Sweet Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips – A Cinnamon Sugar Snack

Discover a fun twist on the classic churro: Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips. Using simple pantry staples and your air fryer, this recipe delivers crunchy, cinnamon-sugar–coated pasta “chips” that satisfy sweet cravings without a deep-fryer mess. Perfect for summer movie nights, party appetizers, or an after-school low-calorie dessert, these churro-inspired bites will become your go-to air fryer dessert idea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy Pasta Chips Dessert – Transforms everyday pasta into a snackable, crispy treat.
  • Healthier Sweet Snack – By air-frying instead of deep-frying, you cut extra oil (and guilt), making it one of the top low calorie air fryer snacks.
  • Kid-Friendly & Shareable – Sweet, crunchy, and easy to pop—ideal for lunchboxes or birthday parties.
  • Minimal Equipment – No specialty tools needed beyond a basic energy-efficient air fryer and a few kitchen staples.

Equipment & Ingredients

Equipment

  • Medium pot with lid
  • Colander
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Air fryer (ideally one with a wide basket)
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (about 2 cups) short pasta (farfalle, penne, or rotini)
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg or splash of vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Cooking the Pasta

  1. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook until al dente (firm to the bite), about 8–10 minutes.

2. Draining & Drying

  1. Drain pasta in a colander and return to the pot.
  2. Let it sit, uncovered, for 2–3 minutes to steam off excess moisture—this helps achieve extra crispiness.

3. Coating with Cinnamon-Sugar

  1. In the warm pot, stir in butter until melted and pasta is evenly coated.
  2. Sprinkle sugar and cinnamon (plus nutmeg or vanilla, if using), tossing gently to cover every piece.

4. Preheating the Air Fryer

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400 °F (200 °C) for 3–5 minutes.
  2. If you’re shopping for a new model, look for one rated among the best air fryers for snacks to ensure even air circulation.

5. Air Frying to Golden Crispiness

  1. Spread coated pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket—avoid overcrowding.
  2. Cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes for uniform browning.

6. Cooling & Serving

  1. Transfer chips to a paper-towel–lined plate to absorb any residual oil.
  2. Let cool 2–3 minutes, then enjoy while still warm and crunchy.

Variations & Healthier Twists

  • Whole-Wheat Churro Chips: Swap in whole-wheat pasta for extra fiber.
  • Coconut Sugar Swap: Use coconut sugar instead of granulated for a lower-glycemic option.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free short pasta—just adjust cook time per package.
  • Flavor Boost: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate or pair with a side of caramel dip.

Recommended Gear & Resources

  • Best Air Fryer for Snacks: Consider a model with a 5-qt basket for large batches.
  • Air Fryer Financing Options: Many retailers offer 0% APR on kitchen gadgets—search “air fryer financing” for deals.
  • Food Safety Tip: Invest in a probe thermometer (often featured in ServSafe courses) to ensure oil temperature when testing new frying techniques.

Pro Tips & Food Safety

  • Dry Pasta Thoroughly: Wet pasta steams instead of crisps—pat with paper towels if needed.
  • Shake Often: Even small clusters of pasta can stick; a quick shake every few minutes ensures uniform crunch.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: For the crispiest cinnamon sugar air fryer snack, give each piece room for hot air flow.
  • Check Temperature: If you deep-fry in a pot, maintain oil at 350 °F (175 °C) to prevent oily, limp coating.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Proper Storage

  • Cool Completely: Allow chips to cool to room temperature before storing—warmth creates condensation and sogginess.
  • Airtight Container: Transfer cooled chips to a sealed container or zip-top bag, layering between sheets of parchment to preserve crunch.
  • Shelf Life: Stored at room temperature, they’ll stay crispy for up to 48 hours; beyond that they begin to soften.

Reheating for Fresh Crisp

  • Air Fryer Revival
    1. Preheat air fryer to 350 °F (175 °C).
    2. Spread chips in a single layer—avoid stacking.
    3. Heat for 3–5 minutes, shaking once halfway, until they regain their crunch.
  • Oven Method
    1. Preheat oven to 325 °F (160 °C).
    2. Arrange chips on a baking sheet in one layer.
    3. Bake 5–7 minutes, checking at the 5-minute mark to prevent burning.

Freezing for Make-Ahead Snacking

  • Flash Freeze: Lay coated, uncooked pasta chips in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray; freeze until solid (1 – 2 hours).
  • Storage: Transfer to a freezer-safe bag; label with date.
  • Cooking from Frozen: Preheat air fryer to 400 °F (200 °C) and cook frozen chips for 18–22 minutes, shaking every 6 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Pro Tip: Flash-freeze batches when you’ve got extra time, then pull out only what you need for last-minute snack attacks!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of air fryer works best for pasta chips?
A: Look for one with at least a 4-QT capacity and wide, basket-style airflow. Models rated as “best air fryer for snacks” typically have consistent heat distribution.

Q: Can I make these chips ahead of time?
A: They’re best fresh, but you can bake leftover chips at 350 °F for 3–4 minutes to re-crisp.

Q: Are these suitable for kids?
A: Absolutely—just skip nutmeg if serving to little ones and consider using a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar treat.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips marry the nostalgia of churros with the fun of pasta chips, all whipped up in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re exploring air fryer dessert ideas under 200 calories or hunting for a snack to impress your next gathering, this recipe delivers a crispy, cinnamon-sugar delight every time. Serve warm, pair with your favorite dip, and watch them disappear!

Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips

This sweet twist on pasta chips delivers all the cinnamon-sugar magic of churros in a crunchy, snackable form. Using short pasta shapes and an air fryer, you’ll get a fun, addictive treat perfect for dipping, snacking, or sharing.
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Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • – Colander
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Air fryer
  • Measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz about 2 cups short pasta like farfalle, penne, or rotini
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain well.
  • Return the pasta to the pot and stir in the butter, sugar, and cinnamon until everything is evenly coated.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spread the pasta in a single layer in the basket and cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
  • Remove when golden and crispy, let cool slightly, and enjoy your sweet crunchy chips.

Notes

Let the pasta dry a bit before coating if you want it extra crisp.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract for flavor variation.
Serve with a side of chocolate sauce or caramel dip for a churro-style dessert platter.

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