Save My sister called it "Christmas Crack" the first time I made this, and the name stuck instantly. It was meant to be a simple snack for our holiday party, but somehow this sweet-and-salty air-fried pasta disappeared in twenty minutes. I'd been experimenting with turning pantry staples into something crunchy and addictive, and something about cinnamon sugar coating crispy pasta felt impossibly right. The air fryer made it foolproof, which meant I could stop worrying and start enjoying watching people's faces light up when they tasted it.
I brought a batch to our office potluck last December, and it was the only thing people asked about for weeks afterward. One coworker joked that I'd weaponized cinnamon sugar, and honestly, she wasn't wrong. There's something about the combination of crispy, buttery pasta with that warm spice blend that makes it impossible to be casual about—people grab handfuls without thinking, then suddenly the bowl is empty and they're asking if you'll make it again next holiday.
Ingredients
- Bowtie pasta (farfalle), 250 g: The shape matters here because those little pockets catch and hold the cinnamon sugar, making every bite count.
- Vegetable oil, 2 tbsp: This helps the pasta crisp up evenly in the air fryer and gives the sugar something to cling to.
- Granulated sugar, 60 g: The sweet foundation that brings everything together with just the right amount of crystalline crunch.
- Ground cinnamon, 1½ tsp: Use fresh cinnamon if you can—old spice tastes flat, and this deserves the real thing.
- Kosher salt, ½ tsp: It sounds small, but salt amplifies the sweetness and makes the whole thing feel intentional rather than one-note.
- Melted unsalted butter, 2 tbsp: This is what turns warm pasta into a vehicle for the cinnamon sugar; it has to be melted and ready the moment the pasta comes out hot.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until just right:
- Boil your salted water and cook the bowtie pasta for 7–8 minutes until it's still got the tiniest bit of resistance when you bite it. This matters because it'll crisp up more in the air fryer, and overcooked pasta turns chewy instead of crunchy.
- Dry it properly:
- Drain the pasta hard, then pat it with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible—dry pasta crisps up, wet pasta steams and sticks together.
- Coat with oil:
- Toss the dried pasta with vegetable oil until everything glistens evenly, then let it settle for a moment so the coating sticks.
- Heat the air fryer:
- Preheat to 200°C (400°F) for a full 3 minutes; you want it screaming hot when the pasta goes in so it starts crisping immediately.
- Air fry in batches:
- Spread pasta in a single layer and air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so every piece gets golden and crisp on all sides.
- Mix the cinnamon sugar:
- While the pasta is frying, combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a wide shallow bowl—wider is better because you'll be tossing in the hot pasta in a moment.
- Coat while warm:
- The second the pasta comes out, drizzle with melted butter and toss hard so it's all slick, then add the cinnamon sugar mix and toss again until every piece is dusted and coated.
- Cool completely:
- Spread it out on a baking sheet or plate and let it cool all the way—this is when the final crunch develops and the coating sets up.
Save My nephew came home from school and grabbed a handful straight from the container, then looked at me with actual amazement and asked why nobody sells this at the movies. That moment—watching someone taste something you made and realizing it hits different because it came from your kitchen—that's when food stops being a task and becomes a small kind of magic.
The Secret to Maximum Crunch
The air fryer is your friend here because it circulates heat all around the pasta, which means you get crispy on every side without needing to cook it in oil. Some people swear by shaking the basket every few minutes instead of halfway, and honestly, they're onto something—more movement means more even cooking. If you notice some pieces browning faster than others, you can pick those out and let the rest go a bit longer; there's no shame in adjusting on the fly.
Flavor Variations Worth Trying
The cinnamon sugar is the classic, but once you master the base technique, the toppings become your playground. I've made batches with a pinch of cayenne pepper for subtle heat, a dusting of nutmeg for something almost savory, and even a mix of cinnamon with cardamom when I was feeling fancy. The rule I follow is: use the ratio of sugar and salt as your base, then add whatever spice feels right for the crowd you're feeding.
Storage and Serving Ideas
This keeps in an airtight container for three days, which is actually generous because it rarely lasts that long. Bring it to parties, package it in small jars as edible gifts, or just keep a batch on your counter for when you want something to snack on that feels a little more special than chips. If the crunch starts to fade after a day or two, you can always spread it on a baking sheet and give it three minutes in a 180°C oven to revive it.
- Pack it in small mason jars tied with ribbon for a homemade gift that feels thoughtful but totally effortless.
- Set out a bowl at parties and watch it disappear faster than anything you spent an hour making.
- Make a double batch because people will always ask if there's more, and you'll wish you had listened to that voice in your head saying to cook extra.
Save This snack has genuinely surprised me by becoming something I make more often than I expected, and every batch feels like a little victory in my kitchen. If you make it, I hope someone you care about tastes it and asks for the recipe.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this snack?
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is preferred for its shape and texture, but penne or rotini can be used as alternatives.
- → How do I achieve the perfect crispiness?
Dry the boiled pasta thoroughly before air frying and shake the basket halfway to ensure even crisping.
- → Can I adjust the flavor of the cinnamon sugar mix?
Yes, adding a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg adds extra warmth and spice to the blend.
- → What is the recommended oil for coating the pasta?
Neutral oils like canola or sunflower work best to evenly coat the pasta before air frying.
- → How long does this snack stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container to retain crunch for up to three days.