Air Fryer Egg Noodles: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They can cook food with little to no oil, making them a healthier option for frying. But can you use an air fryer to cook egg noodles? The short answer is yes, you can. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it's important to select the right type of noodles. Opt for firmer noodles that can hold their shape, such as ramen, udon, or soba noodles. Avoid delicate varieties like angel hair pasta, as they may break apart in the air fryer. Second, make sure your noodles are not wet before placing them in the air fryer, as this will impact their crispiness. Third, be mindful of cooking times and temperatures, as these can vary depending on your air fryer model and the type of noodle you're using. Experimentation is key to finding your perfect level of crispiness. Finally, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

Cooking oil

Yes, you can cook egg noodles in an air fryer. The process is simple and healthier than frying in oil. It is important to ensure the noodles are dry before air frying, to prevent them from becoming a mess. You can also spray the noodles with a little cooking oil to make them crispier.

If you are cooking noodles from scratch, first add water to a pan and season with salt. Bring the water to a boil, then add the noodles. Let them cook until al dente, stirring intermittently. Drain the water using a fine mesh colander and set the noodles aside to dry on a plate for 30-40 minutes. Then, heat the air fryer to 400°F. Once hot, place the noodles in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip them over and fry for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

If you are using pre-cooked noodles, simply place them in the air fryer basket and follow the same steps as above. You can also add vegetables to your noodles, such as onions, carrots, mushrooms, and soya beans.

You can also add a tablespoon of oil to the noodles before air frying, to prevent them from sticking. This will also make the noodles crispier. However, it is not necessary, as air fryers use a fraction of the oil required for stove-top frying, and you can still achieve crispy results without it.

Boiling water

The noodles can then be tossed with a small amount of oil. This will prevent them from drying out and help them become crispy in the air fryer. The air fryer should be preheated to 400°F (200°C). The oiled noodles are then placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is important to avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

The noodles are then cooked in the air fryer for 5 minutes, after which they are flipped over and cooked for an additional 3-4 minutes until golden brown. The noodles should be removed from the air fryer and used as desired. It is important to ensure that the noodles are completely dry before placing them in the air fryer, as this will help them remain separate and not become a mess.

Crispy texture

The air fryer is a popular kitchen appliance that can cook noodles with a crispy texture in a matter of minutes. It is a healthier option than frying noodles in oil, and it helps reduce calories.

To achieve the perfect crispy texture, it is important to select the right type of noodles. Opt for noodles that can hold their shape and have a firmer texture, such as ramen, udon, or soba noodles. Avoid delicate noodles like angel hair or thin vermicelli, as they may become too brittle and break apart during the cooking process.

Before air-frying, the noodles should be cooked according to the package instructions, but it is recommended to reduce the cooking time by a minute or two. This is because the noodles will continue to cook in the air fryer. It is also important to ensure that the noodles are not wet before placing them in the air fryer, as this will impact their crispiness.

When preparing the noodles for the air fryer, they can be tossed with a small amount of oil. This will prevent them from drying out and help them crisp up nicely. The air fryer should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) and the noodles should be arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

The cooking time for the noodles will vary depending on the air fryer model, but on average, they should be cooked for about 8-10 minutes, tossing them halfway through. The noodles are ready when they turn golden brown and become delightfully crispy.

It is worth noting that while air-frying can give noodles a nice crispy texture, there are some downsides to this cooking method. The limited space in the air fryer might make it difficult to cook larger quantities of noodles at once, and the texture of the noodles can be inconsistent depending on the type of noodles used.

Cooking time

The cooking time for egg noodles in an air fryer depends on the type of noodles and the desired level of crispness. It is important to monitor the noodles during cooking to prevent overcooking or burning.

When boiling the noodles before air frying, cook them slightly under al dente according to the package instructions, reducing the cooking time by a minute or two. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.

For crispy noodles, it is crucial to ensure that the noodles are completely dry before placing them in the air fryer. Spreading them out on a plate or using a paper towel to pat them dry can help achieve this.

When using an Actifry air fryer, cook the noodles at 180°C for 15 minutes, tossing them halfway through. For other air fryer models, the cooking time may vary, but on average, it takes about 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), tossing the noodles once during cooking.

If you prefer your noodles with a stronger crunch, you can air fry them for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until they reach a golden brown colour.

Calories

Air fryers are a great way to cook egg noodles healthily and with minimal calories. The air fryer uses little to no oil, which helps to reduce the overall calorie count of the dish.

A Chinese egg noodle recipe cooked in an air fryer contains only 166 calories per portion. This is a low-calorie option compared to other takeaway dishes. The recipe includes soy sauce for flavouring, various vegetables, and can be made vegan by using wholewheat noodles.

Another recipe for air fryer noodles suggests cooking the noodles in salted water first, then placing them in the air fryer at 400 F for 8-10 minutes, stirring intermittently. This recipe has 240 calories per portion.

A third recipe recommends preheating the air fryer and greasing the basket with cooking spray. The noodles are boiled in salted water, coated in cornflour, and cooked in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes. This recipe does not specify the calorie count but emphasizes the health benefits of using minimal oil.

Overall, cooking egg noodles in an air fryer is a great way to reduce calories and create a healthier dish without sacrificing taste and texture.

Frequently asked questions