Save I discovered pasta nachos by accident when I had leftover cooked pasta and decided to crisp it in my air fryer on a whim. The moment those golden, crunchy pieces came out, I knew they had to become the base for something bigger. A handful of shredded cheese, some seasoned chicken I'd made for lunch, and a few jalapeños transformed a kitchen experiment into the kind of snack that makes people ask for the recipe before they even finish eating.
My sister came over on a random Tuesday evening, and I threw this together while we caught up in the kitchen. By the time we sat down, she'd already grabbed three platefuls, barely pausing to talk. That's when I knew this wasn't just a fun twist on nachos—it was a keeper for any gathering where you want people to actually mingle around food instead of disappearing into the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Short pasta shapes (rigatoni, penne, or farfalle): 225 g (8 oz)—choose shapes with texture so they hold onto the seasoning and toppings instead of just being smooth tubes.
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp total (1 for pasta, 1 for chicken)—this carries the garlic powder and paprika into every crevice.
- Garlic powder: ½ tsp—trust me, it's enough to build flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp—this is the secret that makes people ask what that delicious undertone is.
- Salt: ½ tsp plus ¼ tsp—season in layers, not all at once.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: 250 g (9 oz), diced—this stays lean and tender when you don't overcook it.
- Taco seasoning: 2 tsp—use the good stuff or make your own if store-bought feels too salty.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 100 g (1 cup)—sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds real depth.
- Jalapeños: 2, thinly sliced—slice them thin so you get that punch without biting into a huge piece.
- Sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced tomato, red onion: As desired—these are your flavor builders for customizing each bite.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer and prep the pasta:
- Preheat to 200°C (400°F). Cook your pasta for 2 minutes less than the package says—you want it just barely done because it'll continue cooking in the air fryer. Drain and pat it completely dry with paper towels; any moisture will steam instead of crisp.
- Season and air-fry the pasta chips:
- Toss the drained pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Spread it in a single layer in the basket—don't crowd it—and air-fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through. You'll hear them rattling around and smell that nutty, toasted aroma when they're getting close to perfect.
- 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. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has light brown edges. Don't stir constantly—let it sit for a minute between stirs so it develops flavor.
- Build and melt:
- Transfer your crispy pasta to a serving platter, scatter the warm chicken over top, then add cheese and jalapeños. Pop the whole thing back into the air fryer for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and melted—watch it because cheese can go from perfect to overdone in seconds.
- Finish and serve:
- Drizzle with sour cream, sprinkle cilantro, tomato, and red onion however you like, and serve immediately while the pasta is still crunchy.
Save There was this moment when my partner took a bite and the pasta chip shattered under their fork, cheese stretching everywhere, and we both just started laughing because nachos aren't supposed to feel like a fancy appetizer but somehow this one did. That's when I realized this dish bridges the gap between casual and impressive without trying too hard.
The Air Fryer Magic
The air fryer is doing the real work here—it's circulating hot air around every pasta piece, toasting them evenly without needing any oil beyond what we toss them in. The first time I made nachos this way, I was skeptical that pasta could actually get crispy without deep frying, but the results rival anything fried in oil and without the cleanup nightmare. Once you see how perfectly golden they get, you'll start air-frying leftover pasta as a snack on its own.
Playing with Flavors and Swaps
This recipe is honestly more of a foundation than a strict formula. I've made it with blackened seasoning, with southwest spices, and even with Italian herbs and it works every single time because the pasta-cheese-topping dynamic stays solid. If chicken isn't your thing, black beans give you the same protein and soak up the seasonings beautifully, or you can skip it entirely and go vegetarian with grilled zucchini or roasted cauliflower.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
These are perfect for casual entertaining because they come together fast and look impressive without fussing—plus everyone can customize their own plate with toppings. Pair them with a crisp lager for something light, or a margarita if you want to lean into that Tex-Mex vibe.
- Make a cilantro-lime crema by mixing sour cream with lime juice and cilantro for an upgrade that takes three seconds.
- Add diced avocado or guacamole right before serving so it stays fresh and creamy instead of browning.
- Double the recipe for a crowd—the air fryer can handle bigger batches if you work in two rounds.
Save This dish proves that some of the best food comes from breaking the rules and combining things that shouldn't work on paper but somehow do. Make it once and you'll be surprised how often you reach for it.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make pasta chips crispy?
Air-fry the pasta in a single layer at 200°C for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway to ensure even cooking and a golden crisp texture.
- → What pasta types work best for chips?
Short pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or farfalle work well due to their shape and size, allowing for a crunchy texture when air-fried.
- → Can I substitute chicken with a vegetarian option?
Yes, black beans or grilled vegetables make excellent substitutes for the taco-seasoned chicken, maintaining the dish's flavor profile.
- → How should the toppings be prepared?
Shred the cheddar cheese finely and slice jalapeños thinly for even melting and balanced spiciness atop the pasta chips.
- → What sides or drinks pair well with this dish?
This snack pairs nicely with a crisp lager beer or a light margarita, enhancing the fusion of flavors and providing a festive touch.