Air Fryer Pasta Christmas Crack

The first time I made this was completely by accident—I had leftover bowtie pasta and a craving for something sweet and salty, so I tossed it in the air fryer with cinnamon sugar out of pure curiosity. What came out was so addictively crunchy that I couldn't stop eating it straight from the bowl. Now it's my go-to when I need something fast for parties, and honestly, it disappears faster than anything else I bring. There's something about the combination of crispy, buttery pasta with that warm cinnamon-sugar coating that just works.

I brought a batch to a holiday party last year, and my friend Sarah literally asked for the recipe before she'd finished her first handful. She kept coming back for more, and by the end of the night, the bowl was completely empty. That's when I knew this wasn't just a random experiment—it was the kind of thing people actually want to make again.

Ingredients

• Bowtie pasta: The shape matters here because those little pockets and ridges catch the cinnamon sugar coating perfectly, giving you flavor in every bite.
• Vegetable oil: This is what helps the pasta get crispy in the air fryer, so don't skip coating it evenly.
• Granulated sugar: The sweetness balances the salt and cinnamon beautifully, so measure it out properly.
• Ground cinnamon: Use fresh cinnamon if you can—it makes a real difference in the warmth of the flavor.
• Kosher salt: The salt brings out the sweetness and keeps this from tasting one-dimensional.
• Melted unsalted butter: Unsalted is important so you can control the salt level, and it helps the cinnamon sugar stick to every piece.

Instructions

Cook the pasta until al dente:

Boil the bowtie pasta in salted water for 7 to 8 minutes—you want it just barely tender, not soft. Drain it well and pat it completely dry with paper towels, because any moisture will make it chewy instead of crispy.

Coat with oil:

Toss the warm pasta with vegetable oil until every piece glistens evenly. This is what transforms it into something crunchy in the air fryer.

Heat your air fryer:

Set it to 200°C (400°F) and let it preheat for 3 minutes so it's hot and ready when your pasta goes in.

Air fry in batches:

Spread the pasta in a single layer in the basket without crowding it, then fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway through. You'll smell when it's getting golden—that's your cue to keep watching.

Prepare your cinnamon sugar mix:

While the pasta crisps up, mix the sugar, cinnamon, and salt together in a wide, shallow bowl so you have room to toss everything together.

Dress it while hot:

Right after the pasta comes out of the air fryer, drizzle it with melted butter and toss until every piece is coated and glossy.

Coat with cinnamon sugar:

Add the cinnamon sugar mixture to the warm, buttery pasta and toss until everything is evenly covered—this is the moment where the magic happens.

Let it cool completely:

Wait until it's completely cooled before serving so it reaches maximum crunchiness and the coating sets properly.

Save

My neighbor came over and tried this without knowing what it was, and her face just lit up—she said it tasted like Christmas in snack form. That's when I realized this isn't just pasta; it's a little moment of joy that happens to be edible.

Why the Air Fryer Works So Well

The air fryer circulates heat so evenly that every single piece of pasta gets crispy at the same time, which is honestly hard to achieve in a regular oven. You also get that satisfying crunch without deep frying, so your kitchen doesn't smell like oil for days. Plus, the quick cooking time means the cinnamon sugar coating gets slightly caramelized on the edges without burning.

Flavor Variations to Try

Once you've made this basic version, you'll start thinking about what else you can do with it. I've experimented with everything from adding a pinch of cayenne for heat to mixing in a little nutmeg for warmth, and both work beautifully. The beauty of this recipe is that it's a blank canvas—you could even try a savory version with garlic powder and parmesan if you're feeling adventurous.

Storage and Serving Ideas

Store this in an airtight container at room temperature, and it'll stay crispy for up to three days, though it rarely lasts that long in my house. I've served it as a snack at parties, given it as a homemade gift in mason jars, and even brought it to potlucks where it vanished before dessert was served. The best part is how effortless it seems to people, even though you basically just seasoned pasta and let the air fryer do the work.

• For gift-giving, layer it in clear glass jars with a pretty ribbon and a little label explaining what it is.
• You can prep everything ahead of time and air fry right before serving for the absolute crispiest result.
• If it does get a little soft, just give it a quick 2-minute blast in the air fryer to bring back the crunch.

Save

This recipe proves that sometimes the best snacks come from happy accidents and a willingness to try something weird in the air fryer. Make it once, and you'll understand why it's called Christmas Crack.

Recipe Guide

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is preferred for its shape and texture, but penne or rotini can be used as substitutes.

→ How do I achieve maximum crispiness?

Ensure the pasta is patted dry thoroughly before air frying and shake the basket halfway during cooking for even crispness.

→ Can the cinnamon sugar mix be modified?

Yes, adding a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mix gives an extra layer of flavor.

→ What oil is recommended for frying?

Vegetable oils like canola or sunflower work well due to their neutral flavor and high smoke point.

→ How should this snack be stored?

Store the cooled snack in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp, up to 3 days.

→ Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it includes vegetarian-friendly ingredients like pasta, vegetable oil, butter, and spices.