If at first you don’t succeed in getting your child to eat a new food, try converting that ingredient or dish into a form they do enjoy–and then be prepared to try try (again). Vegetables can be turned into fries; vegetables can be turned into sauces, smoothies, mac and cheese. (Anything but vegetables, right?)
Right. But what to do about pasta, especially if your child will only eat exactly one shape of it–i.e., the one that comes out of a box of macaroni and cheese? The answer, particularly when it comes to pasta shapes your child may not like, is thankfully the same: turn it into a snack. These air fryer pasta chips do exactly that: cooked pasta gets crisped and cheesed up like a cracker, giving it the same toastiness and tastiness of, say, a Cheezit. Once you make it taste like a Cheezit, you know you can do anything you want with it.
(Note: we default to farfalle because our child is not a fan of it when cooked as pasta; other long and thicker pasta shapes–say, rigatoni–will also work. Noodles, though, will not.)
If you're looking for a snack that’s fun, flavorful, and fuss-free, these air fryer pasta chips are about to become your new go-to. Perfect for kids, toddlers, and even parents, this simple twist on pasta transforms it into something crispy, dip-worthy, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you're making a little bowl for toddler snack time or a big batch for family movie night, this recipe flexes with you. Scale up or down depending on how much crunch you need—no measuring panic required.
Start with a classic seasoning blend—or get creative! Add herbs, spices, or even a sprinkle of sweetness if your little one has a sweet tooth. Want cheesy, herby, garlicky, or a tinge of spice? You’re in control.
Boil, toss, air-fry—and you're ready to go. No messy frying or greasy splatters, just quick, clean fun. Plus, the air fryer does most of the work—so you can keep an eye on the kids instead of fiddling over the stove.
These air fryer pasta chips adapt effortlessly as your family grows. Serve plain to toddlers, or offer dipping sauce options for older kids—marinara, ranch, or even a cheesy spin. They're a snack that listens to what you want and adapts accordingly.
Trying to get your child to eat a/any pasta shape that isn't elbow macaroni? Try (air) frying it for a crispy snack or side that will remind them of their favorite crackers.
Assuming your child likes pizza and/or pasta with tomato sauce already, serve the chips with some red sauce to dip into; ranch or other creamy dip is fine, too. We like this as a dinner side, too, especially when we don’t want to do french fries but want to throw an easy carb on the plate.
Feel free to mix up the seasoning to you or your child’s tastes: i.e., coating with barbecue spice rub, or cinnamon and sugar.
Servings 4
Serving Size 12 pieces
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
