Air Fryer Pasta Christmas Crack

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 9 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

→ For Frying

02 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)

→ Cinnamon Sugar Mix

03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar

04 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

05 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt

→ Finishing

06 - 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Boil salted water and cook bowtie pasta for 7 to 8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

02 - Toss drained pasta with vegetable oil until evenly coated.

03 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.

04 - Spread pasta in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and cook in batches for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crisp.

05 - Combine sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt in a wide bowl until evenly mixed.

06 - Transfer crispy pasta to a large bowl and immediately drizzle with melted butter, tossing to coat thoroughly.

07 - While pasta is still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix over it and toss until fully coated.

08 - Allow mixture to cool completely to enhance crispness before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

It tastes like dessert and snack had a baby, hitting that sweet-salty spot that makes you reach for just one more piece.
An air fryer does the work while you multitask, no babysitting a stove required.
Ready in 25 minutes and stores for days, so you can make it ahead when hosting feels overwhelming.

02 -

Don't skip drying the pasta after draining—any water left behind ruins the crispy texture you're working so hard to achieve.
Timing the butter and cinnamon sugar while the pasta is still hot is non-negotiable; if it cools down first, nothing sticks properly and you'll get bare pieces.

03 -

The cinnamon sugar mixture can be made in bulk and stored in a jar for weeks, so you're ready whenever the craving hits.
Shake the air fryer basket vigorously halfway through—this is what keeps everything from clumping and ensures even crisping all around.