Air-Fryer Crispy Pasta Bites with Parmesan and Spicy Honey Dip

How to Make Air-Fryer Crispy Pasta Bites with Parmesan and Spicy Honey Dip

1. 1

   Step 1: Cook and cool the pasta

   Bring salted water to a boil and cook short pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain thoroughly, spread in a single layer on a tray to cool and dry slightly (about 5–8 minutes) so excess steam escapes and the pasta firms up for shaping.

   For this step

   • 3 cupsCooked short pasta (penne, ziti or rigatoni), cooled
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Mix pasta with binder and cheese

   In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the egg, grated Parmesan and the seasoning mix; toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated and starting to stick together. Let the mixture rest 2–3 minutes so the egg binds the pieces, which will help you form compact bites.

   For this step

   • 1 largeLarge egg
   • 1/2 cupGrated Parmesan cheese
   • 2 1/2 tspSeasoning mix (garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper)
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Shape and bread the bites

   Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the pasta mixture and press firmly to form a compact bite (about 8–10 bites total). Lightly dust each bite in flour, then press into the panko to coat all sides; place on a tray and lightly spray or brush with olive oil to help them crisp in the air fryer.

   For this step

   • 1/3 cupAll-purpose flour (for dusting)
   • 1 cupPanko breadcrumbs
   • 1 1/2 tbspOlive oil (for tossing/spritzing)
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Air-fry until golden and crisp

   Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the breaded pasta bites in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed) and air-fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are deep golden and crisp. If desired, very lightly mist with oil at the halfway point for extra crunch.
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Make the spicy-honey yogurt dip

   Whisk together the honey, hot sauce and Greek yogurt in a small bowl until smooth and well combined; taste and adjust the heat or sweetness as desired. Chill briefly if time allows so the flavors meld while the bites finish in the air fryer.

   For this step

   • 3 tbspHoney (for dip)
   • 1 tbspHot sauce (your favorite)
   • 1/4 cupGreek yogurt (plain, full- or low-fat) for dip
   
6. 6

   Step 6: Serve warm

   Serve the crispy pasta bites hot from the air fryer with the spicy-honey yogurt dip on the side for dipping. These are best enjoyed immediately to keep the exterior crunchy and the interior tender.
   

1. Bring salted water to a boil and cook short pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain thoroughly, spread in a single layer on a tray to cool and dry slightly (about 5–8 minutes) so excess steam escapes and the pasta firms up for shaping.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the egg, grated Parmesan and the seasoning mix; toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated and starting to stick together. Let the mixture rest 2–3 minutes so the egg binds the pieces, which will help you form compact bites.
3. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the pasta mixture and press firmly to form a compact bite (about 8–10 bites total). Lightly dust each bite in flour, then press into the panko to coat all sides; place on a tray and lightly spray or brush with olive oil to help them crisp in the air fryer.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the breaded pasta bites in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed) and air-fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are deep golden and crisp. If desired, very lightly mist with oil at the halfway point for extra crunch.
5. Whisk together the honey, hot sauce and Greek yogurt in a small bowl until smooth and well combined; taste and adjust the heat or sweetness as desired. Chill briefly if time allows so the flavors meld while the bites finish in the air fryer.
6. Serve the crispy pasta bites hot from the air fryer with the spicy-honey yogurt dip on the side for dipping. These are best enjoyed immediately to keep the exterior crunchy and the interior tender.