Air Fried Bowtie Snack (Print Version)

Crispy bowtie pasta coated in cinnamon sugar for a sweet, salty bite made in an air fryer.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 9 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

→ For Frying

02 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)

→ Cinnamon Sugar Mix

03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
05 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt

→ Finishing

06 - 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter

# How-To Steps:

01 - Boil bowtie pasta in salted water for 7 to 8 minutes until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and pat dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
02 - Toss the cooked pasta with vegetable oil until evenly coated.
03 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
04 - Place pasta in a single layer inside the air fryer basket in batches. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
05 - Combine granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt in a wide bowl.
06 - Transfer crispy pasta into a large bowl and immediately drizzle with melted butter. Toss to coat evenly.
07 - While still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the pasta and toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.
08 - Allow the pasta to cool completely to achieve maximum crunch before serving.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It turns humble pasta into a crunchy, sweet-salty snack that vanishes in minutes.
  • You probably have everything you need already sitting in your pantry.
  • The air fryer does all the work, no deep frying or messy cleanup required.
  • It feels festive and fun, perfect for unexpected guests or late-night cravings.
02 -
  • Drying the pasta after draining is the secret to crunch, skip this and youll end up with chewy bits instead of crispy ones.
  • Dont overcrowd the air fryer basket or the pasta will steam instead of fry, work in batches even if it feels slow.
  • Toss the pasta with butter and cinnamon sugar while its still hot, the warmth helps everything stick and meld together.
03 -
  • Use kosher salt in the cinnamon sugar, it adds little bursts of flavor that make each bite more interesting.
  • Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping on all sides.
  • Make a double batch if youre serving a crowd, this disappears faster than you think.
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