Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips

Okay, buckle up, because I’m about to introduce you to your new favorite sweet snack: Churro Pasta Chips. Yes, you heard that right. We’re taking crispy, crunchy pasta (thanks to the magic of the air fryer) and tossing it in a buttery cinnamon-sugar blend that tastes like it came straight from the county fair. Sweet, toasty, and ridiculously easy—this one’s a total game-changer.

Imagine that golden churro crunch, but with a fun twist—literally! Bowtie pasta or rigatoni gets all crispy and golden in the air fryer, then it’s coated in cinnamon sugar while it’s still warm so every bite is a little sweet, a little crisp, and 100% addictive. These are perfect for movie night, sweet snack cravings, or impressing your friends with something totally unexpected.

Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re whipping up a quick treat for yourself, serving a fun party snack, or letting the kids in on a little cooking fun, these crispy churro-inspired chips fit the vibe. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

Versatile: Sweet snack, party treat, dessert nacho base—this one’s got range. Perfect for when you want something quick but crowd-pleasing.

Budget-Friendly: Uses basic pantry staples and leftover pasta. No need for fancy ingredients to make something fun and satisfying.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep, just a few ingredients, and the air fryer does most of the work. You can go from “I want a snack” to “Wow, I made this” in under 20 minutes.

Customizable: Swap the cinnamon sugar for cocoa powder, drizzle with chocolate or caramel, or even add crushed nuts. Your churro chip, your rules.

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids love them. Adults love them. And you’ll probably need to double the batch, because these disappear fast.

Ingredients in Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips

This recipe is as simple as it is genius. Here’s what makes the magic happen:

Cooked Pasta (Bowtie, Penne, or Rigatoni): The perfect base for these crispy chips. Choose a shape that can hold onto that sweet coating—twists and ridges are your friend.

Oil (or Melted Butter): Helps the pasta crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and gives the cinnamon sugar something to stick to.

Granulated Sugar: The sweet part of our churro magic—don’t be shy with it!

Cinnamon: Adds warmth and that signature churro flavor we all know and love.

Optional Toppings: Think chocolate drizzle, powdered sugar, or even a dip in cream cheese frosting if you’re feeling extra.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). A hot air fryer means crispier chips right off the bat.

Combine Ingredients: Toss your cooked and drained pasta in a bit of oil or melted butter until evenly coated. Make sure every piece is lightly covered to crisp up properly.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. No one wants stuck-on churro bits!

Assemble the Dish: Spread the pasta evenly in the basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd—it helps everything crisp up evenly.

Cook to Perfection: Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Chips should be golden and crispy but not too dark.

Finishing Touches: While still warm, toss the hot pasta chips in a cinnamon-sugar mix. Work quickly so the sugar sticks beautifully to every surface.

Serve and Enjoy: Let them cool just slightly before digging in. Serve as-is or with your favorite sweet dips!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 260
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 75mg
Total Carbohydrates: 37g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 13g
Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes

How to Serve Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips

Here are a few ways to really make these pop:

With Dips: Serve with cream cheese frosting, Nutella, or caramel sauce for dipping. Total dessert nacho vibes.
Dust with Extras: Powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or even crushed nuts for added crunch.
Sweet Boards: Add these to a dessert charcuterie board with fruits, chocolates, and cookies.
Ice Cream Sidekick: Sprinkle over vanilla ice cream for texture and flavor.
Café-Style Snack: Serve with a warm drink—chai latte or hot cocoa, anyone?

Additional Tips

Cool Pasta First: Let the pasta cool after boiling—warm pasta can steam in the air fryer and make chips less crispy.
Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in batches if needed for max crispiness.
Use Leftovers: Day-old pasta works great—just give it a quick rinse and pat it dry.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the sugar mix for seasonal flavor.
Make It Vegan: Use plant-based butter or oil—easy and just as tasty.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A1: Yes! Just make sure it’s a sturdy shape and not too soft after boiling so it holds up in the air fryer.

Q2: What pasta shape works best?
A2: Bowtie, rigatoni, penne, or even rotini all work well—anything with texture that crisps up nicely.

Q3: Can I make this without an air fryer?
A3: You can! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q4: Do I need to cook the pasta al dente?
A4: Yes, al dente is ideal—too soft and it might fall apart or get chewy instead of crisp.

Q5: How long do they stay crispy?
A5: Best eaten fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for 1–2 days.

Q6: Can I make them savory instead of sweet?
A6: Absolutely—skip the sugar and cinnamon and try parmesan, garlic powder, or chili flakes instead.

Q7: What’s the best oil to use?
A7: Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil work best for even crisping.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?
A8: Yep! Just cook in multiple batches so they crisp up properly.

Q9: How do I reheat leftovers?
A9: Pop them back in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to revive that crispy texture.

Q10: Can kids help with this recipe?
A10: For sure! They’ll love tossing the pasta in cinnamon sugar—just let the chips cool slightly first.

Conclusion

There you have it—Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips, your new go-to sweet snack that’s crunchy, nostalgic, and totally fun. It’s the kind of recipe that surprises people in the best way possible and leaves them reaching for more. Whether you’re hosting friends, looking for a new dessert to try, or just want to shake up snack time, this one delivers big flavor with little effort.

So boil up some pasta, fire up the air fryer, and get ready to fall in love with a snack that tastes like a churro and crunches like a chip. You’re gonna be obsessed.

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