Save Crispy, golden pasta chips tossed with zesty lemon, Parmesan, and a kick of chili, perfect for snacking or entertaining.
This snack is perfect for casual get-togethers and offers a delightful crunch that keeps everyone coming back for more.
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 denté (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 to 22 minutes (oven) or air fry for 10 to 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 couldn’t get enough of these crunchy chips especially during our weekend movie nights, making it a new favorite 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) and milk (Parmesan cheese). Check Parmesan label for animal rennet if vegetarian. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Save Enjoy these flavorful, crispy pasta chips as a cozy snack or party treat that’s easy to make and fun to share.
Recipe Help
- → What pasta type works best for these chips?
Short tubular varieties like rigatoni or penne hold their shape well and crisp evenly, making them ideal for this preparation.
- → How can I achieve maximum crispiness?
Drain cooked pasta thoroughly and pat dry before tossing with oil and seasoning to prevent sogginess and ensure a crisp finish.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, modify the amount of chili flakes according to your heat preference to balance the spicy kick effectively.
- → Is it possible to bake or air fry the chips?
Both methods work well: bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18–22 minutes or air fry at the same temperature for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve these chips garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges; they pair wonderfully with dips like marinara or herbed yogurt sauces.
- → Can Parmesan be substituted?
Pecorino or vegan Parmesan alternatives can be used to vary flavors or accommodate dietary needs.