Save I stumbled on this recipe during a chaotic December afternoon when I needed something quick for a holiday party and had nothing but pasta in the pantry. The idea of frying pasta sounded wild, but the moment those golden bowties came out of the air fryer, crackling and warm, I knew I'd found something special. My sister grabbed a handful before I even finished tossing them in cinnamon sugar, and by the time guests arrived, half the batch was already gone. It's become our not-so-secret weapon for every gathering since.
The first time I made this for my neighbor's kids, they thought I was some kind of kitchen wizard. Watching their faces light up as they crunched into what looked like ordinary pasta but tasted like a carnival treat was priceless. One of them asked if I could make it every week, and honestly, I almost said yes. It's that kind of recipe, the kind that turns a random Tuesday into something a little more memorable.
Ingredients
- Bowtie pasta: The shape holds onto the cinnamon sugar beautifully, and those ruffled edges get extra crispy in the air fryer.
- Vegetable oil: A light coating helps the pasta crisp up without getting greasy, so don't skip the tossing step.
- Granulated sugar: Fine sugar clings better than coarse, giving you that even sweet coating in every bite.
- Ground cinnamon: Freshly opened cinnamon makes a noticeable difference, trust me on this one.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and makes the flavors pop in a way that feels almost savory.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter acts like glue for the cinnamon sugar and adds a rich, buttery warmth.
Instructions
- Cook and dry the pasta:
- Boil the bowtie pasta in salted water for 7 to 8 minutes until just al dente, then drain and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Any lingering moisture will steam instead of crisp, so take your time here.
- Coat with oil:
- Toss the dried pasta with vegetable oil in a large bowl until every piece glistens. This thin layer is what transforms soft noodles into crunchy bites.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it warm up for 3 minutes. A hot basket means faster, more even crisping.
- Air fry in batches:
- Spread the pasta in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway through. You'll hear them start to crackle, and the edges will turn golden and firm.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar:
- While the pasta fries, whisk together sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a wide bowl. Keep it nearby so you can toss while everything's still warm.
- Toss with butter:
- Transfer the hot, crispy pasta to a large bowl and drizzle with melted butter, tossing quickly to coat. The butter needs to hit while the pasta's warm so it sticks.
- Add cinnamon sugar:
- Pour the cinnamon sugar over the buttered pasta and toss gently but thoroughly until every piece is coated. The warmth helps the sugar melt just slightly and cling.
- Cool completely:
- Spread the coated pasta on a baking sheet and let it cool to room temperature. This final step locks in the crunch and keeps it from going soggy.
Save Last Christmas, I packed this into mason jars tied with ribbon and gave them to coworkers who'd helped me through a rough project deadline. One colleague told me she ate the entire jar in her car on the way home and had to come back for the recipe. That's when I realized this wasn't just a snack, it was a little edible hug that people actually remembered.
Flavor Twists to Try
I once added a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon sugar on a whim, and it gave the whole thing a subtle warmth that made people pause and ask what the secret was. You can also try a dash of nutmeg for a cozier, spiced vibe, or swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice if you're feeling festive. If you want to go savory, skip the sugar entirely and toss with garlic powder, parmesan, and Italian herbs instead.
Storage and Serving Ideas
This stays crunchy in an airtight container for up to three days, though it rarely lasts that long in my house. I like to portion it into small bags for lunchboxes or keep a bowl on the counter for when people wander into the kitchen. It's also perfect for holiday parties, movie nights, or as a crunchy topping for vanilla ice cream if you're feeling adventurous.
Things I Wish I'd Known Sooner
The first time I made this, I didn't shake the basket halfway through and ended up with some burnt edges and some barely crispy pieces. Shaking really does make a difference, even if it feels fussy. I also learned that different air fryer models run hotter or cooler, so keep an eye on the pasta after the 6 minute mark and adjust as needed.
- Use a wide bowl for tossing so the cinnamon sugar distributes evenly without clumping.
- If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake this on a sheet pan at 200 degrees Celsius, flipping halfway through.
- Let the pasta cool completely before storing or it'll get soft and sticky from trapped steam.
Save This recipe taught me that the best treats don't have to be complicated, they just have to make people smile. I hope it brings a little unexpected joy to your kitchen, too.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you make the pasta crispy?
Cooking the bowtie pasta al dente, drying it thoroughly, and air frying with oil ensures a golden, crispy texture.
- → Can I use other pasta types?
Yes, penne or rotini are excellent alternatives that crisp up well in the air fryer.
- → What adds the sweet and salty flavor?
A cinnamon sugar mix combined with kosher salt provides the sweet and salty seasoning.
- → Is air frying necessary for this snack?
Air frying creates a crunchy texture with less oil compared to traditional frying methods.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep the snack in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain crispiness.