A structure is provided with a self-aligned resist layer on a surface of metal interconnects for use in forming air gaps in an insulator material and method of fabricating the same. The non-lithographic method includes applying a resist on a structure comprising at least one metal interconnect formed in an insulator material. The method further includes blanket-exposing the resist to energy and developing the resist to expose surfaces of the insulator material while protecting the metal interconnects. The method further includes forming air gaps in the insulator material by an etching process, while the metal interconnects remain protected by the resist.