Pasta Chip Nachos (Printer View)

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

# Components:

→ 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 - Set the air fryer to 400°F and allow it to reach temperature.
02 - Cook pasta in salted boiling water, reducing cooking time by 2 minutes from package directions. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
03 - Combine cooked pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt; mix evenly.
04 - Arrange pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crisp and golden. Transfer to a serving plate.
05 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, taco seasoning, and salt. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
06 - Distribute the taco chicken evenly over the pasta chips. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and sliced jalapeños on top.
07 - Return the assembled dish to the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Optionally decorate with sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomato, and finely chopped red onion. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get that irresistible chip crunch without the grease, thanks to the air fryer working its magic on pasta.
  • It's interactive enough to feel special but simple enough that you're not stressed the whole time you're making it.
  • Everyone who tries it asks if you bought it at some fancy restaurant, and you get to smile mysteriously.
02 -
  • Don't skip the pasta drying step—any water clinging to the pasta will prevent it from crisping properly and you'll end up with chewy chips instead of crispy ones.
  • The second air fryer trip for cheese melting is short because the residual heat from the pasta means the cheese melts faster than you'd think; watch it carefully so the jalapeños don't burn.
  • Assemble everything right before serving because pasta chips lose their crunch quickly once they're loaded with toppings and sitting under melted cheese.
03 -
  • If your air fryer runs hot, start checking the pasta at the 9-minute mark—every air fryer has its personality and burnt pasta chips are the only real failure here.
  • Shake the basket with confidence and a bit of dramatic flair; a gentle toss misses spots, but an aggressive shake ensures even crispness all around.
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