Tuesday Trends: TikTok Pasta Chips with Hannah
Tuesday Trends: TikTok Pasta Chips with Hannah is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Eyewitness News WTVO WQRF (MyStateline) on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 40 min
Cost: $8.23 total, $4.12 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Rigatoni Pasta (dry, uncooked; any short pasta shape works)
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for coating)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (adds subtle garlic flavor)
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (blend of dried herbs)
- 0.5 tsp Crushed Chili Pepper Flakes (adjust to desired heat)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan‑Romano Cheese Blend, grated (prefer a low‑fat blend; fine grate)
- 0.25 tsp Himalayan Pink Salt (coarse grind, to taste)
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes. Drain in a colander and return to the pot; keep the pasta warm.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 212°F
Dry the Pasta
Spread the drained pasta on a clean kitchen towel or parchment sheet for 2‑3 minutes to remove excess moisture.
Time: PT3M
Season the Pasta
Transfer the warm pasta to a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, pink salt, and grated cheese. Mix until every piece is lightly coated.
Time: PT5M
Preheat Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 400°F
Air Fry the Pasta Chips
Arrange the seasoned pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches). Cook for 10 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket every 2‑3 minutes to ensure even browning.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 400°F
Cool and Serve
Remove the chips and let them cool on a wire rack for 2 minutes; they will crisp up further. Serve immediately as a snack or with marinara dip.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 7g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 5g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free pasta, Can be made dairy‑free using nutritional yeast instead of cheese
Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Rigatoni Pasta: penne, ziti, farfalle
- Instead of Olive Oil: avocado oil, vegetable oil
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic (use 1 clove), garlic salt (reduce added salt)
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: dried oregano and basil mix, Herbes de Provence
- Instead of Crushed Chili Pepper Flakes: cayenne pepper, red pepper powder
- Instead of Parmesan‑Romano Cheese Blend, grated: nutritional yeast (vegan), regular Parmesan
- Instead of Himalayan Pink Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Air Fryer
- Tongs or Silicone Spatula
- Measuring Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not overcook the pasta; it must stay al dente.
- Dry the pasta thoroughly before adding oil and seasonings.
- Do not overload the air fryer basket; work in batches for even crisping.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or lemon zest to the seasoning mix.
- Use a silicone brush to drizzle oil evenly if you prefer a lighter coating.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, spread the seasoned pasta on a parchment‑lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12‑15 minutes, turning halfway.
Troubleshooting
Pasta chips are soggy.
Make sure the pasta is fully dried before oiling, use only a thin coating of oil, and avoid crowding the air fryer basket.
Chips burn on the edges.
Reduce air‑fry time by 2‑3 minutes or lower temperature to 380°F; shake the basket more frequently.
Seasoning falls off during cooking.
Toss the pasta thoroughly after adding oil so the seasoning adheres, and shake the basket every 2 minutes.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes to restore crispness.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture degrades after freezing.
Room temperature: Best eaten fresh; can sit out for up to 1 hour but will lose crunch.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook and dry the pasta a day ahead; keep it in a sealed bag.
- Seasoned, uncooked pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pasta chips in American snack culture?
Pasta chips are a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta, popularized in the United States through social media platforms like TikTok as a quick, crunchy snack that mimics the texture of potato chips while using pantry‑staple pasta.
What regional variations of pasta chips exist within American cuisine?
In the U.S., home cooks experiment with different pasta shapes (penne, fusilli, farfalle) and seasonings such as taco seasoning, ranch powder, or Cajun spice, creating regional flavor twists that reflect local taste preferences.
How is TikTok Pasta Chips traditionally served in casual American gatherings?
They are typically served as a finger food at game nights, backyard barbecues, or as a party snack, often accompanied by dips like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.
What occasions or celebrations are pasta chips associated with in American culture?
Pasta chips have become a go‑to snack for lazy‑week evenings, movie nights, and informal get‑togethers because they are quick to prepare and require minimal cleanup.
What makes TikTok Pasta Chips special compared to traditional fried snacks?
They use an air fryer instead of deep‑frying, requiring far less oil, and they transform a familiar pantry ingredient—pasta—into a crunchy, low‑fat snack that can be customized with endless seasoning blends.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making TikTok Pasta Chips?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, not drying it before seasoning, using too much oil, and overcrowding the air fryer basket, all of which lead to soggy or unevenly crisp chips.
Why does this recipe use an air fryer instead of a conventional oven?
An air fryer circulates hot air rapidly, giving the pasta a uniform, crunchy texture in less time and with a fraction of the oil needed for deep‑frying, making the snack healthier and faster to prepare.
Can I make TikTok Pasta Chips ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can cook and season the pasta a day ahead, keep it refrigerated in an airtight container, and air‑fry it when ready. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and re‑crisped in a hot oven.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the pasta chips are done?
The chips should be golden‑brown, firm to the bite, and have a crisp surface that snaps when broken. The cheese should be lightly melted, and the edges should not be blackened.
What does the YouTube channel Eyewitness News WTVO WQRF specialize in?
The YouTube channel Eyewitness News WTVO WQRF focuses on local news, lifestyle segments, and community‑focused cooking demos that often feature quick, easy recipes suitable for busy households.
How does the YouTube channel Eyewitness News WTVO WQRF's approach to snack recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Eyewitness News WTVO WQRF emphasizes simplicity, minimal equipment, and partnerships with brands like Walmart and Uber Appliance, delivering snack recipes that are budget‑friendly and designed for everyday viewers rather than gourmet chefs.
Last updated: August 13, 2026
