Name: Easy Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked short pasta (penne, rotini, or bowties work well); 1 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or vegetable oil); 2 tbsp melted butter (optional, for extra richness); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1–2 tsp ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)

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Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips turn everyday pasta into golden, cinnamon-sugar-dusted crisps that snap and crackle like childhood laughter on a summer porch. One taste of these crunchy little delights born from a viral TikTok hack and you’ll be reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds) as they dance across your taste buds with buttery sweetness. They’re ridiculously easy to make, irresistibly fun to share, and perfectly destined for your family recipe box. Trust me, this is the cinnamon-sugar dream you never knew you needed.

Grandma Mary would’ve raised a skeptical eyebrow at the idea of frying pasta in an air fryer but she always said, “A good cook listens to the ingredients.” And oh, did these speak. Crisped to perfection, tossed in buttery cinnamon sugar flavor, and ready in under 15 minutes, these are our new favorite snack to pass around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips Recipe

These churro pasta chips air fryer style are everything a cozy treat should be: warm, crunchy, sweet, and wildly snackable. Imagine the classic churro flavor cinnamon and sugar with a hint of browned butter wrapped around a pasta twist that crunches like the first bite of fall. They’re kid-approved, husband-devoured, and ideal for movie nights, bake sales, or just sneaking something sweet during naptime.

You’ll love this recipe because:

It’s a 4-ingredient recipe yes, really!
The crispy crunchy snack texture is absolutely irresistible
It’s perfect for air fryer at 400 °F fans looking to try something new
Great for quick entertaining or even an after-school surprise
Pairs beautifully with caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate

And bonus? They’re a portable crunchy snack for road trips and lunchboxes.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips

Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips only require a handful of pantry staples to become delightfully sweet and crispy proof of what you can do with leftover pasta and a dash of cinnamon magic.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

Cooked pasta (short shapes like rotini or penne work best)
Neutral oil (avocado or vegetable oil)
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Optional: melted butter, sea salt, powdered sugar, caramel for dipping

Why These Ingredients Matter

Short pasta shapes hold their crunch and create lots of nooks for the cinnamon sugar coating to cling to. A neutral oil helps crisp them up without adding flavor that competes with the sugar and spice. Cinnamon and sugar, of course, are the stars—bringing that classic buttery cinnamon sugar flavor that mimics your favorite churro stand. And while not required, a brush of melted butter gives that extra indulgent churro finish Grandma Mary would have called “Sunday special.”

Great! Let’s dive into the step-by-step joy of turning pasta into crispy, cinnamon-kissed magic.

Instructions for Making Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips

This Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips is as fun to make as it is to eat especially with little hands helping shake the cinnamon sugar bag. Just a few easy steps and you’ll be snacking in no time.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1:
Cook your pasta al dente according to package directions, then drain and let cool. Pat dry with paper towels dry pasta = crisp pasta.

Step 2:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Meanwhile, toss the pasta with a light coating of oil in a mixing bowl until evenly coated.

Step 3:
Air fry the pasta in a single layer at 380°F for 7–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. (Every air fryer varies keep an eye on the last few minutes!)

Hint: Let the pasta chips cool slightly before tossing in sugar to help the coating stick without melting.

Step 4:
While still warm, transfer pasta chips to a bowl. Drizzle with melted butter if using, then toss generously with a cinnamon sugar blend (we like ¼ cup sugar to 1–2 tsp cinnamon, adjusted to taste).

Step 5:
Serve immediately, or let cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Pair with coconut caramel dipping sauce or a mug of hot cocoa.

Lovely! Let’s move on to a few helpful insights to make sure your Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips come out perfectly crisp and sweet every time.

Cooking Tips Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips

Making pasta chips in the Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips is simple, but a few of Grandma Mary’s-style tweaks can make all the difference between just-okay and oh-my-goodness delicious.

Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give your pasta plenty of space to crisp work in batches if needed.
Dry your pasta thoroughly. Any leftover moisture will steam the chips instead of crisping them.
Toss while warm! The cinnamon sugar sticks better when the chips are still slightly warm (but not piping hot).
Try browned butter. For an elevated churro flavor, melt your butter until just golden and nutty before tossing the pasta.

“Don’t rush the crisp,” Grandma Mary used to say, standing by the oven with her wooden spoon in hand. “Good things happen when you give ‘em time.” It’s true here too watch the chips carefully near the end, and don’t yank them out too early.

Thank you! Now, let’s add a little heart to the recipe the kind only a memory can bring. Here’s a warm kitchen tale from Melinda’s childhood that ties right into today’s crispy treat.

Personal Anecdote Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips

I still remember the summer Grandma Mary tried to teach me how to make her cinnamon-sugar pie crust scraps. She’d trim the edges of a fresh apple pie, lay the scraps on a tray, and sprinkle them with sugar and spice. I was six, barefoot, and absolutely certain I could “improve” her method with a big scoop of strawberry jam.

Of course, the jam melted into a bubbling, sticky mess, and half the scraps stuck to the tray like candy-glued lace. I was mortified but Grandma just laughed, popped one in her mouth, and said, “Well, now we know what not to do, honey.”

That was her way. Every slip was a step toward something better. And maybe that’s why I’m not afraid to fry pasta, roll it in cinnamon sugar, and call it dessert. She taught me that love lives in the trying, the tasting, and even the sticky mistakes.

Beautiful! Let’s explore some tested and tasty substitutions for different dietary needs or pantry situations.

Substitutions for Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips

Whether you’re avoiding gluten, cutting back on sugar, or just fresh out of cinnamon, Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips still have a cozy workaround waiting for you.

Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free short pasta (like penne or rotini). Just be extra gentle some GF pastas are more delicate when air fried.
No Butter? Use coconut oil or vegan butter for the same sticky-sweet coating with a subtle tropical note.
Sugar Alternatives: Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar or a 1:1 sugar-free blend like monk fruit. It still gives that crisp sparkle!
No Cinnamon: Try pumpkin pie spice or a blend of cardamom and nutmeg for a twist. Even cocoa powder mixed into the sugar brings a Mexican hot chocolate vibe.
Dairy-Free: Skip the butter and use oil instead, or try a dairy-free caramel dip for serving.

Tested Tip: If using whole wheat pasta, increase cook time slightly for extra crunch—it holds more moisture than white pasta.

Wonderful! Now let’s have a little fun and play with some tasty twists on the classic churro pasta chip.

Variations on Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips

Once you’ve mastered the classic Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips, it’s time to get creative these golden, crispy bites are the perfect blank canvas for sweet twists that fit any season or craving.

Chocolate-Dusted Churro Chips: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to your cinnamon sugar mix. Serve with whipped cream or chocolate ganache.
Pumpkin Spice Pasta Chips: Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice and pair with maple cream cheese dip for a fall treat.
Churro Trail Mix: Break the pasta chips into smaller pieces and mix with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and pretzels.
Kid-Friendly Sprinkle Chips: After tossing in sugar, add a dash of colorful sprinkles for birthday party fun.
Holiday Twist: Mix cinnamon sugar with a pinch of crushed peppermint and pair with hot cocoa for a wintery spin.

Grandma Mary always said, “Don’t be afraid to add your own spice.” It’s what makes each family recipe a little different and a lot more special.

Thank you! Let’s cover the essential tools you’ll need to whip up a perfect batch of Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips plus a few handy alternatives.

Equipment for Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips

You don’t need much to make Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips shine, but the right tools do help turn plain pasta into golden, crispy chips with ease.

Air Fryer: Any standard air fryer will work. I use the COSORI Compact Air Fryer for small batches it heats quickly and crisps evenly.
Mixing Bowls: For tossing pasta in oil and later in cinnamon sugar.
Tongs or a Silicone Spatula: To flip or shake pasta chips during cooking.
Measuring Spoons: For your sugar and cinnamon blend.
Sheet Pan (optional): If you want to bake instead of air fry, spread chips on a parchment-lined pan and bake at 400°F for 18–22 minutes.

No air fryer? No problem. Use your oven it takes a bit longer, but still results in that crunchy, golden magic.

Lovely! Let’s talk about how to keep these sweet, crunchy bites fresh for as long as your family can resist them.

Storage Tips for Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips

These crispy crunchy snacks are best enjoyed fresh, but with a few simple tricks, you can keep them delicious for days.

Room Temperature: Store cooled chips in an airtight container lined with paper towel to absorb any residual moisture. They’ll stay crispy for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended the texture softens and sugar coating can get sticky.
Reheat to Refresh: If they lose their crunch, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to revive their crispiness.
Do Not Refrigerate: The fridge introduces moisture that makes the chips soggy and sad Grandma Mary would not approve!

For make-ahead magic, you can cook the pasta a day in advance and air fry just before serving.

Thank you! Now let’s share one of Grandma Mary’s sweet little secrets the kind passed down in whispers over warm desserts.

Grandma Mary’s Secret for Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips

Grandma Mary may never have owned an air fryer, but she had a sixth sense for making treats unforgettable. Her secret? A quick dusting of vanilla sugar homemade, of course right after the cinnamon.

She kept a jar on her spice shelf: just sugar stored with a few whole vanilla beans. It smelled like cookies and comfort, and she’d use it for finishing everything from toast to tea cakes. I’ve started doing the same with my churro pasta chips. A gentle dust of vanilla-kissed sugar at the end gives them that nostalgic, bakery-warm finish that lingers on the tongue.

“Every good dessert should smell like a hug,” she once told me and this one does.

FAQ about Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips

How do you cook pasta chips in an air fryer?
Toss cooked pasta with oil, then air fry at 380–400°F for 7–10 minutes, shaking halfway through. Finish with melted butter and cinnamon sugar.

Why are my air fryer chips not crispy?
Chips might be too wet or crowded in the basket. Be sure to dry pasta thoroughly and cook in single layers to allow air to circulate.

Can you put pasta in the air fryer?
Yes! It crisps beautifully, especially short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or bow ties. Cooked and dried pasta works best.

Are cinnamon rolls in the air fryer good?
Absolutely! Like churro pasta chips, cinnamon rolls come out golden and gooey in minutes perfect for a quick treat.

Wonderful! Let’s bring everything together with a cozy, satisfying close that feels just like the last sweet bite.

Conclusion Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips

There’s something so joyful about reimagining an everyday ingredient and these Air Fryer Churro Pasta Chips do just that. With their crisp texture, warm cinnamon sugar hug, and playful twist on tradition, they’re bound to become a go-to treat in your kitchen too.

Whether you’re serving them as a movie-night snack, a sweet lunchbox surprise, or a crunchy dessert to pass around after dinner, this recipe carries the kind of magic Grandma Mary always believed in: the joy of turning simple into special.

Looking for the perfect cozy drink to serve alongside? Try a warm mug of our Classic Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream just right for dipping or sipping in good company.

With love from my kitchen to yours,
Melinda ❤️