Save Crispy, golden pasta chips tossed with zesty lemon, Parmesan, and a kick of chili, perfect for snacking or entertaining.
This recipe has quickly become my go-to snack for gatherings because it's both flavorful and easy to prepare.
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 loves gathering around the kitchen to snack on these chips while sharing stories and laughs.
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 These pasta chips make a perfect crunchy snack with a bright lemony twist that will impress any guest.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve crispy pasta chips?
Cook the pasta al dente, rinse it well, and dry thoroughly before coating with oil and spices. Bake or air fry in a single layer without overcrowding to crisp evenly.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, adjust the amount of chili flakes to your taste for a milder or more intense heat.
- → What cheeses work well besides Parmesan?
Pecorino or vegan Parmesan alternatives can be used to vary the flavor while maintaining a savory profile.
- → Is it better to bake or air fry?
Both methods yield crisp results; baking requires more time while air frying is quicker and may produce a slightly crunchier texture.
- → What dips complement these chips?
Marinara sauce or herbed yogurt dips enhance the flavors and add moisture to balance the crunch.