Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Pasta Chips served with a rich, homemade tomato dipping sauce. This unique snack or appetizer features al dente rigatoni pasta tossed in olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, air fried to perfection, and paired with a simmered tomato-based sauce seasoned with herbs and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Chips
- 1 pound Rigatoni Pasta (or another type pasta if preferred)
- Olive Oil (for drizzling)
- Garlic Salt (to taste)
- Garlic Powder (to taste)
- Italian Seasoning (to taste)
- Parmesan Cheese (to taste)
Dipping Sauce
- 1 can Stewed Tomatoes (14 to 17 ounce can)
- 2 cans Tomato Sauce (6 ounce each)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Seasoned Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Ground Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Sweet Basil
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
Additional
- Water (for boiling pasta)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the stewed tomatoes. Using a sharp knife and fork, cut the whole pieces of tomato into small pieces to break them down. Stir in the tomato sauce thoroughly.
- Add Seasonings to Sauce: Mix in garlic salt, garlic powder, seasoned pepper, Italian seasoning, ground oregano, sweet basil, and brown sugar. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 30 minutes to develop flavors while you prepare the pasta chips.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately 9 minutes. Avoid overcooking so pasta remains firm for frying.
- Drain and Season Pasta: Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Drizzle olive oil over the pasta and toss well to coat evenly. Sprinkle garlic salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese on top, then toss again to blend all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Air Fry the Pasta Chips: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place about one-third of the seasoned pasta in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes, until the pasta becomes crispy and golden. Repeat until all pasta is cooked.
- Serve: Transfer the crispy pasta chips to serving plates or a platter. Serve immediately with the warm tomato dipping sauce for dipping. Enjoy your snack or appetizer while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Use rigatoni or similarly tubular pasta as it crisps well in the air fryer.
- Do not overcook the pasta during boiling to ensure it crisps properly.
- You can adjust seasoning to taste both in the pasta and the sauce.
- If you do not have stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes can be a substitute, though flavor will vary.
- Work in batches when air frying to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crisping.
- Enjoy these pasta chips as a snack, appetizer, or party treat.
