Save I discovered this recipe by accident at a holiday party where someone had left a bowl of what looked like fancy Christmas bark, except it was made of pasta. One bite and I was hooked—crispy, sweet, salty, and completely addictive. The host laughed when I asked for the recipe and said it was just air-fried bowtie pasta tossed in cinnamon sugar, something she'd thrown together on a whim. I went home that night determined to recreate it, and now it's become my go-to snack that somehow disappears faster than I can make it.
Last December, I made a massive batch for a cookie exchange and forgot to label it. Three people thought I'd bought it from a gourmet food shop and asked where they could order more. Watching everyone reach into that bowl over and over, completely mesmerized, made me realize this deserved a permanent spot in my holiday rotation.
Ingredients
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta, 250 g: The shape matters here—those little pockets catch the cinnamon sugar and create maximum crunch. I've tried other shapes and nothing quite compares.
- Vegetable oil, 2 tbsp: A light coating helps the pasta get crispy in the air fryer without tasting greasy. Don't skip this step or you'll end up with dense, chewy pieces.
- Granulated sugar, 60 g: This is what makes it irresistible; the sugar caramelizes slightly on the hot pasta and creates little sweet crystals.
- Ground cinnamon, 1½ tsp: Cinnamon is the soul of this snack—don't hold back. Fresh cinnamon makes a noticeable difference here.
- Kosher salt, ½ tsp: Salt balances the sweetness and makes you reach for another handful. It's the secret ingredient nobody expects.
- Unsalted butter, 2 tbsp melted: Add this while the pasta is still hot so it coats everything evenly and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta just right:
- Boil the farfalle in salted water for 7–8 minutes until it's al dente—still has a slight bite to it. Drain it well and pat it completely dry with paper towels; any moisture will make it steam instead of crisp.
- Coat and season:
- Toss the warm pasta with vegetable oil until every piece glistens. Make sure the coating is even or you'll get some soggy and some burnt pieces.
- Heat the air fryer:
- Preheat to 200°C (400°F) for a few minutes so the basket is hot when the pasta hits it. This is what gives you that shattering crispness.
- Air fry in batches:
- Spread the pasta in a single layer—don't overcrowd or it'll steam. Fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pasta is deep golden brown and sounds crunchy when you shake it.
- Mix your coating while pasta cooks:
- Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a wide, shallow bowl. This makes it easier to toss the hot pasta without it flying everywhere.
- Butter and toss immediately:
- The moment the pasta comes out of the fryer, drizzle it with warm melted butter and toss it around. The heat helps the butter coat everything evenly.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar:
- While the pasta is still warm, add the cinnamon sugar mixture and toss until every single piece is coated. You want visible sweetness clinging to everything.
- Cool completely:
- Let it sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes. As it cools, the coating sets and the pasta gets even crunchier—this is when it's at its absolute best.
Save I remember my neighbor stopping by mid-batch and the aroma of cinnamon and caramelizing sugar pouring out of my kitchen. She stood there with her coat still on, just breathing in, and said it smelled like the holidays. That's when I realized this snack had become less about feeding people and more about creating that feeling of coziness in your home.
The Secret to Maximum Crunch
The crispness of this snack lives and dies by your drying technique and cooling time. I learned this the hard way when I tried to rush it straight from the air fryer to a bag for a party—it was limp by the time we got there. Now I always spread it on a clean kitchen towel to cool, and the difference is night and day. The pasta continues to firm up as it sits, and the coating hardens into these delicate, shattering shells.
Why This Works as a Gift
There's something magical about homemade snacks that look indulgent but are actually simple to make. I've packaged this in kraft bags with twine and given it as host gifts, Secret Santa presents, and thank-you offerings. People always ask if it's from a bakery, which is exactly the reaction you want. The fact that it costs under two dollars to make and stores for three days means you can make it fresh anytime inspiration strikes.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
Once you've mastered the classic version, the possibilities open up. I've added a tiny pinch of cayenne for warmth, dusted it with nutmeg for earthiness, and even mixed in a tablespoon of vanilla sugar for extra depth. Each variation changes the whole personality of the snack while keeping the technique exactly the same. The beauty is that you can make a small test batch in under 30 minutes to experiment before committing to a full recipe.
- Cayenne adds a gentle heat that sneaks up on you and makes people wonder what that flavor is.
- A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a whisper of ginger makes it feel more autumn-spiced.
- Brown sugar mixed with white sugar creates deeper, more complex sweetness.
Save This recipe has quietly become one of those dishes that people request by name, which still surprises me given how simple it is. There's something about turning something as humble as pasta into a snack that feels celebratory and craveable.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I get the pasta crispy in the air fryer?
Dry the cooked pasta thoroughly and coat it in oil before air frying at 200°C (400°F) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping.
- → Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, penne or rotini work well as alternatives to bowtie pasta for this snack.
- → How should this snack be stored?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain crunch.
- → Can I add spices to the cinnamon sugar mix?
Adding a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg enhances the flavor for a spicier or more aromatic touch.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it uses butter and plant-based oils, making it suitable for a vegetarian diet.
- → What oil is best for air frying here?
Neutral oils like canola or sunflower are recommended for even coating and crisp texture.