Name: Crispy Pasta Chip Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 225 g (8 oz) rigatoni, penne, or farfalle pasta; 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil; 2.5 ml (½ tsp) garlic powder; 2.5 ml (½ tsp) smoked paprika; 2.5 ml (½ tsp) salt; 250 g (9 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced; 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil; 10 ml (2 tsp) taco seasoning; 1.25 ml (¼ tsp) salt; 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese; 2 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced; 60 ml (¼ cup) sour cream (optional); 30 ml (2 tbsp) chopped fresh cilantro (optional); 1 small tomato, diced (optional); 1 small red onion, finely chopped (optional)

Description

These Crispy Pasta Chip Nachos are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional nachos, featuring crunchy air-fried pasta chips topped with seasoned sautéed chicken, melted cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and optional fresh garnishes. Perfect as a creative appetizer or snack, this recipe combines unique textures and bold flavors with an easy air frying technique.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Chips:

225 g (8 oz) rigatoni, penne, or farfalle pasta
15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
2.5 ml (½ tsp) garlic powder
2.5 ml (½ tsp) smoked paprika
2.5 ml (½ tsp) salt

Chicken Topping:

250 g (9 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
10 ml (2 tsp) taco seasoning
1.25 ml (¼ tsp) salt

Nacho Assembly:

100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
2 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced
60 ml (¼ cup) sour cream (optional)
30 ml (2 tbsp) chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
1 small tomato, diced (optional)
1 small red onion, finely chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and allow it to preheat to ensure even cooking of the pasta chips.
Prepare Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water, reducing the cooking time by 2 minutes from the package instructions to keep it firm. Drain and pat dry thoroughly to ensure they crisp up well.
Season Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Air-Fry Pasta Chips: Arrange the seasoned pasta in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air-fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping. The pasta should be golden and crunchy. Transfer to a serving platter.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breast, taco seasoning, and salt, and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
Assemble Nachos: Evenly scatter the cooked taco chicken over the crispy pasta chips. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and sliced jalapeños.
Melt Cheese: Return the assembled dish to the air fryer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomato, and finely chopped red onion. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispness and fresh flavors.

Notes

Ensure the pasta is thoroughly dried after boiling to get the best crisp texture from air frying.
Feel free to use any short pasta shape like rigatoni, penne, or farfalle as they crisp well.
Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
This recipe is very versatile; try adding black beans, corn, or avocado for extra toppings.
If you do not have an air fryer, the pasta chips can be baked in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) until crispy, about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.