Save I stumbled on this recipe last December when I had leftover bowtie pasta and a ridiculous craving for something crunchy and sweet. My air fryer was sitting there, underused, and I thought why not just toss some cooked noodles in and see what happens. The first batch came out golden and crispy, and after one bite dusted in cinnamon sugar, I knew I'd accidentally created something dangerously addictive. My kids started calling it Christmas Crack before I even had a name for it.
I brought a bowl of this to a potluck last year, and people kept asking if I'd bought it from some fancy snack shop. One friend ate so much she had to take a container home, then texted me at midnight asking for the recipe. It became my go-to contribution for every party after that, because it's easier than cookies but gets twice the compliments.
Ingredients
- Bowtie pasta: The shape holds onto the cinnamon sugar beautifully, and the ruffled edges get extra crispy in the air fryer.
- Vegetable oil: This helps the pasta crisp up without burning, and a neutral oil like canola works best so it does not compete with the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Regular white sugar dissolves just enough when it hits the warm butter to create a light glaze that sticks.
- Ground cinnamon: Use fresh cinnamon if you can, the flavor is warmer and more fragrant than the jar that has been sitting in your cupboard for two years.
- Kosher salt: A little salt balances the sweetness and makes the whole thing taste more intentional, not just like sugared pasta.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter acts like glue for the cinnamon sugar and adds richness without making it greasy.
Instructions
- Boil and Dry the Pasta:
- Cook the bowtie pasta in salted water until just al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain it well and spread it on paper towels to blot away moisture, because wet pasta will steam instead of crisp.
- Coat with Oil:
- Toss the dried pasta with vegetable oil in a big bowl, making sure every piece gets a light coating. This step is what transforms it from limp noodles into golden crunch.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it warm up for about 3 minutes. A hot basket means faster crisping.
- Air Fry in Batches:
- Spread pasta in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway through. Listen for that light rattling sound, it means the pasta is getting crispy.
- Mix the Cinnamon Sugar:
- While the pasta fries, stir together sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a wide bowl. Having it ready means you can toss the hot pasta immediately.
- Butter and Toss:
- Transfer the crispy pasta to a large bowl and drizzle melted butter over it, tossing quickly so every piece gets coated. Work fast while it is still warm so the butter does not solidify.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
- Add the cinnamon sugar mix and toss vigorously until the pasta is completely covered. The warmth will help the sugar stick and melt just a little.
- Cool and Serve:
- Spread the coated pasta on a baking sheet to cool completely. It will get even crunchier as it sits, so resist the urge to eat it all right away.
Save The first time I made this for a holiday movie night, my daughter grabbed a handful and said it tasted like the cinnamon twist things from the fair. That is when I realized this recipe was not just a snack, it was a little pocket of nostalgia wrapped in a bowtie.
Flavor Variations
If you want to experiment, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar for a sweet and spicy kick that keeps people guessing. Nutmeg also works beautifully if you want a more holiday spice vibe. I have even swapped the cinnamon sugar for a savory blend of garlic powder, parmesan, and Italian herbs, and it turned into something closer to a gourmet crouton snack.
Storage and Freshness
Store the cooled pasta in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, though in my house it rarely lasts that long. If it starts to lose its crunch, you can pop it back in the air fryer for a minute or two to revive it. Do not refrigerate it or the moisture will make it soggy and sad.
Serving Suggestions
This snack works beautifully in small cellophane bags tied with ribbon as edible gifts, or piled high in a bowl at a party next to the cheese and crackers. I have also sprinkled it over vanilla ice cream for a crunchy topping that surprised everyone at dessert. You can swap bowtie pasta for penne or rotini if that is what you have on hand, just keep an eye on the air fry time since smaller shapes may cook faster.
- Serve it warm for a softer texture or let it cool completely for maximum crunch.
- Pair it with hot chocolate or mulled cider for a cozy winter treat.
- Double the batch if you are feeding a crowd, because people will keep coming back for more.
Save This recipe turned my air fryer from a neglected gadget into my favorite kitchen tool, and it gave me a snack that feels special without any fuss. I hope it becomes your new holiday tradition too.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you achieve crispiness in the air-fried pasta?
Cooking the pasta al dente, thoroughly drying it, coating it with oil, and air frying at 200°C crisps each piece evenly for a golden finish.
- → Can I substitute the type of pasta used?
Yes, penne or rotini can be used instead of bowtie pasta without affecting the final texture much.
- → What enhances the flavor of the cinnamon sugar mix?
A pinch of cayenne or nutmeg added to the cinnamon sugar mix introduces subtle warmth and complexity to the sweet and salty coating.
- → How should the snack be stored to maintain freshness?
Keep the cooled pasta snack in an airtight container for up to three days to preserve its crunch and flavor.
- → Is this snack suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains no meat products and uses vegetable oil and butter, making it suitable for a vegetarian diet.