Pin It I stumbled on this recipe during a December afternoon when I had leftover pasta and a restless craving for something crunchy. The air fryer was humming on the counter, and I thought, why not? What came out was golden, crackling, and dangerously addictive. My sister grabbed a handful before I could even plate it, and we both stood there munching in silence, amazed at how something so simple could taste this good.
The first time I brought this to a holiday gathering, people kept asking what it was. They circled back to the bowl, fingers dusted with cinnamon sugar, eyes a little wider each time. One friend called it pasta crack, and the name stuck. I watched the bowl empty twice that night, refilled once in a panic, and realized I had accidentally created something people would remember.
Ingredients
- Bowtie pasta: The shape holds onto the cinnamon sugar beautifully, and the ridges crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.
- Vegetable oil: This helps the pasta turn golden and crunchy without sticking together during frying.
- Granulated sugar: The base of the sweet coating, it melts just slightly when tossed with warm pasta.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that unmistakable holiday smell that fills the kitchen.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and makes every bite more interesting.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and tossed while the pasta is hot, it helps the cinnamon sugar cling like magic.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil the bowtie pasta in salted water for 7 to 8 minutes until just al dente, then drain it well. Pat it dry with paper towels because any leftover moisture will keep it from crisping up properly.
- Coat with oil:
- Toss the cooked pasta with vegetable oil in a large bowl, making sure every piece is lightly coated. This step is what gives you that golden, crunchy finish.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. A hot basket means crispier pasta.
- 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. Listen for that light rattling sound, it means the pasta is getting crisp.
- Make the cinnamon sugar mix:
- While the pasta fries, whisk together sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a wide bowl. The salt might seem odd, but trust me, it makes everything taste better.
- Toss with butter:
- Once the pasta is crispy and golden, transfer it to a large bowl and drizzle with melted butter while its still hot. Toss quickly so the butter coats every piece.
- Add the cinnamon sugar:
- Pour the cinnamon sugar mix over the buttery pasta and toss again until every bow is covered in that sweet, spiced coating. Work fast while its warm.
- Cool completely:
- Spread the coated pasta on a baking sheet or leave it in the bowl to cool. It gets even crunchier as it sits, so resist the urge to dig in right away.
Pin It There was a quiet evening last December when I made this alone, just for myself. I sat on the couch with a bowl in my lap, the room lit only by the tree, and ate slowly, savoring the crunch and the quiet. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that dont need an occasion, just a moment you want to make a little sweeter.
Flavor Twists You Might Love
If youre feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cayenne to the cinnamon sugar for a gentle heat that sneaks up on you. Ive also swapped in nutmeg or cardamom when I wanted something a little more aromatic. One time I used brown sugar instead of white, and it gave the whole thing a deeper, almost caramel-like sweetness that my dad couldnt stop talking about.
Storage and Keeping It Crispy
This pasta stays crunchy for up to three days if you keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. I learned the hard way not to refrigerate it, the moisture makes it soggy fast. If it does lose some crunch, you can pop it back in the air fryer for a minute or two to revive it, though honestly, it never lasts long enough to need rescuing.
Serving Ideas and Occasions
Ive served this at holiday parties, packed it into jars as edible gifts, and set it out during movie nights. It works as a snack, a conversation starter, or even a quirky dessert alternative when you want something light and fun.
- Scoop it into clear bags tied with ribbon for festive gifting.
- Set it out in bowls alongside popcorn and pretzels for a snack spread.
- Keep a batch on hand for when you need something sweet and crunchy in a hurry.
Pin It This recipe has become one of those things I make without thinking, whenever I need something quick, comforting, and a little bit magical. I hope it brings you the same kind of joy it brought me, one crunchy, cinnamon-dusted bite at a time.
Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve the perfect crispiness?
Dry the pasta thoroughly after boiling to remove moisture, then spread it in a single layer in the air fryer and shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping.
- → Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, penne or rotini can be substituted while maintaining good texture and coating coverage.
- → What oils are best for frying the pasta?
Neutral oils like canola or sunflower oil work well to evenly coat the pasta and aid crisping without overpowering flavors.
- → How should I store the snack to keep it crunchy?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve its crisp texture.
- → Can I add extra spices to the cinnamon sugar mix?
Yes, adding a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg enhances the flavor profile with a subtle kick or warmth.