Air Fryer Pasta Christmas Crack

I discovered this recipe by accident at a holiday party where someone had set out a mysterious bowl of what looked like cinnamon-sugar coated pasta. One bite and I was completely hooked—the crispy exterior, the sweet-salty punch, the way it disappeared faster than any traditional cookie. My friend casually mentioned she'd air-fried bowtie pasta, and I spent the next week perfecting my own batch. Now it's become my go-to festive snack, and honestly, it's harder to stop eating than it should be.

I remember my neighbor knocking on the door mid-afternoon because she smelled cinnamon wafting from my kitchen. She watched skeptically as I pulled out a batch of golden, crispy pasta, and after one taste, she asked for the recipe before even finishing the piece in her mouth. That's when I realized this wasn't just a snack—it was something that genuinely surprised people in the best way.

Ingredients

• 250 g bowtie pasta (farfalle): The shape matters here because the little ruffles catch the cinnamon sugar and get extra crispy in the air fryer. Don't skip the al dente cook time or you'll end up with tough pasta.
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil: This light coating is essential for even crisping—I learned the hard way that skipping it results in dry, uneven texture.
• 60 g granulated sugar: The sweetness is what makes people reach for another handful, so don't cut back here.
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Fresh cinnamon makes a noticeable difference, so check your spice cabinet and replace if it's been sitting around.
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt: This salt balances the sweetness and keeps you from getting bored after the first bite.
• 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter: The warmth of the pasta helps the butter coat everything evenly, so have it ready right when the pasta comes out of the fryer.

Instructions

Cook the pasta until just al dente:

Boil the bowtie pasta in salted water for 7–8 minutes so it still has a slight firmness—it will crisp up further in the air fryer. Drain immediately and pat very dry with paper towels to remove all excess moisture, which is key to crispness.

Coat with oil:

While the pasta is still warm, toss it with vegetable oil until every piece is lightly coated. This ensures even, golden crisping in the air fryer.

Preheat and prepare:

Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and let it warm for 3 minutes. Spread the pasta in a single layer in the basket—don't overcrowd, or it will steam instead of fry.

Air fry until golden:

Fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so everything crisps evenly. You'll know it's done when the pasta turns golden and makes a light crunching sound.

Mix the cinnamon sugar:

While the pasta fries, combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a wide, shallow bowl. The bowl shape makes tossing easier and helps distribute the coating evenly.

Butter and coat immediately:

The moment the pasta comes out, toss it in a large bowl with the melted butter so the heat helps everything coat. Add the cinnamon sugar mix while warm and toss until every piece is covered in that sweet, salty goodness.

Cool before serving:

Spread it on parchment paper and let it cool completely so it reaches peak crunchiness. This also helps the coating set.

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There's something magical about the moment someone tries this for the first time and their face lights up with that mixture of surprise and delight. It's become the dish I bring to potlucks where people actually remember what I made, which is honestly the highest compliment in my kitchen.

Why This Works as a Holiday Snack

Unlike cookies or traditional candy, this snack feels like you've done something a little bit different—it's festive without being expected. The sweetness from the cinnamon sugar hits immediately, but the salt keeps it from being cloying, and the pasta texture gives you something to actually chew on. It also travels well in a container, which makes it perfect for office parties, gift boxes, or just having around for that afternoon moment when you need something that tastes like the holidays.

Making It Your Own

Once you nail the basic recipe, there's room to play around. I've experimented with adding a tiny pinch of cayenne for heat, or swapping in nutmeg for a warmer spice note. Some batches I've made with brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor, and it's delicious but slightly less crispy. The beauty of this recipe is that it's forgiving enough to let you experiment while still turning out impressive results.

Storage and Serving Ideas

Keep this in an airtight container and it stays crunchy for up to three days, though honestly it rarely lasts that long in my house. Serve it as a snack, toss it into a holiday gift box for friends, layer it in a cute jar, or even crumble some over vanilla ice cream for a sweet-and-salty dessert moment. I've also served it in paper cones at parties, which somehow makes people eat less of it—well, that's what I tell myself anyway.

• Package it in small mason jars with festive ribbon for a handmade gift that feels thoughtful and special.
• Keep the airtight container in a cool, dry spot away from humidity, which is the real enemy of crunchiness.
• If it does lose its crispness, a quick 3-minute reheat in the air fryer at 180°C brings it right back to life.

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This recipe has taught me that sometimes the best food memories come from the simplest ideas executed with a little attention to detail. Make it, share it, and watch it become the thing people actually ask you to bring to the next gathering.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of pasta works best for this snack?

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal due to its shape, which crisps well in the air fryer while holding the cinnamon sugar coating effectively.

→ Can I use a different sweet spice blend?

Absolutely, adding spices like nutmeg or a pinch of cayenne can enhance the flavor profile, giving it extra warmth or a subtle heat.

→ How do I ensure the pasta crisps properly in the air fryer?

Make sure to dry the cooked pasta thoroughly before tossing it with oil, and air fry in a single layer, shaking the basket halfway to cook evenly.

→ What oils are suitable for frying the pasta?

Vegetable oils with high smoke points like canola or sunflower oil work best for even crisping without burning.

→ How should I store the finished snack to keep it crunchy?

Store in an airtight container once completely cooled. It will stay fresh and crunchy for up to three days.

→ Is this a vegetarian-friendly snack?

Yes, it is vegetarian as it contains no meat, but it includes dairy from the butter used in the finishing touch.