Spicy Lemon Parmesan Pasta Chips

Featured in: Comfort Food

Enjoy a crunchy delight featuring pasta cooked just until tender, then coated with olive oil, chili flakes, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon zest, black pepper, and Parmesan. Baked or air fried to golden crispness, these chips bring together zesty lemon and spicy chili for a balanced flavor. Finished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, they make a satisfying snack or appetizer perfect for casual gatherings.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:04:00 GMT
Crispy Spicy Lemon-Parmesan Pasta Chips, golden and sprinkled with fresh parsley and Parmesan. Save
Crispy Spicy Lemon-Parmesan Pasta Chips, golden and sprinkled with fresh parsley and Parmesan. | bakozy.com

Crispy, golden pasta chips tossed with zesty lemon, Parmesan, and a kick of chili, perfect for snacking or entertaining.

This recipe quickly became a favorite at family gatherings due to its unique twist on traditional snacks.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 250 g (about 9 oz) rigatoni or penne pasta, 1½ liters (6 cups) water, 1 tsp salt
  • Coating: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste), 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, zest of 1 lemon, ½ tsp black pepper, 80 g (¾ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp sea salt
  • Garnish: Extra grated Parmesan, fresh parsley chopped, lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) or set air fryer to 200°C (400°F)
Step 2:
Bring water to a boil in a large pot Add salt and pasta Cook until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions) Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking
Step 3:
In a mixing bowl toss cooked pasta with olive oil chili flakes garlic powder smoked paprika lemon zest black pepper and 60 g (½ cup) Parmesan Season with sea salt
Step 4:
Arrange pasta in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket Do not overcrowd
Step 5:
Bake for 18 22 minutes (oven) or air fry for 10 12 minutes shaking halfway until golden and crisp
Step 6:
Immediately sprinkle with remaining Parmesan Cool for 5 minutes before serving
Step 7:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing
Close-up photo of baked, golden Spicy Lemon-Parmesan Pasta Chips, with visible chili flakes and zest. Save
Close-up photo of baked, golden Spicy Lemon-Parmesan Pasta Chips, with visible chili flakes and zest. | bakozy.com

This recipe brings the family together especially during game nights and casual get-togethers.

Notes

Delicious dipped in marinara or herbed yogurt sauce

Required Tools

Large pot Colander Mixing bowl Baking sheet or air fryer Parchment paper (if baking) Grater or zester

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten) Milk (Parmesan cheese) Check Parmesan label for animal rennet if vegetarian Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens

Tempting serving of Spicy Lemon-Parmesan Pasta Chips, ready to eat with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Save
Tempting serving of Spicy Lemon-Parmesan Pasta Chips, ready to eat with a squeeze of fresh lemon. | bakozy.com

Give these pasta chips a try for a fun and flavorful snack that’s sure to impress.

Recipe FAQ

What pasta works best for these chips?

Short tube-shaped pasta like rigatoni or penne hold up well and crisp evenly when baked or air fried.

How do you get the pasta chips crispy?

Cooking pasta just shy of al dente, then drying well before coating and baking ensures a crispy texture.

Can the chili flakes be adjusted?

Yes, chili flakes can be added or reduced to control the spicy heat level.

What alternatives are there for Parmesan?

Pecorino or vegan Parmesan-style cheese can be used for different flavor profiles or dietary needs.

Are these chips suitable for dipping?

They pair wonderfully with sauces like marinara or herbed yogurt, enhancing their flavor.

What is the best cooking method?

Baking at 200°C or using an air fryer at the same temperature yields evenly crisp chips.

Spicy Lemon Parmesan Pasta Chips

Crunchy golden pasta tossed with lemon zest, Parmesan, and chili flakes for a flavorful snack.

Prep duration
15 min
Heat time
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Natalie Harris


Complexity Easy

Heritage Italian

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free

Components

Pasta

01 9 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
02 6 cups water
03 1 tsp salt

Coating

01 2 tbsp olive oil
02 1 tsp chili flakes, adjust to taste
03 1 tsp garlic powder
04 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 Zest of 1 lemon
06 1/2 tsp black pepper
07 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 1 tsp sea salt

Garnish

01 Extra grated Parmesan
02 Fresh parsley, chopped
03 Lemon wedges

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat the oven to 400°F or set the air fryer to 400°F.

Phase 02

Cook Pasta: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 tsp salt and pasta. Boil until just al dente, approximately 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking.

Phase 03

Prepare Coating: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili flakes, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, lemon zest from one lemon, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 60 g). Season with 1 tsp sea salt and toss thoroughly.

Phase 04

Arrange Pasta for Cooking: Spread the coated pasta in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even crispiness.

Phase 05

Bake or Air Fry: Bake in the oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through, until the pasta chips turn golden and crisp.

Phase 06

Add Final Touches: Immediately after cooking, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup (about 20 g) grated Parmesan over the pasta chips. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes.

Phase 07

Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing.

Tools needed

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet or air fryer
  • Parchment paper
  • Grater or zester

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and if uncertain, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (Parmesan cheese).
  • Check Parmesan labels for animal rennet if vegetarian.
  • Always verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 270
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 11 g