Spicy Lemon Parmesan Chips

Featured in: Everyday Treats

Transform cooked pasta into crispy, flavorful bites by tossing with olive oil, chili flakes, smoked paprika, lemon zest, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Spread evenly and bake or air fry until golden and crunchy. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright finish. These spicy, tangy chips make a delightful snack or appetizer, combining a perfect balance of heat, citrus, and cheese. Adjust chili levels to suit your taste and experiment with alternative cheeses for variety.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:10:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Spicy Lemon-Parmesan Pasta Chips are perfectly seasoned and ready to eat as an appetizer. Save to Pinterest
Golden, crispy Spicy Lemon-Parmesan Pasta Chips are perfectly seasoned and ready to eat as an appetizer. | flourhollow.com

Crispy, golden pasta chips tossed with zesty lemon, Parmesan, and a kick of chili, perfect for snacking or entertaining.

This recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen for easy entertaining and snack time.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 250 g (about 9 oz) rigatoni or penne pasta, 1½ liters (6 cups) water, 1 tsp salt
  • Coating: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste), 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, zest of 1 lemon, ½ tsp black pepper, 80 g (¾ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp sea salt
  • Garnish: Extra grated Parmesan, fresh parsley chopped, lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) or set air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2:
Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add salt and pasta. Cook until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Step 3:
In a mixing bowl, toss cooked pasta with olive oil, chili flakes, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon zest, black pepper, and 60 g (½ cup) Parmesan. Season with sea salt.
Step 4:
Arrange pasta in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
Step 5:
Bake for 18 22 minutes (oven) or air fry for 10 12 minutes shaking halfway until golden and crisp.
Step 6:
Immediately sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 7:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing.
Save to Pinterest
| flourhollow.com

Making these chips became a fun weekend activity with my family, especially perfect for movie nights.

Required Tools

Large pot, colander, mixing bowl, baking sheet or air fryer, parchment paper (if baking), grater or zester

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), milk (Parmesan cheese). Check Parmesan label for animal rennet if vegetarian. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories: 270, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 34 g, Protein: 11 g

A close up shows the delicious texture of Spicy Lemon-Parmesan Pasta Chips served with fresh parsley garnish. Save to Pinterest
A close up shows the delicious texture of Spicy Lemon-Parmesan Pasta Chips served with fresh parsley garnish. | flourhollow.com

These chips are a perfect balance of tangy and savory, sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Recipe FAQs

What type of pasta works best for making these chips?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne hold up well to baking and provide a satisfying crunch.

How can I ensure the chips become crispy?

Drain and dry the pasta thoroughly before coating. Avoid overcrowding when baking or air frying to allow even crisping.

Can I adjust the level of spice in these chips?

Yes, simply vary the amount of chili flakes used to match your preferred heat intensity.

What is a good alternative to Parmesan cheese in the coating?

Pecorino or vegan Parmesan-style cheeses work well as substitutes, offering similar flavor and texture.

What serving suggestions complement these pasta chips?

Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing and pair with marinara or herbed yogurt dips for added flavor.

Spicy Lemon Parmesan Chips

Crunchy pasta bites tossed with lemon zest, Parmesan, and chili flakes for a savory treat.

Prep Duration
15 mins
Cook Duration
20 mins
Overall Time
35 mins
Created by Megan Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Italian-Inspired

Serves 4 Servings Count

Dietary Details Meat-Free

Ingredient List

Pasta

01 9 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
02 6 cups water
03 1 teaspoon salt

Coating

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 teaspoon chili flakes
03 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 Zest of 1 lemon
06 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
07 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 1 teaspoon sea salt

Garnish

01 Extra grated Parmesan cheese
02 Fresh chopped parsley
03 Lemon wedges

Steps

Step 01

Preheat appliance: Set oven or air fryer to 400°F.

Step 02

Cook pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add salt and pasta, cook until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking.

Step 03

Prepare pasta coating: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with olive oil, chili flakes, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon zest, black pepper, half of the Parmesan cheese, and sea salt. Toss thoroughly to coat.

Step 04

Arrange pasta for baking: Spread pasta in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket, ensuring pieces are not overcrowded.

Step 05

Bake or air fry: Bake in the oven for 18 to 22 minutes or air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until golden and crisp.

Step 06

Add final Parmesan and cool: Immediately sprinkle remaining Parmesan over hot pasta chips. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Top with fresh chopped parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges for squeezing.

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet or air fryer
  • Parchment paper
  • Grater or zester

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient to spot potential allergens. Always confirm with your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (Parmesan cheese).
  • Check Parmesan label for animal rennet if vegetarian.
  • Verify all ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Nutrition details are for reference and can't substitute for professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 270
  • Fat content: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Protein Amount: 11 g