Save to Pinterest My sister texted me a photo of something called "Christmas Crack" pasta at a holiday party, and I immediately knew I had to figure out how to make it in my air fryer. The combination of crispy pasta with cinnamon sugar sounded wild in the best way, and when I finally made a batch for our family gathering, everyone kept sneaking handfuls thinking no one was watching. It became the snack that disappeared fastest from the table that night.
I made a massive batch for a cookie exchange last December, and three people asked for the recipe before dessert was even served. One friend kept telling everyone it tasted like "cinnamon toast had a baby with party mix," which perfectly captured why this snack works so well alongside everything else on a holiday spread.
Ingredients
- Bowtie pasta (250 g): The shape matters here because those little pockets crisp up beautifully and hold onto the cinnamon sugar coating; you could swap in penne or rotini if you prefer, but farfalle really is the MVP.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): This ensures even browning in the air fryer and helps the pasta separate so each piece gets golden instead of clumping together.
- Granulated sugar (60 g): The sweetness that makes this snack impossible to stop eating; don't skip it or cut back.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 tsp): The soul of this recipe, and fresh cinnamon makes a noticeable difference, so check your jar if it's been sitting for a year.
- Kosher salt (1/2 tsp): The secret player that balances the sweetness and makes each bite more interesting.
- Melted unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Applied while the pasta is still warm so it coats everything evenly and helps the cinnamon sugar stick.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until just right:
- Boil your salted water, add the bowtie pasta, and cook for 7 to 8 minutes until it's tender but still has a tiny bit of resistance when you bite it. Drain it well and pat it dry with paper towels—this step is crucial because moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Coat with oil:
- Toss the warm pasta with vegetable oil in a bowl, making sure every piece gets a light glossy coating. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 200°C (400°F) and let it preheat for 3 minutes while you work on the cinnamon sugar mix.
- Air fry in batches:
- Spread the oiled pasta in a single layer in your air fryer basket—don't overcrowd it or it won't crisp. Fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the pasta turns golden and feels crispy when you tap a piece.
- Combine the sweet coating:
- While the pasta fries, mix your sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a wide bowl, breaking up any clumps so the blend is even.
- Toss everything while warm:
- Immediately after the pasta comes out of the air fryer, place it in a large bowl and drizzle with melted butter, tossing to coat. Add the cinnamon sugar mix while everything is still warm so it adheres beautifully.
- Let it cool completely:
- Spread the coated pasta on a baking sheet or parchment paper and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before eating. This final step lets it set into that addictive crispy texture.
Save to Pinterest My neighbor brought homemade cookies to our holiday exchange, and I showed up with a jar of this Christmas Crack, and somehow my snack was the thing people kept talking about for weeks. It reminded me that the most memorable foods aren't always complicated—sometimes they're just the ones that make you smile and reach for another handful.
Why This Works as a Holiday Snack
The beauty of this recipe is that it bridges the gap between savory and sweet in a way that makes sense alongside drinks, cheese boards, and desserts. The cinnamon sugar coating feels festive and indulgent, but the pasta base keeps it from being cloyingly sweet, so you can actually eat more than one handful without feeling overwhelmed. It's the kind of snack that works for casual munching or as a small gift tucked into a jar.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you master the base recipe, you can play with the cinnamon sugar blend to match your mood or what you have on hand. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a subtle warmth and complexity that surprisingly works with the cinnamon, while a touch of nutmeg brings an earthier spice note. Some people swear by adding a bit of vanilla extract to the melted butter before coating, which gives the whole batch a deeper, almost pastry-like flavor.
Storage and Serving Ideas
Keep this snack in an airtight container, and it stays crispy for up to three days—though let's be honest, it rarely lasts that long. Serve it at room temperature in small bowls at parties, pack it in festive bags as edible gifts, or eat it straight from the container while binge-watching holiday movies. The texture is best when it's cooled completely, so resist the urge to eat it piping hot right out of the air fryer, even though the smell will be tempting.
- For extra texture and visual appeal, sprinkle a tiny pinch of fleur de sel on top right before serving to catch the light and remind people of the salt element.
- If you're making this as a gift, pair it with a note suggesting people store it in an airtight container to keep the crunch alive.
- Double the recipe if you're bringing it to a gathering; it disappears faster than you'd expect.
Save to Pinterest This recipe proved to me that sometimes the simplest ideas, executed well, create the most memorable moments in the kitchen. Make it, share it, and watch people's faces light up when they realize pasta can be this good.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I get the pasta perfectly crispy?
Cook pasta al dente and dry thoroughly before coating with oil. Air fry in a single layer, shaking halfway to ensure even crisping.
- → Can I use different types of pasta for this snack?
Yes, penne or rotini work well as alternatives, maintaining the snack's crunchy texture.
- → What oils work best for frying the pasta?
Vegetable oils like canola or sunflower provide a neutral flavor and crisp finish.
- → How should the cinnamon sugar blend be prepared?
Mix granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt evenly to balance sweetness and spice.
- → How to store the snack for maximum freshness?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to retain crunchiness.