Air Fryer Bowtie Pasta Snack

The first time I made Christmas Crack, I wasn't even trying to create a recipe—I was just bored on a December afternoon, staring at a box of farfalle pasta and wondering if the air fryer could do something wild with it. Thirty minutes later, my kitchen smelled like cinnamon and caramel, and I had a bowl of addictive, crispy-crunchy pasta that I couldn't stop eating. My roommate came home, grabbed a handful without asking, and didn't put it down until the bowl was empty. That's when I knew I'd stumbled onto something dangerous and delicious.

I made a triple batch for a New Year's Eve party last year, thinking it would be one appetizer among many. Instead, I watched people abandon the fancy charcuterie board to hover around this bowl like moths. One friend actually asked if I'd sell it to her—I still think she was only half joking. That's when I realized this wasn't just a snack; it was a conversation starter.

Ingredients

• Bowtie (farfalle) pasta, 250 g: The shape matters here—those little bow ties trap the cinnamon sugar in all their nooks and crannies, so every bite is coated.
• Vegetable oil, 2 tbsp: This helps the pasta crisp up evenly in the air fryer and ensures the seasoning sticks.
• Granulated sugar, 60 g: The sweet base that balances the salt and spice.
• Ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 tsp: The star ingredient—use fresh cinnamon if you can, as it makes a noticeable difference in flavor depth.
• Kosher salt, 1/2 tsp: This cuts through the sweetness and makes people wonder what the secret ingredient is.
• Melted unsalted butter, 2 tbsp: Toss it in while the pasta is still warm so it clings to every piece like a glue that tastes incredible.

Instructions

Cook the pasta to al dente perfection:

Boil the farfalle in salted water for 7–8 minutes until just tender, then drain it thoroughly. Pat it completely dry with paper towels—this step is non-negotiable if you want real crispiness in the air fryer.

Coat with oil:

Toss the warm pasta with vegetable oil until every piece glistens. This is what gives you that restaurant-quality crunch.

Preheat your air fryer:

Let it heat to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes while you take a breath.

Air fry in batches:

Spread the pasta in a single layer—overcrowding is the enemy—and fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until it's golden and makes a satisfying crunch when you bite it. You might need two batches depending on your air fryer size.

Make your seasoning mix:

While the pasta fries, combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a wide, shallow bowl. This setup makes tossing easier than a deep bowl would.

Butter and toss while warm:

The moment the crispy pasta comes out, add it to a large bowl and drizzle with melted butter. Toss it immediately so the butter coats everything. This is the magic moment.

Add the cinnamon sugar:

Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the warm, buttered pasta and toss until every single piece is dusted. Work quickly—the warmth helps the sugar adhere.

Cool completely:

Spread it on a baking sheet or parchment paper and let it cool for at least 15 minutes. This is where the texture really sets into that perfect crunch you're after.

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There was a moment during that New Year's Eve party when I caught my usually composed aunt with powdered cinnamon on her nose, genuinely delighted like a kid, and that's when I understood why this snack matters. It's not just food—it's permission to enjoy something unapologetically indulgent and sweet.

Flavor Twists Worth Trying

Once you nail the classic version, you can start playing with variations that make it uniquely yours. A pinch of cayenne adds a warm, subtle heat that keeps people guessing about what they're tasting. Nutmeg brings an earthy elegance if you're leaning into a cozy, sophisticated vibe, while a tiny bit of vanilla extract (just 1/4 teaspoon mixed into the butter) adds a whisper of warmth that makes the whole snack feel almost dessert-like.

Storage and Longevity

The best part about Christmas Crack is that it actually keeps—stash it in an airtight container and it'll stay crispy for up to three days, which is perfect for sneaking pieces throughout the week. I learned this the hard way when I made a batch thinking it would be gone in hours and instead had leftovers (a rare occurrence). Humidity is the enemy of crispiness, so if you live somewhere very damp, consume it within 24 hours or refresh it quickly in a 150°C oven for 2–3 minutes before serving.

When to Make This and Why It Matters

Christmas Crack transforms holiday gatherings from predictable to memorable, and it costs just a few dollars to make. I've brought it to potlucks, given it as edible gifts in mason jars with hand-written labels, and kept a batch in the office during December just to spread a little joy. It's the kind of snack that makes you look like you've put in effort when really you've just figured out how to make pasta taste like dessert.

• Pack it in festive jars tied with ribbon for a homemade gift that impresses without requiring hours of work.
• Make it the night before a party so you have one less thing to stress about on the day itself.
• Double the batch if you're expecting more than six people—it disappears faster than you'd think.

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This recipe proves that the best discoveries often come from boredom and curiosity in the kitchen. Make it, enjoy it unabashedly, and watch it become the snack everyone asks you to bring.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of pasta is best for this snack?

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

→ How do I ensure the pasta gets crispy in the air fryer?

Pat the cooked pasta dry before coating with oil, then air fry in a single layer, shaking halfway to promote even crisping.

→ Can I adjust the sweetness or spice levels?

Yes, add a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mix to customize the flavor to your liking.

→ How should I store leftover crispy pasta?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain crunchiness.

→ Is this snack suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the ingredients used are vegetarian-friendly, featuring butter and vegetable oil.