Save I stumbled onto this recipe during a December power outage when I couldn't bake cookies but still wanted something festive. My air fryer was the only gadget I could plug into the generator, and I had leftover pasta in the pantry. What started as desperation turned into the crunchiest, most addictive snack I've ever made. Now it's requested at every gathering, and people refuse to believe it's just pasta.
The first time I brought this to a holiday potluck, someone accused me of buying gourmet spiced crackers. When I revealed it was bowtie pasta fried in cinnamon sugar, three people stood in my kitchen the next weekend demanding a demo. We made five batches that afternoon, and I watched grown adults fight over the crispiest pieces like kids around a candy bowl.
Ingredients
- Bowtie pasta: The ridges and folds catch the cinnamon sugar beautifully, and they crisp up with the perfect snap.
- Vegetable oil: A light coating keeps the pasta from sticking and helps it brown evenly in the air fryer.
- Granulated sugar: Fine sugar melts just enough to form a sweet glaze when tossed with warm butter.
- Ground cinnamon: Use fresh cinnamon for the warmest, most fragrant coating that smells like December itself.
- Kosher salt: A half teaspoon balances the sweetness and makes every bite more complex and moreish.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter acts as the glue that makes the cinnamon sugar stick to every curve and edge.
Instructions
- Boil the pasta:
- Cook the farfalle in well-salted water for 7 to 8 minutes until just al dente, then drain and pat completely dry with paper towels. Any lingering moisture will steam instead of crisp, so take your time here.
- Coat with oil:
- Toss the dried pasta with vegetable oil in a large bowl, making sure every piece glistens. This thin layer prevents sticking and encourages even browning.
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and let it run empty for 3 minutes. A hot basket means crispier pasta from the very first batch.
- Air fry in batches:
- Spread pasta in a single layer without crowding, then air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Listen for the rattling sound, it means the pasta is getting crispy.
- Mix the cinnamon sugar:
- While the pasta crisps, whisk together sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a wide, shallow bowl. The wide surface makes tossing easier and coats more evenly.
- Toss with butter:
- Transfer hot, crispy pasta to a large bowl and drizzle with melted butter immediately, tossing gently with a spatula. Work quickly while the pasta is still warm so the butter clings.
- Add cinnamon sugar:
- Dump the buttered pasta into the cinnamon sugar bowl and toss with both hands or a spoon until every piece is coated. The warmth helps the sugar melt slightly and stick.
- Cool completely:
- Spread the coated pasta on a baking sheet in a single layer and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. Cooling locks in the crunch and prevents clumping.
Save Last Christmas, I packed jars of this for my neighbors and came home to find three thank-you notes slipped under my door. One neighbor told me her kids ate an entire jar in the car before they even got home. It is the kind of recipe that turns strangers into friends and makes people remember you fondly all year long.
Flavor Variations
For a spicy kick, add a quarter teaspoon of cayenne to the cinnamon sugar, it creates a sweet heat that is unexpectedly addictive. If you love warm spices, a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom deepens the cozy flavor without overpowering the cinnamon. I have also made a savory version with garlic powder, parmesan, and cracked black pepper, which disappeared just as fast at a game night.
Storage and Freshness
Store completely cooled pasta in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, though it rarely lasts that long. If it loses crispness, spread it on a baking sheet and pop it in a 175°C oven for 5 minutes to revive the crunch. Avoid refrigerating, as moisture from the fridge will make it soggy and sad.
Serving and Gifting Ideas
This makes a stunning edible gift when layered in clear jars tied with ribbon and a handwritten tag. Set it out in bowls at holiday parties alongside nuts and popcorn for a snack mix that feels fancy but costs almost nothing. You can also pack it in small bags as stocking stuffers or party favors that actually get eaten instead of forgotten.
- Double the batch if you are serving a crowd, it goes faster than you think.
- Pair it with hot cider or mulled wine for a cozy winter vibe.
- Let kids help with the tossing step, they love watching the cinnamon sugar coat every piece like magic.
Save This recipe taught me that the best holiday treats do not need fancy ingredients or hours of work, just a little creativity and willingness to try something unexpected. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta is best for this snack?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is preferred for its shape, but penne or rotini can also be used.
- → How do I achieve a crispy texture?
Air frying at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, creates a crisp outer layer on the pasta.
- → Can I adjust the cinnamon sugar mix?
Yes, adding a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg adds extra flavor depth to the cinnamon sugar blend.
- → How should I store the snack to keep it fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain crunchiness.
- → Is this snack suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it uses vegetable oil and butter, making it appropriate for a vegetarian diet.