Save I stumbled on this recipe during a frantic search for something fun to bring to a potluck, and honestly, I thought it sounded bizarre. Pasta as a snack? But curiosity won, and twenty minutes later I was standing at my counter, unable to stop eating crispy, cinnamon-dusted bowties straight from the bowl. My husband walked in, raised an eyebrow, then grabbed a handful without a word. We polished off half the batch before anyone else even saw it.
The first time I brought this to a holiday gathering, I watched a friend pick up a piece cautiously, like she was expecting a prank. Then her eyes went wide and she laughed out loud, calling everyone over to try the weird pasta thing. Within minutes the bowl was empty and three people had asked for the recipe. I loved that it sparked conversation, that it made people smile and wonder how something so simple could taste so good.
Ingredients
- Bowtie pasta: The ruffled edges crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, creating more texture than smooth noodles ever could, so don't skip the farfalle if you can help it.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil like canola or sunflower coats each piece evenly and helps the pasta turn golden without burning, so use just enough to lightly slick the surface.
- Granulated sugar: Regular white sugar dissolves quickly into the butter and clings to every ridge, giving you that classic sweet coating without any grittiness.
- Ground cinnamon: Warm, fragrant, and unmistakably cozy, cinnamon is the heart of this snack and makes your kitchen smell like a holiday dream.
- Kosher salt: A pinch of salt cuts the sweetness and amplifies every other flavor, turning this from one-note candy into an addictive sweet-savory treat.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter acts like glue for the cinnamon sugar, adding richness and helping everything stick while the pasta is still hot.
Instructions
- Boil and drain the pasta:
- Cook your bowtie pasta in well-salted water until just al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes, then drain it thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. Any lingering moisture will steam instead of crisp, so take a moment to really blot each piece.
- Coat with oil:
- Toss the dried pasta with vegetable oil in a large bowl, using your hands or a spoon to make sure every noodle gets a light, even coat. This step is what turns soft pasta into crunchy gold.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit) and let it run empty for about 3 minutes. A hot basket from the start ensures even crisping.
- Air fry in batches:
- Spread the oiled pasta in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if needed, and air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway through. You'll know it's ready when the edges turn deep gold and the whole batch feels light and crunchy.
- Mix the cinnamon sugar:
- While the pasta cooks, whisk together sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a wide bowl. Having this ready means you can toss everything while it's still piping hot.
- Toss with butter:
- Transfer the hot crispy pasta to a large bowl and drizzle with melted butter, tossing quickly so every piece gets coated. Work fast because the butter needs to stick before it cools.
- Add the cinnamon sugar:
- Dump the cinnamon sugar mix over the buttered pasta and toss again, shaking the bowl and stirring until every noodle is dusted and sparkling. The warmth helps the sugar melt slightly and cling.
- Cool completely:
- Spread the coated pasta on a parchment-lined tray and let it cool fully before serving. Cooling locks in that shatteringly crisp texture.
Save One December evening I packed this into a mason jar, tied it with a ribbon, and gave it to my neighbor as a thank-you gift. She texted me two hours later asking if I had more, because her kids had eaten the whole jar in one sitting and were begging for a refill. That's when I realized this wasn't just a snack, it was a little bit of edible joy that people actually remembered.
Flavor Twists and Variations
If you want a little heat, stir a pinch of cayenne into the cinnamon sugar for a sweet-spicy kick that surprises people in the best way. I've also added a grating of fresh nutmeg when I'm feeling fancy, which makes the whole thing taste more complex and holiday-special. You can swap the bowtie pasta for penne or rotini if that's what you have on hand, though the ruffled edges of farfalle really do crisp up prettier.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Once completely cooled, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and it will stay crunchy for up to three days, though in my house it rarely lasts that long. If it does soften a bit, you can pop it back in the air fryer at 180 degrees Celsius for 2 to 3 minutes to revive the crunch. I've made this a day ahead for parties and it holds up perfectly, which is a relief when you're juggling a dozen other dishes.
Serving Suggestions and Occasions
This snack shines at holiday parties, movie nights, or any time you need something sweet and crunchy that isn't cookies. I've served it in paper cones at kids' birthday parties, layered it into gift bags for teachers, and set it out in bowls during game nights where it disappears faster than popcorn. It's also wonderful as an edible gift, packed into jars or tins and tied with festive ribbon.
- Set out small bowls at a cocktail party alongside nuts and pretzels for a sweet contrast.
- Pack individual portions into cellophane bags for lunchbox treats or party favors.
- Sprinkle a handful over vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels playful and unexpected.
Save Every time I make this, someone asks me what it is before they try it, and then they can't stop eating it. It's become my go-to when I want to bring something that sparks curiosity, tastes incredible, and reminds everyone that the best recipes are often the ones you never saw coming.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best pasta shape to use?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta works best due to its shape and texture, but penne or rotini can be used as alternatives.
- → How do I ensure the pasta gets crispy in the air fryer?
Pat the cooked pasta dry before tossing with oil, then air fry in a single layer, shaking halfway through for even crispness.
- → Can I adjust the spice level in the cinnamon sugar mix?
Yes, adding a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg enhances the flavor with gentle heat or warmth.
- → How should I store the fried pasta snack?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain crunchiness.
- → Is it necessary to use melted butter after frying?
Butter adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere evenly, but you can omit it for a lighter version.