Air Fried Pasta Croutons (Printable View)

Golden, crunchy air-fried pasta pieces seasoned for a flavorful snack or salad topping.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 2 cups dried short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)

→ Seasoning

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
05 - ½ teaspoon paprika
06 - ½ teaspoon salt
07 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 - 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions minus 2 minutes to achieve al dente texture. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to halt cooking.
02 - Use paper towels to pat the pasta dry completely, removing all excess moisture.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, toss the pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese if using, ensuring even distribution.
04 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
05 - Place the seasoned pasta in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
06 - Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pasta is crisp and golden brown.
07 - Allow the pasta croutons to cool completely before using as a salad topping or enjoying as a snack.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They transform boring salads into something you actually crave—crispy, savory, and genuinely addictive.
  • Takes less time than the drive through, and tastes infinitely better than store-bought croutons.
  • One batch becomes three if you're not watching, so make extra for snacking between meals.
02 -
  • Drying the pasta is non-negotiable—I learned this the hard way when a batch turned chewy instead of crispy because I rushed the patting step.
  • Don't skip shaking the basket halfway through, especially if you're new to your air fryer; all machines have hot spots, and rotation prevents burnt edges.
03 -
  • Make a double batch and freeze cooled croutons in a freezer bag for two weeks; they thaw crispy and ready to go.
  • Toss them with a light spray of cooking spray before air frying if your pasta seems too dry—it prevents sticking and improves browning.
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