Crispy Pasta Chip Nachos (Print View)

Air-fried pasta chips layered with taco-seasoned chicken, spicy jalapeños, and melted cheese for a tasty snack.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta Chips

01 - 8 oz short pasta shapes (rigatoni, penne, or farfalle)
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - ½ tsp garlic powder
04 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
05 - ½ tsp salt

→ Taco Chicken

06 - 9 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
07 - 1 tbsp olive oil
08 - 2 tsp taco seasoning
09 - ¼ tsp salt

→ Toppings

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

# Method:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Boil pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than package instructions; drain and pat completely dry.
03 - Toss dried pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt until evenly coated.
04 - Spread pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air-fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking once midway, until crisp and golden; transfer to a serving platter.
05 - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; add diced chicken, taco seasoning, and salt, then sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
06 - Evenly distribute cooked chicken over pasta chips; sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and jalapeño slices.
07 - Return the assembled chips to the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese has melted.
08 - Top with sour cream, cilantro, diced tomato, and red onion as desired; serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Crispy, salty, and impossibly crunchy without a deep fryer or your oven running for hours.
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout, yet feels like you've done something clever.
  • Everyone goes a little wild piling their own toppings, turning dinner into an interactive moment.
02 -
  • Patting the pasta completely dry is non-negotiable—any residual moisture will steam instead of crisp, and you'll end up with chewy chips instead of crunchy ones.
  • Don't skip shaking the basket halfway through air-frying; those pieces in the corners need attention or they'll brown unevenly.
  • Assemble this right before serving or you'll watch your beautiful crispy chips slowly surrender to the moisture from the toppings.
03 -
  • Make your pasta chips earlier in the day and store them in an airtight container if you're entertaining; just assemble and melt everything right before guests arrive.
  • If you don't have taco seasoning on hand, mix cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt—it takes thirty seconds and tastes fresher than the packet.
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