Save to Pinterest I stumbled onto this recipe on a lazy Friday night when my air fryer was staring me down and I had half a box of penne lurking in the pantry. There's something magnetic about the idea of treating pasta like a nacho chip—crispy, crunchy, and begging for toppings. The first time I air-fried those pasta pieces, the kitchen filled with this toasted, savory smell that had everyone asking what I was making before they even saw it. It became the dish I reach for whenever I need something that feels fancy but tastes like pure comfort.
My neighbor brought her two kids over for dinner, and I wasn't sure if this fusion idea would land with them. But watching their faces light up when they bit into a cheesy pasta chip—then immediately reaching for another—that's when I knew this was becoming a regular in my kitchen. The youngest called them "fancy crunchy noodles," and honestly, that's the best description I've heard.
Ingredients
- Short pasta shapes (rigatoni, penne, or farfalle), 225 g (8 oz): The key is choosing pasta with texture and surface area—hollow shapes catch more seasoning and hold toppings beautifully.
- Olive oil: You'll use it twice—once for the pasta chips and again for the chicken—so don't skimp.
- Garlic powder, ½ tsp: This builds the foundation of flavor before everything else arrives.
- Smoked paprika, ½ tsp: A whisper of smokiness that makes people pause and ask what that incredible taste is.
- Salt, ½ tsp (plus ¼ tsp for chicken): Season in layers, not all at once—it changes everything.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast, 250 g (9 oz), diced: Cut pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly; uneven chunks lead to dry edges.
- Taco seasoning, 2 tsp: Use store-bought or make your own blend of cumin, chili powder, and garlic.
- Shredded cheddar cheese, 100 g (1 cup): Cheese is non-negotiable here—it's what holds this whole thing together.
- Fresh jalapeños, 2, thinly sliced: The heat balances the richness; don't skip them even if you think you don't like spice.
- Sour cream, 50 g (¼ cup), optional: A cool dollop at the end transforms everything by cutting through the richness.
- Fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp chopped, optional: This brings brightness that the dish genuinely needs.
- Tomato and red onion, optional but recommended: Texture and acidity make the difference between good and unforgettable.
Instructions
- Start your air fryer:
- Preheat to 200°C (400°F) and give it a few minutes to reach temperature. This ensures your pasta chips crisp up properly instead of steaming.
- Undercook the pasta:
- Boil your pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than the package directions, then drain it thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Season the pasta:
- Toss the drained pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt in a large bowl. Make sure every piece gets coated—use your hands if you need to.
- Air-fry until golden:
- Spread the pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You're listening for a satisfying crunch when you bite one.
- Cook the taco chicken:
- While the pasta crisps, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add your diced chicken with taco seasoning and salt. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are lightly browned.
- Layer your nachos:
- Transfer the crispy pasta to a serving platter, scatter the warm taco chicken over it, then top with shredded cheese and jalapeño slices. Don't be shy with the toppings.
- Melt the cheese:
- Return the assembled nachos to the air fryer for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and melted.
- Finish with fresh toppings:
- Remove from the air fryer and immediately add dollops of sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomato, and red onion. Serve right away while the pasta is still crispy.
Save to Pinterest The beauty of this dish is watching people's reactions when they realize nachos don't have to come on tortilla chips. It's become my weapon of choice for potlucks and casual gatherings—easy enough that I'm not stressed in the kitchen, but interesting enough that people remember it.
Why This Twist Works
Pasta has structure that holds toppings differently than thin tortilla chips, and the air fryer gives you a crunch that's almost impossible to achieve in a regular oven. The starch in the pasta also holds onto the seasoning in a way that makes every bite satisfying. Plus, there's something playful about breaking the "rules" of what nachos can be—and that energy carries through to whoever's eating them.
Customization Ideas
I've made versions with black beans for vegetarian friends, and they loved it just as much. Some nights I've swapped the chicken for ground turkey or even crispy tofu for something different. The skeleton of the recipe is so flexible that you can make it fit whatever's in your kitchen or whatever dietary needs your guests have. The only non-negotiables are the crispy pasta base and the cheese to hold it all together.
Serving and Pairing
I serve these on a large platter in the center of the table so people can grab handfuls and assemble their own perfect bite. It works beautifully as an appetizer before a bigger meal, or as the main event at a casual gathering. A cold beer or light margarita on the side elevates the whole experience.
- Set out small bowls of each topping so guests can customize their plate.
- Make the pasta chips a few hours ahead and store them in an airtight container; reheat in the air fryer for 2 minutes before assembling.
- If you're serving a crowd, double the batch—people will eat more than you expect.
Save to Pinterest This recipe reminds me that the best dishes are the ones that bring people together and make them smile. Every time I pull this out, it becomes an instant favorite.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make crispy pasta chips?
Cook pasta slightly less than package instructions, then toss with oil and spices before air-frying until golden and crisp.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with a vegetarian option?
Yes, black beans or grilled vegetables work well as a hearty meat alternative for this dish.
- → What seasoning is used for the chicken?
Taco seasoning combined with salt adds a zesty and savory flavor to the sautéed chicken pieces.
- → How can I melt the cheese evenly on top?
After layering, return the assembled chips and toppings to the air fryer for a few minutes until the cheese is melted beautifully.
- → Are there gluten-free adjustments available?
Using gluten-free pasta instead of wheat pasta allows for a gluten-free version without compromising texture.