until golden and crisp.
- Step 6:
- Immediately sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing.
Save My family eagerly awaits these chips during movie nights as a crunchy and flavorful snack.
Notes
Delicious dipped in marinara or herbed yogurt sauce. Adjust chili for your preferred heat level.
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.
Save Enjoy these zesty pasta chips as a unique snack that adds a gourmet twist to your gatherings.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What pasta types work best for this snack?
Short tubular pasta like rigatoni or penne hold coating well and crisp nicely when baked or air fried.
- → How to achieve maximum crispiness?
Drain and rinse pasta thoroughly, then dry before tossing with the seasoning to ensure a crunchy texture.
- → Can chili flakes be adjusted for heat?
Yes, chili flakes can be increased or decreased to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- → Is air frying better than baking for these chips?
Air frying provides quicker crisping and a golden exterior, but baking yields equally delicious results.
- → What garnishes enhance the flavor profile?
Extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges add brightness and depth to the savory chips.