Crispy Air Fryer Pasta (Printable Version)

Golden, crunchy pasta bites air-fried with herbs, ideal as a salad topper or savory snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 2 cups dried short pasta (approx. 7 oz), such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni

→ Seasoning

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
05 - ½ teaspoon paprika
06 - ½ teaspoon salt
07 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 - 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to halt cooking.
02 - Pat the drained pasta dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture completely.
03 - Transfer pasta to a large mixing bowl. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese if using, ensuring an even coating.
04 - Set the air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3 minutes.
05 - Place seasoned pasta in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
06 - Cook the pasta for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through until the pieces are golden and crisp.
07 - Remove from the air fryer and allow the pasta croutons to cool completely before using as a salad topping or snack.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside and slightly chewy inside, nothing like traditional croutons.
  • Takes just 12 minutes of actual cooking time, so you can make them while your salad is being assembled.
  • One batch transforms a simple salad into something restaurant-quality without any fuss.
02 -
  • Undercooking the pasta initially is crucial—package instructions assume you're eating it soft, but you're cooking it twice.
  • Drying the pasta is non-negotiable; I learned this the hard way after pulling out a batch of chewy bits instead of crunchy ones.
  • If they're still soft after 12 minutes, your air fryer runs cool and you'll need 13 or 14 minutes next time.
03 -
  • Shake the basket at the halfway point without fail—it's the difference between golden and burnt, and it takes five seconds.
  • If you're doubtful about doneness, pull out one piece and bite it; if it shatters like a proper crouton, you're done.
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