Crispy Pasta Salad
INGREDIENTS
12 Oz bow tie pasta or your favorite pasta
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tsp garlic powder
1 Tsp Italian seasoning
1 Tsp onion powder
1 Tsp paprika
1/2 Tsp salt
1/4 Tsp pepper
1/2 Cup Parmesan cheese
Salad dressing of choice
DIRECTIONS
Cook the Pasta: Boil the bowtie pasta in salted water until just al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain well and pat dry to ensure it gets crispy.
In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Add the pasta in an even, single layer. Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously every 5 minutes, until the bowtie edges are golden and crunchy.
While the pasta cooks, chop all your salad ingredients and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Let the crispy pasta cool for about 3 minutes so it doesn't wilt the lettuce. Add the pasta and dressing of choice to the salad bowl, toss everything together gently, and serve immediately. Munch!
I recently tried making this Crispy Pasta Salad recipe and it quickly became a favorite in our household. One tip I learned is to make sure the pasta is very well dried after boiling—patting it down with paper towels really helps prevent sogginess and ensures maximum crispiness when air-fried. I also experimented with different dressings, and a light balsamic vinaigrette complemented the crispy pasta beautifully, balancing the textures and flavors. Using an air fryer is a game changer for this recipe because it crisps up the pasta without the added oiliness of traditional frying methods. I found shaking the basket every 5 minutes as mentioned in the directions was key to evenly golden and crunchy bowtie pasta edges. If you don’t have an air fryer, a toaster oven set to high heat with a similar tossing method can work too, but watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. For salad add-ins, I like to include fresh cherry tomatoes, spinach, and thin slices of red onion for a burst of color and freshness. The crispy pasta adds a delightful crunch and a savory touch from the paprika and Parmesan. This salad is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and dressings, making it a versatile dish for potlucks or quick lunches. Overall, this Crispy Pasta Salad combines unique texture and flavors that make it stand out from typical pasta salads. Give this recipe a try—you might find yourself making it again and again for its simplicity and delicious results!
