Air Fryer Bean Sprouts: Healthy, Quick, And Delicious?

Bean sprouts are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways. If you're looking for a healthy and tasty way to prepare them, you may be wondering: can you cook bean sprouts in an air fryer? The short answer is yes! Air fryers are a great way to cook bean sprouts, and with the right preparation, you can achieve a delicious, crispy texture. So, if you're curious about cooking bean sprouts in an air fryer, read on to discover the best methods and tips for tasty results.

How to prepare moong sprouts

Yes, you can cook bean sprouts in an air fryer. For example, crispy roasted sprouted moong beans can be made in an air fryer.

Now, here is a detailed guide on how to prepare moong sprouts:

Step 1: Prepare the Beans

Add half a cup of moong beans to a large bowl. Pick and discard any stones, broken beans, or beans that are shrunk and wrinkled. Rinse the beans well in lots of water at least three times or until the water runs clear. You can use dechlorinated or boiled and cooled water for soaking.

Step 2: Soak the Beans

Soak the beans for at least 8 to 12 hours or overnight. Do not cover the bowl, as this may cause the sprouts to develop an odour. The beans will absorb quite a bit of water, so add at least three times as much water as you have beans.

Step 3: Rinse and Drain

After soaking, pour off the water and rinse the beans well several times with clean water. Using a strainer, drain the beans thoroughly. This rinsing and draining process is essential to keep the sprouts fresh and healthy, so be sure to repeat it twice a day (morning and evening) until the sprouts are ready.

Step 4: Sprouting

Place the beans in a wide-mouthed jar with a sprouting lid, or use a combination of a muslin cloth and elastic band. Keep the jar in a warm place, such as an oven set to a low temperature (around 110 F) for a few hours. If your oven cannot reach such a low temperature, preheat it to its lowest setting for 10-15 minutes, turn it off, and then place the beans inside. You can also use a thin cloth or a hot box to sprout the beans. Keep them covered for about a day, and you will start to see small sprouts forming.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Sprouts!

Once your sprouts are ready, you can enjoy them raw or cooked. Add them to salads, stir-fries, soups, or wraps. Season with salt and pepper, or try air-frying them for a crispy treat!

Oil and seasoning

When it comes to oil and seasoning, there are a few key steps and considerations to keep in mind for optimal results. Firstly, it is recommended to dry the bean sprouts thoroughly before tossing them in oil and placing them in the air fryer. The dryness of the sprouts contributes significantly to their crispness after air frying.

For the oil itself, a modest amount is required. The recommended quantity is 1 teaspoon of oil for every cup of sprouts. This oil should be used to toss the sprouts, ensuring an even coating. While the type of oil is not specified, olive oil is a healthy and versatile option that works well with the seasonings suggested in the sources.

Regarding seasoning, it is advisable to season the bean sprouts lightly after they have been cooked in the air fryer. This is because boiling bean sprouts can cause salt to become tough and unpalatable. Therefore, it is best to add salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings after air frying. This ensures the sprouts remain tender and flavorful.

Some suggested seasonings include green onions, chilli powder, and chaat masala. These seasonings provide a range of flavors, from the mild onion flavor of the green onions to the spicy kick of chilli powder and the tangy, salty notes of chaat masala. It is worth noting that the temperature and cooking time in the air fryer may need to be adjusted based on the desired level of doneness and the specific model of the air fryer being used.

Additionally, if you plan to store the cooked bean sprouts, it is crucial to ensure they are completely crunchy before storing. Any remaining moisture can cause the sprouts to spoil quickly. Therefore, it is recommended to consume the sprouts immediately if a slight bite in the middle is preferable, or to air fry them until they are entirely crunchy if storing for later.

Air fryer settings

Yes, you can cook bean sprouts in an air fryer. Here are some instructions for air-frying bean sprouts:

• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C or 360°F for about 5 minutes.
• While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the sprouts by drying them well. The drier they are, the crispier they will be after air frying.
• Toss 1 cup of sprouts with 1 teaspoon of oil. This will help to make them crunchy. You can also add spices or seasonings of your choice at this stage.
• Place the tossed sprouts in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer.
• Air fry the sprouts for about 7-10 minutes for small sprouts and 12-15 minutes for larger sprouts. Shake the basket once every few minutes to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on them as they can scorch quickly.
• For crispy results, ensure the sprouts are completely crunchy, especially if you plan to store them. Any moisture left in the sprouts will cause them to spoil.
• If you are consuming the sprouts immediately, a slight softness in the middle is acceptable.
• Once cooked, season the sprouts to your liking and enjoy!

Cooking time

Cooking sprouts in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. The cooking time will depend on the size of your sprouts and the desired crunchiness. For small sprouts, air fry for about 7-10 minutes, and for larger sprouts, increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes. It is important to shake the basket once every few minutes to ensure even cooking and to keep an eye on the sprouts as they can scorch quickly. The drier the sprouts are before cooking, the crispier they will be after air frying.

Before air frying, prepare the sprouts by soaking 1 cup of whole moong beans in water until completely submerged. This process takes about a day or up to 2 days. Once the sprouts are ready, dry them well before tossing them in oil and placing them in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer at 180°C or 360°F for 5 minutes. You can also steam the sprouts before air frying to soften them, but this is not necessary.

When air frying, ensure that the sprouts are laid out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This will allow for even cooking. During the cooking process, shake the basket once every few minutes to prevent the sprouts from sticking or burning. The sprouts are done when they are golden brown and crispy. If you plan on storing the sprouts, ensure they are completely crunchy before storing, as any moisture will cause them to spoil.

For seasoning, you can use olive oil, chilli powder, chaat masala, and salt to taste. Toss the cooked sprouts with your desired seasoning and serve immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the fridge once they have completely cooled down. Enjoy your healthy and delicious air-fried bean sprouts!

Storing

Yes, you can cook bean sprouts in an air fryer. While there are no specific cooking instructions available for bean sprouts in an air fryer, a general recipe recommends cooking them at 200 degrees for 10 minutes and then for another 7 minutes.

Bean sprouts are highly perishable and should be consumed within a week of purchase. Here are some ways to store them to extend their shelf life:

• Submerging: This is the most recommended method. Submerge the sprouts in fresh, cold water and store them in the fridge. Change the water daily, and the sprouts can stay fresh for about a week or longer.
• Soaking: Place the sprouts in a large container and pour in water to submerge them. Cover the container and store it in the fridge. Change the water every one to two days. This method can keep the sprouts fresh for about five to seven days.
• Paper Towel: Layer the sprouts between paper towels and store them in an open container in the fridge. This method helps keep the sprouts dry and provides good air circulation, maintaining their freshness for about five days.
• Freezing: Although freezing can make bean sprouts soggy, it is possible to freeze them indefinitely. Frozen sprouts are not suitable for dishes that require a crispy texture, such as salads or stir-fries.
• Original Packaging: Keeping the sprouts in their original packaging can help maintain their freshness for about a week.

Frequently asked questions