If you’ve ever wished you could fuse the irresistible crunch of crispy pasta chips with the cozy, cinnamon-sugar hug of a classic churro, you’re in for a real treat! Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips are my absolute favorite sweet snack lately—they’re wildly addictive, impossibly easy, and utterly delightful. Imagine golden, crisped pasta sprinkled generously with cinnamon and sugar, all with that magical air-fried crunch. Each chip is a bite-sized dessert that’s perfect for sharing (or, let’s be honest, secretly snacking all to yourself!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a handful of everyday ingredients comes together to create something so unique and crowd-pleasing! Every component in these Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips adds a little magic—crunch, sweetness, spice, or golden appeal. Here’s what you’ll need, plus some tips to make sure your chips turn out perfect every time:
- Cooked pasta (8 ounces, rigatoni or bow tie): These pasta shapes hold up best in the air fryer, giving you lots of crispy edges and nooks to catch the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to help the chips crisp up beautifully without getting greasy.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): The base of our churro-inspired coating—it brings the necessary sweet crunch.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): A warm, fragrant spice that’s quintessential churro! Don’t be afraid to add a pinch more if you’re a cinnamon lover.
- Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures every pasta chip gets evenly golden and crisp in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips
Step 1: Prep Your Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta just until al dente—think “toothsome” rather than mushy, since it’ll crisp up best this way. Drain it well, and for extra crispiness, spread the pasta on a clean towel and pat thoroughly dry. The drier the pasta, the better the crunch!
Step 2: Toss with Oil
Scoop the cooked, dried pasta into a big bowl and drizzle over the vegetable oil. Use your hands or a spoon to toss it until every single piece of pasta is slick and shiny. A good, even coat of oil helps the pasta crisp up and ensures the cinnamon-sugar will stick after frying.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly mist your air fryer basket with cooking spray, then spread the oiled pasta in a single layer. If you’re making a big batch, do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Watch closely during the last few minutes—they go from golden to toasty in a blink!
Step 4: Toss in Cinnamon Sugar
While the pasta chips are still warm (this is key!), tumble them into a bowl with your pre-mixed cinnamon and sugar. Gently toss until every chip is beautifully coated—don’t skimp here, because this is what gives you that magical churro effect!
Step 5: Serve Up the Crunch
Dig in while they’re still warm, or let them come to room temperature for an equally satisfying sweet-and-crunchy snack. These Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips are best enjoyed fresh, but trust me, they rarely last long enough to need storing!
How to Serve Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips
Garnishes
While these are delicious in their pure form, sometimes it’s fun to add a little extra flair! Try dusting the finished chips with a touch more cinnamon-sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation and a little extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pairing Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips with the right accompaniments can turn snack time into a mini dessert party! These chips are wonderful alongside a bowl of vanilla ice cream, a mug of hot cocoa, or a dunk in warm dulce de leche or chocolate sauce. They also work beautifully as a crunchy topping for fruit salads or yogurt parfaits.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, pile the chips into a pretty bowl with a cinnamon stick for a festive touch, or serve them alongside little dishes of different dips (think caramel, fruit jam, or whipped cream). They also make a super fun edible garnish for milkshakes, or a playful addition to a dessert grazing board featuring other mini sweet treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage not to eat them all right away (and I admire your willpower!), keep any leftover Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them crisp and ready for spontaneous snacking.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing these—Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips really shine with their fresh-from-the-air-fryer crunch, and freezing tends to soften them. For the best texture, it’s best to simply make a fresh batch whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
If your chips have lost a bit of crunch, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. This brings back their irresistible crispness and warms up the cinnamon-sugar coating, making them taste freshly made all over again!
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips?
Absolutely! While rigatoni and bow tie pasta hold their shape best and get extra crispy, you can experiment with penne, ziti, or even rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size and thickness of the noodle.
Is it possible to make these vegan?
Yes! All the listed ingredients are naturally vegan, so Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips make a fantastic plant-based treat. Just double-check that your chosen pasta doesn’t contain eggs if you’re strictly vegan.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the pasta chips in a hot oven (about 400°F), but they won’t be quite as uniformly crispy as with an air fryer. Be sure to spread them in a single layer and watch carefully, turning once halfway through baking.
How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?
The key is to start with thoroughly dried pasta, toss well with oil, and let the chips cool on a wire rack after air frying. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep that fabulous crunch locked in as long as possible.
Can I add other spices or flavors?
Definitely! Get creative—try mixing a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom into your cinnamon-sugar, or even add a tiny touch of cayenne for heat. You can also drizzle the finished chips with a bit of honey or maple syrup (just know they’ll be stickier).
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips enough—once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them for every little celebration, late-night craving, or impromptu movie night! Give this whimsical, crunchy treat a try and watch everyone’s eyes light up with that first sweet, cinnamon-kissed bite.
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Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Transform your pasta into a delightful snack with these Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips. Crispy pasta coated in cinnamon sugar, these treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cooked pasta (rigatoni or bow tie work best)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Coat pasta: Toss the cooked and drained pasta with vegetable oil.
- Air fry: Arrange pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10–12 minutes.
- Coat with sugar mixture: Toss the warm pasta chips in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is well-drained for crispiness.
- Best when fresh, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup chips
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
