How TO Make Those Viral Pasta Chips IN The Air Fryer
HOW TO MAKE THOSE VIRAL PASTA CHIPS IN THE AIR FRYER is a easy Irish recipe that serves 4. 440 calories per serving. Recipe by The Happy Pear on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 37 min
Cost: $13.79 total, $3.45 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 g Rigatoni Pasta (cooked al dente, drained and cooled)
- 1 tbsp Spicy Red Pepper Pesto (or any pesto or olive oil)
- 0.25 tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 0.25 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 15 g Bread Crumbs (plain, adds sticky texture)
- 30 g Vegan Parmesan (grated)
- 3 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (lightly toasted)
- 1 pinch Chili Powder (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp Nutritional Yeast (adds cheesy flavor and B12)
- 175 g Cashews (soaked overnight or boiled 10 min, then rinsed)
- 75 g Roasted Red Peppers (jarred, drained)
- 1 unit Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed (about 15 ml))
- 100 ml Water
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 pinch Chili Flakes
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Boil 200 g rigatoni in salted water until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking.
Time: PT10M
Season the Pasta
In a mixing bowl combine the cooked pasta with 1 tbsp spicy red pepper pesto, 0.25 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp smoked paprika, 0.5 tsp black pepper, 15 g bread crumbs and 30 g vegan parmesan. Toss with hands until every piece is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Air‑Fry the Pasta Chips
Pre‑heat the air fryer to 180°C. Arrange the coated pasta in a thin, single layer in the basket. Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 180°C
Prepare the Sesame‑Chili Topping
While the chips are cooking, toast the sesame seeds (if not pre‑toasted) in a dry pan for 1‑2 minutes. Mix 3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds with a pinch of chili powder and a pinch of salt.
Time: PT2M
Garnish the Chips
Transfer the crisped pasta chips to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the sesame‑chili mix and 1 tbsp nutritional yeast over the top.
Time: PT1M
Rinse the Soaked Cashews
Drain the overnight‑soaked cashews and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any residual acidity.
Time: PT2M
Blend the Red Pepper Cashew Dip
Add the rinsed cashews, 75 g roasted red peppers, juice of 1 lemon, 100 ml water, 2 tsp garlic powder, 0.25 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp black pepper and a pinch of chili flakes to the blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth, creamy and mayonnaise‑like.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Place the dip in a small bowl, garnish with a few fresh basil leaves, and serve alongside the pasta chips.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 440
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 25 g
- Fiber
- 6 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑Free, Gluten‑Free option available (use gluten‑free pasta), High‑Protein, Snack
Allergens: Cashews (tree nuts), Gluten (if using wheat pasta), Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Rigatoni Pasta: Fusilli, Penne, Other short pasta
- Instead of Spicy Red Pepper Pesto: Olive oil, Regular basil pesto
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Bread Crumbs: Panko
- Instead of Vegan Parmesan: Nutritional yeast
- Instead of Toasted Sesame Seeds: Sunflower seeds
- Instead of Chili Powder: Cayenne pepper
- Instead of Cashews: Almonds
- Instead of Roasted Red Peppers: Fresh roasted red peppers
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Spoon
- Air Fryer
- Blender or Food Processor
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Bowl (for spice mix)
- Serving Plate
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Coating the pasta evenly with pesto, breadcrumbs and vegan parmesan
- Air‑frying the pasta in a single layer for proper crispness
- Blending the cashew dip until completely smooth
Chef Tips from the Video
- Short‑shaped pasta (rigatoni, fusilli, penne) creates more surface area for coating and crisping.
- For extra flavor, add a drizzle of olive oil to the pasta before air‑frying.
- Use a silicone brush to lightly oil the air‑fryer basket if you notice sticking.
Troubleshooting
Pasta chips are soggy instead of crisp.
Make sure the pasta is thoroughly coated but not wet; spread the pieces in a single layer and increase air‑fryer time by 2‑3 minutes, shaking halfway.
Dip is grainy or not smooth.
Rinse soaked cashews well and blend longer; add a little extra water a tablespoon at a time until the desired creamy texture is reached.
Sesame topping burns quickly.
Toast the seeds over low heat and watch closely; remove from heat as soon as they turn golden.
Storage
Refrigerator: Dip keeps up to 1 week in a sealed container; pasta chips stay crisp for 1‑2 days in an airtight container (refrigerate if longer storage, but they may lose crunch).
Freezer: Not recommended for the chips; dip can be frozen for up to 1 month, thaw in fridge before serving.
Room temperature: Pasta chips can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in a sealed container.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The red pepper cashew dip can be prepared up to 7 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- If you need to make the chips ahead, re‑heat them in the air fryer for 2‑3 minutes to restore crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pasta chips in Irish vegan cuisine?
Pasta chips are a modern, plant‑based twist on traditional snack foods. In Ireland, vegan creators like The Happy Pear have popularised them as a crunchy, protein‑rich alternative to potato chips, reflecting the country’s growing interest in sustainable, plant‑forward eating.
What are the traditional regional variations of pasta chips in Irish cuisine?
While pasta chips themselves are a contemporary invention, Irish snack culture often features potato‑based crisps. Variations may include using different pasta shapes, adding local herbs like parsley or chives, or swapping the dip for a classic Irish soda‑bread spread.
How is pasta chips traditionally served in Ireland?
In Irish vegan cafés and gatherings, pasta chips are typically served in a communal bowl with a dip—often a herb‑y avocado or, as in this recipe, a roasted red pepper cashew dip—making them a popular party finger food.
What occasions or celebrations are pasta chips associated with in Irish culture?
Pasta chips have become a go‑to snack for informal gatherings, after‑work socials, and weekend brunches in Ireland, especially among health‑conscious crowds looking for a crunchy, guilt‑free treat.
What makes pasta chips special or unique in Irish vegan cuisine?
They combine the comfort of pasta with the satisfying crunch of chips, delivering protein and fiber while staying completely plant‑based—an innovation that aligns with Ireland’s rising vegan movement.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Air Fryer Pasta Chips?
Common errors include overcrowding the air‑fryer basket, which prevents crisping, and using wet or under‑coated pasta, which leads to soggy chips. Always spread the pasta in a single layer and ensure it’s well‑coated with the breadcrumb‑pesto mixture.
Why does this recipe use an air fryer instead of deep‑frying the pasta chips?
The air fryer achieves a crisp texture with far less oil, making the snack lower in fat and healthier while still delivering the same crunch you’d get from traditional deep‑fried chips.
Can I make the red pepper cashew dip ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the dip can be prepared up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; give it a quick stir before serving to recombine any settled ingredients.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making the red pepper cashew dip?
The dip should be smooth, thick, and glossy—resembling mayonnaise. There should be no visible nut pieces, and the colour should be a bright orange‑red from the peppers.
How do I know when the pasta chips are done cooking?
The chips are ready when they turn golden‑brown, are firm to the touch, and make a distinct crunch when bitten. If any pieces are still soft, give them an extra 2‑3 minutes in the air fryer.
What does the YouTube channel The Happy Pear specialize in?
The Happy Pear is an Irish YouTube channel run by twin brothers who focus on vibrant, plant‑based recipes, nutrition tips, and lifestyle content that makes vegan cooking accessible and enjoyable for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel The Happy Pear's approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan cooking channels?
The Happy Pear blends Irish culinary traditions with global vegan flavors, emphasizing whole‑food ingredients, simple techniques, and a friendly, community‑focused presentation that feels more like a conversation than a formal cooking class.
What other Irish vegan recipes is the YouTube channel The Happy Pear known for?
The Happy Pear is famous for recipes such as their vegan Irish stew, cauliflower cheese bake, plant‑based breakfast bowls, and their signature smoothie bowls that showcase seasonal Irish produce.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
