Crispy, golden pasta bites flavored with lemon zest, Parmesan, and a chili kick.
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 - 9 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
02 - 6 cups water
03 - 1 tsp salt
→ Coating
04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp chili flakes
06 - 1 tsp garlic powder
07 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
08 - Zest of 1 lemon
09 - ½ tsp black pepper
10 - ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1 tsp sea salt
→ Garnish
12 - Extra grated Parmesan
13 - Fresh parsley, chopped
14 - Lemon wedges
# Instructions:
01 - Set the oven or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Boil water in a large pot, add salt and pasta, and cook until just al dente, approximately 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with olive oil, chili flakes, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon zest, black pepper, half of the Parmesan, and sea salt. Toss to coat evenly.
04 - Spread the coated pasta in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket, ensuring pieces are not crowded.
05 - Bake in the oven for 18 to 22 minutes or air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through, until golden and crisp.
06 - Sprinkle immediately with remaining Parmesan and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
07 - Top with chopped fresh parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges.
