Pasta Chip Nachos (Printable)

Air-fried pasta chips with seasoned chicken, jalapeños, and melted cheese, perfect for sharing as a flavorful snack.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta Chips

01 - 225 grams (8 ounces) short pasta shapes (rigatoni, penne, or farfalle)
02 - 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) olive oil
03 - 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 0.5 teaspoon salt

→ Taco Chicken

06 - 250 grams (9 ounces) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
07 - 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) olive oil
08 - 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
09 - 0.25 teaspoon salt

→ Toppings

10 - 100 grams (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced
12 - 50 grams (¼ cup) sour cream, optional
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, optional
14 - 1 small tomato, diced, optional
15 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - Set the air fryer temperature to 200°C (400°F) and allow it to preheat.
02 - Boil the pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than the package directions, then drain and dry thoroughly.
03 - Combine the cooked pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt to coat evenly.
04 - Place the pasta in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crisp and golden brown. Transfer to a serving platter.
05 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add diced chicken, taco seasoning, and salt, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
06 - Evenly distribute the cooked taco chicken over the pasta chips, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and jalapeño slices.
07 - Return the assembled dish to the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
08 - Top with sour cream, cilantro, diced tomato, and red onion as desired, then serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It turns humble pantry pasta into a showstopping snack that disappears in minutes.
  • The crispy texture paired with gooey cheese and spicy chicken feels like comfort food met a party.
  • You can customize the toppings endlessly, so it never gets boring.
  • It cooks fast enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.
02 -
  • Dry the pasta thoroughly after boiling, any water clinging to the shapes will make them soggy instead of crispy.
  • Don't skip shaking the air fryer basket halfway through, it prevents uneven browning and ensures every piece gets crisp.
  • Use a platter or dish that fits back in the air fryer for melting the cheese, it saves time and keeps everything hot.
03 -
  • Undercook the pasta by 2 minutes before air-frying, it prevents the chips from turning too hard or chalky.
  • Use freshly shredded cheddar instead of pre-shredded, it melts smoother and doesn't have the anti-caking agents that can make it grainy.
  • For extra flavor, toss the hot pasta chips with a sprinkle of lime zest right before assembling.
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