Save The first time I made this was completely by accident—I had leftover pasta from dinner and a weird craving for something sweet and salty at the same time. My air fryer was sitting there looking lonely, and I thought, why not try crisping up the pasta? Ten minutes later, I couldn't stop eating it. That random kitchen experiment turned into what my friends now call "Christmas Crack," and it's become the snack everyone asks me to bring to holiday parties.
I brought a batch to a holiday potluck last year and watched people's faces light up when they tasted it. My coworker actually stopped mid-conversation to ask if I'd made it from scratch, then immediately demanded the recipe. Seeing something homemade beat out all the fancy store-bought options felt pretty special.
Ingredients
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta, 250 g: The bow shape catches the cinnamon sugar perfectly, but honestly, penne or rotini work just as well if that's what you've got.
- Vegetable oil, 2 tbsp: This helps the pasta crisp up evenly in the air fryer—don't skip it, or you'll end up with uneven browning.
- Granulated sugar, 60 g: The sweetness balances the salt and cinnamon beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp: Use fresh cinnamon if you can—stale spices disappear into the background.
- Kosher salt, 1/2 tsp: This is what makes people ask "what's in this?" because the salt brings out all the other flavors.
- Melted unsalted butter, 2 tbsp: The butter helps everything stick together and adds a richness that keeps people coming back.
Instructions
- Boil and dry the pasta:
- Cook your pasta in salted boiling water for 7–8 minutes until it's just tender but still has a tiny bit of chew. The moment you drain it, pat it completely dry with paper towels—any moisture trapped inside will steam instead of crisp.
- Coat with oil:
- Toss the dried pasta with vegetable oil until every piece glimmers. This step is what transforms regular cooked pasta into something that'll actually get crispy and golden.
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 200°C (400°F) and let it preheat for 3 minutes. A hot basket makes all the difference.
- Air fry in batches:
- Spread the pasta in a single layer and fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You want it golden and crackling, not burnt but definitely past tender.
- Mix the magic coating:
- While the pasta fries, combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a wide bowl. Wide is important because you'll be tossing the hot pasta in here.
- Dress while warm:
- The moment the pasta comes out, toss it with melted butter, then immediately hit it with the cinnamon sugar mix. The warmth helps everything stick.
- Cool completely:
- Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving so it hardens into that satisfying crunch that makes this snack impossible to put down.
Save There's something about making something this simple taste this good that reminds me why I love cooking at home. My kitchen fills with the smell of toasted cinnamon, and suddenly everyone's gathered around the counter before it even cools down.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
Once you nail the basic recipe, the fun part is playing with the cinnamon sugar mix. I've added a pinch of cayenne for a sweet-spicy kick that surprised everyone in the best way, and another time I threw in a tiny bit of nutmeg for something more autumnal. The foundation is solid enough that you can trust your instincts—just remember that a little goes a long way with warm spices.
Storage and Keeping It Fresh
This snack stays crispy in an airtight container for up to 3 days, which is perfect for meal prep or making it ahead for parties. I've actually found that it holds its crunch better than a lot of store-bought options, so don't hesitate to make extra.
Why This Works as a Gift
Every time I've packaged this up in a cute container for a friend, it disappears within hours. It feels homemade without being fussy, and it works for basically any occasion—holiday parties, teacher gifts, or just because. The story of how it started as a happy accident usually makes people smile even more.
- Package it in a mason jar or festive box for an instant gift that looks thoughtful.
- Include a sticky note with the name "Christmas Crack" so people know what they're getting into.
- Make a double batch if you're giving it away—you'll want to keep some for yourself.
Save This recipe proves that the best kitchen discoveries often come from standing in front of the fridge with no plan. Give it a try, and I promise it'll become one of those snacks people specifically ask for.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of pasta is best for this snack?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta works best due to its shape, which crisps evenly during air frying, but penne or rotini can also be used.
- → How do you achieve a crispy texture?
After boiling and drying the pasta thoroughly, air frying at 200°C for 8–10 minutes crisps it perfectly. Shaking the basket halfway ensures even cooking.
- → Can I adjust the cinnamon sugar mix?
Yes, you can add spices like cayenne or nutmeg for an extra flavor twist, balancing sweetness with a hint of heat or warmth.
- → How should I store the finished snack?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain crispness and flavor.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this snack contains no meat and uses butter and vegetable oil, making it vegetarian-friendly.