Pin it My sister texted me last December asking if I could bring something "addictive" to the office party, and I had about twenty minutes to figure it out. I'd seen those viral "Christmas crack" recipes everywhere, but the oven method felt tedious. That's when it hit me—why not use the air fryer sitting on my counter? Ten minutes later, I had golden, crunchy pasta tossed in cinnamon sugar, and suddenly everyone at that party was asking for the recipe. What started as a last-minute problem became the snack people actually remember.
I made this for my book club a few weeks ago, and I watched my friend Sarah take three pieces before the platter even hit the table. She kept coming back between chapters, eventually just keeping a small pile next to her on the couch. By the end of the night, she was negotiating whether she could take the leftovers home. That's when you know a recipe works—when someone forgets they're supposed to be discussing a novel and is too busy eating.
Ingredients
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta, 250 g: The shape matters here—those little wings catch the cinnamon sugar coating and create pockets of extra flavor. Don't skip the drying step after cooking; wet pasta will steam instead of crisp.
- Vegetable oil, 2 tbsp: This gets the pasta ready for crisping without making it greasy. Canola or sunflower work equally well.
- Granulated sugar, 60 g (1/4 cup): The sweetness is what makes people keep reaching, so don't skimp here.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp: Fresh cinnamon tastes noticeably warmer and less dusty than old jars, so check yours.
- Kosher salt, 1/2 tsp: This balances all that sugar and actually makes the cinnamon taste more pronounced.
- Melted unsalted butter, 2 tbsp: The butter acts like a glue for the coating, but use unsalted so you control the final salt level yourself.
Instructions
- Cook and dry the pasta:
- Bring salted water to a rolling boil and cook the bowtie pasta for 7–8 minutes until just al dente—it'll continue crisping in the air fryer, so don't overcook it. Drain well, then pat each handful dry with paper towels; this step is non-negotiable for maximum crunch.
- Oil the pasta:
- While the pasta is still warm, toss it in a bowl with vegetable oil until every piece glistens lightly. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Set it to 200°C (400°F) and let it heat for 3 minutes so the basket is screaming hot when pasta hits it.
- Air fry in batches:
- Spread pasta in a single layer—crowding the basket means steaming instead of crisping. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket at the halfway mark to ensure even browning. You want golden edges and a slight crunch when you bite.
- Make the coating:
- While pasta crisps, mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a wide, shallow bowl so you have plenty of room to toss.
- Coat while warm:
- As soon as pasta comes out, toss it in a large bowl with melted butter until every piece shines. The warmth helps the butter cling and the sugar to stick.
- Finish with the mix:
- Add the cinnamon sugar to the buttered pasta and toss aggressively until every piece is coated. A few clusters are good—they're like finding caramel corn treasures.
- Cool for crunch:
- Spread on a baking sheet and let cool completely before serving. This is where the real crispness develops, so patience pays off.
Pin it I brought this to my neighbor's New Year's Eve party, and watching my eight-year-old nephew and his grandmother bond over a bowl of it—both crunching away, comparing notes on which pieces were crunchiest—reminded me that the best snacks aren't the complicated ones. They're the ones that make people pause, smile, and come back for more.
Why the Air Fryer Changes Everything
An oven would work, sure, but it requires more babysitting and the heat distributes unevenly. The air fryer's circulating hot air gets every single pasta piece golden and crisp in half the time, and the basket shaking ensures nothing gets forgotten in a corner. Once I switched methods, I realized I'd never go back—the texture is just superior, and cleanup is infinitely easier.
The Flavor Variations Game
The base recipe is perfect as-is, but experimenting has been fun. I've added a tiny pinch of cayenne for a warm kick, nutmeg for something more autumnal, even a whisper of vanilla extract mixed into the cinnamon sugar for a richer taste. Each addition changes the personality slightly, so play around and find your version. The beauty is that mistakes rarely ruin this—if you overdo an extra spice, it just becomes bolder, not bad.
Storage, Gifts, and Leftovers
Store this in an airtight container and it stays crispy for up to three days, though honestly, it rarely lasts that long. I've packaged it in mason jars tied with ribbon for holiday gifts, and people genuinely love receiving something homemade and edible. It also travels beautifully to parties or potlucks—just pack it in a box with some parchment between layers so pieces don't break.
- A glass container works better than plastic for keeping it crisp longer.
- If it softens, a quick 3-minute air fryer refresh at 180°C brings back the crunch.
- Make a double batch during the holidays; you'll wish you had more.
Pin it This snack has become my go-to because it feels indulgent without being complicated, festive without needing a special occasion. Make it once, and you'll understand why everyone keeps asking for more.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is ideal due to its shape, but penne or rotini can also be used for a similar texture.
- → How do I ensure the pasta gets crispy?
Dry the cooked pasta thoroughly before tossing in oil and air frying, then fry at 200°C (400°F) until golden, shaking the basket halfway.
- → Can I add spice to the cinnamon sugar mix?
Yes, a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg can enhance the flavor, balancing sweetness with subtle heat.
- → How should the snack be stored?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain crispness.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, featuring pasta, butter, sugar, and cinnamon.