Save Crispy, golden pasta chips tossed with zesty lemon, Parmesan, and a kick of chili, perfect for snacking or entertaining.
I first served these at a family gathering and they disappeared within minutes, everyone loved the crunchy and tangy snack.
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 This recipe always brings my family together especially when sharing stories over a crunchy 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 This snack is a perfect blend of bold flavors and textures ready for any occasion.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I ensure the pasta chips are crispy?
Drain and dry the pasta thoroughly before coating. Bake or air fry in a single layer without overcrowding for even crispiness.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can increase or reduce chili flakes according to your heat preference.
- → What types of pasta work best for these chips?
Short tubular pasta like rigatoni or penne holds coating well and crisps nicely.
- → Are there suitable alternatives to Parmesan?
Pecorino or vegan Parmesan alternatives can be used for different flavors or dietary needs.
- → How should I serve these pasta chips?
Serve warm with lemon wedges for squeezing, and pair with dips like marinara or herbed yogurt sauce.