Pasta Chip Nachos Airfried (Print Version)

Crispy pasta chips paired with seasoned chicken, spicy jalapeños, and melted cheddar cheese.

# 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)

# Directions:

01 - Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to preheat.
02 - Boil the pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
03 - Combine the cooked pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt to coat evenly.
04 - Arrange the pasta in a single layer within the air fryer basket. Air-fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the pasta chips are crisp and golden. Transfer to a serving platter.
05 - In a skillet heated over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced chicken, taco seasoning, and salt. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
06 - Distribute the cooked chicken evenly over the pasta chips, then top with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced jalapeños.
07 - Return the assembled nachos to the air fryer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
08 - Add sour cream, cilantro, diced tomato, and chopped red onion on top as desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Crispy pasta chips give you that satisfying crunch tortilla chips can only dream of.
  • The whole thing comes together in under an hour, start to finish.
  • Its a conversation starter every single time you serve it.
02 -
  • Dry the pasta thoroughly after draining or the chips will turn chewy instead of crisp.
  • Dont skip shaking the air fryer basket halfway through or youll end up with unevenly cooked pieces.
  • Assemble the nachos just before serving, crispy pasta softens fast once topped.
03 -
  • Use a kitchen towel to press the cooked pasta dry, paper towels sometimes stick and leave bits behind.
  • For extra flavor, toss the hot pasta chips with a pinch of nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan right after air-frying.
  • If your air fryer is small, work in batches and keep the first batch warm in a low oven while you finish the rest.
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