Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) Rigatoni or Rotini pasta
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp (6g) Sea salt
- 1/4 cup (25g) Finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp (3g) Garlic powder
- 1 tsp (2g) Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp (3g) Dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp (1.5g) Black pepper
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than the package directions until the pasta is flexible but firm. Note: This is the par boil phase.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander. Let it sit and steam dry for 2 minutes until the surface looks matte. Note: Excess water prevents the oil from sticking.
- Put the warm pasta in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the olive oil and toss until every piece is glistening.
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and pepper. Toss vigorously until the pasta is a vibrant orange gold.
- For Air Fryer: Arrange the pasta in a single layer in the basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through until they start to rattle.
- For Oven: Spread the pasta on a parchment lined tray. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, tossing once until they reach a mahogany color.
- Remove from heat once they smell nutty and look dark golden.
- Let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes until they feel hard to the touch. Note: They crisp up further as they cool.