30-Minute Crispy Air Fryer Pasta Chips
Transform ordinary rigatoni into golden, crunchy chips with this simple air fryer method. The pasta gets tossed in olive oil, parmesan, and Italian seasonings before crisping up to perfection. Paired with a creamy, tangy feta and Greek yogurt dip that balances the crispy saltiness beautifully. Perfect for parties, game day snacking, or when you want something unique that bridges the gap between comfort food and appetizer. The combination of textures and the Mediterranean-inspired dip makes this a crowd-pleaser that's both familiar and surprisingly sophisticated.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rigatoni pastapenne or fusilli1:1vegetarian
works well with other tube shapes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper, to taste(optional)
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 oz Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente, then drain well
- 2
Toss pasta in large bowl with olive oil, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and garlic salt until evenly coated
- 3
Air fry pasta at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes until crispy, working in batches if needed to avoid overfilling
- 4
Add feta, yogurt, garlic clove, and olive oil to blender or food processor and blend until smooth, thick and creamy
Tips
Work in batches when air frying to ensure even crispiness - overcrowding leads to uneven results
Let pasta drain thoroughly after cooking to remove excess water, which helps achieve maximum crispiness
Use a stick blender for the dip if you prefer a slightly chunkier texture over completely smooth
Good to Know
Store pasta chips in airtight container up to 3 days, dip refrigerated up to 5 days
Pasta chips can be made 1 day ahead and stored covered, dip can be made 2 days ahead
Serve pasta chips warm with dip at room temperature for best texture contrast
Common Mistakes
Drain pasta thoroughly to avoid soggy chips
Don't overcrowd air fryer basket or chips won't crisp evenly
Let dip come to room temperature before serving for better flavor
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
works well with other tube shapes
FAQ
Can I make these in a regular oven instead of air fryer?
Yes, bake at 425F for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through until golden and crispy.
What if I don't have an air fryer basket?
Use oven method or pan fry in batches with a bit more oil over medium-high heat until crispy.
How long will the dip keep in the refrigerator?
The feta dip stays fresh for up to 5 days covered in the refrigerator, just stir before serving.