Air-Fried Noodles: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but can you use them to make noodles? The short answer is yes, but it depends on the type of noodles you want to make. Air fryer noodles are typically made by first boiling the noodles and then air-frying them to get a crunchy texture. This method works well for recipes that use noodles as a topping, such as Manchow Soup or Chinese Bhel. You can also make air fryer pasta chips, which are a crunchy and salty snack made by air-frying cooked pasta noodles coated in oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

Boiling noodles in an air fryer

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to prepare noodles, but it's important to note that you cannot boil noodles directly in an air fryer. Air fryers are designed to cook or heat food from the top down, while boiling requires submerging the noodles in water, which is heated from the bottom up.

However, you can still use your air fryer to cook delicious, crispy noodles by following these steps:

Step 1: Boil the Noodles

Start by boiling your noodles on a stovetop. Take a pan and fill it with water. Season the water with salt, as per your taste, and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the water is boiling, add the noodles and cook them until they are al dente. Stir the noodles intermittently to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 2: Drain and Dry the Noodles

Once the noodles are cooked to your desired texture, drain the water using a fine-mesh colander. Spread the noodles on a plate and let them air dry for about 30-40 minutes. It's important to ensure that the noodles are completely dry before placing them in the air fryer, as any moisture can cause them to stick together and become a mess.

Step 3: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Different air fryers may have slightly different preheating times, so refer to your air fryer's instructions manual for precise timings.

Step 4: Air Fry the Noodles

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the noodles in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with minimal overlap. Overcrowding the basket can cause the noodles to stick together. Air fry the noodles for about 5 minutes, and then flip them over. Air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown.

Step 5: Serve or Store

Remove the noodles from the air fryer and serve them as desired. You can use these crispy noodles as a topping for Manchow Soup or as an ingredient in Chinese Bhel or American Chopsuey. If you're not planning to consume them immediately, allow the noodles to cool down and then transfer them to an airtight container or bag. These noodles can be stored for up to 10 days.

Tips:

• While it's common to coat noodles with corn starch when frying in oil, skip this step when using an air fryer, as the corn starch tends to form an uncooked layer on the noodles.
• If you want to add some flavor to the noodles, you can add pepper or Sichuan peppers to the boiling water. However, keep in mind that the impact on flavor may be minimal.
• For best results, use medium-thick noodles. Flat or super-thin noodles may result in uneven frying or burning.
• If you're using an air fryer without holes in the container, you can try placing a pot of water inside and letting it run. However, this method may not be as effective as boiling on a stovetop.

Enjoy your crispy, air-fried noodles as a snack or incorporate them into your favorite dishes!

Air-frying boiled noodles

Air fryers are a great way to make noodles, whether as a snack or as part of a larger dish. They can be used to make noodles crispy and crunchy, or simply as a healthier alternative to frying.

Boiling the Noodles

First, you will need to boil your noodles. Add water to a pan, season with salt, and bring to a boil. Add your noodles and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain the water using a colander and set the noodles aside to dry on a plate for around 30-40 minutes.

Air-Frying the Noodles

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the noodles in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip and air fry for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

Tips

• Ensure the noodles are completely dry before air frying, to prevent them from sticking together.
• Do not coat the noodles with corn starch, as it tends to form an uncooked layer on the noodles.
• Medium-thick noodles work best. Flat or super-thin noodles may burn or cook unevenly.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer with noodles, as they will stick together.
• The noodles will keep in an airtight container for at least 10 days.

Variations

For a simple, tasty snack, try air fryer pasta chips. After boiling and drying your noodles, drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and place the noodles in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 5 minutes, flip, then cook for another 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and break apart any pasta chips that are stuck together. Serve plain or with a marinara dipping sauce.

For a more substantial dish, try air fryer Chinese noodles. Use precooked Chinese noodles and add mushrooms, soya beans, carrots, onions, vegetable stock, and soy sauce. Cook in the air fryer for 15 minutes.

You can also cook pasta dishes in the air fryer. For example, to make Knorr White Cheddar & Broccoli pasta, combine the water, milk, and butter in an air fryer-safe dish. Stir in the contents of the Knorr package, then place the dish in the air fryer basket and cook at 390°F for 18-20 minutes.

Making pasta chips in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 cups of pasta (any shape)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste

Method

• Boil your pasta of choice until it is al dente.
• Drain the pasta and place it into a mixing bowl.
• Add the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and salt to the bowl.
• Stir the noodles until they are fully coated in oil and spices.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F.
• Place the noodles in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Cook for 5-6 minutes, then flip the noodles and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
• Serve with your choice of dip.

Tips:

• Keep an eye on the pasta while it is air-frying to prevent overcooking.
• Choose pasta shapes that are easy to grab and dip.
• Ensure the pasta is completely dry before placing it in the air fryer to prevent it from sticking together.
• You can also make this recipe in the oven by baking the pasta at 425°F for 20-25 minutes.

Making Chinese noodles in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 375g precooked Chinese noodles (egg or wholewheat)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 225g carrots, peeled and cut into strips
• 150g button mushrooms, washed
• 150g soya beans, washed and soaked overnight
• 1.5 ActiFry spoons of vegetable stock powder, diluted in 5 ActiFry spoons of water
• 4.5 ActiFry spoons of soy sauce

Optional Ingredients

• Crushed garlic
• Sriracha sauce
• Leftover roast chicken, shredded

Method

• Arrange the noodles at the back of the pan, on the side opposite the handle.
• Add the mushrooms on the handle side, then the soya beans on top.
• Add the carrots and onions.
• Finish with the stock and soy sauce.
• Close the lid, select Mode 7 (Wok) and set for 15 minutes.
• Serve in bowls.

Tips

• For a vegan option, use wholewheat noodles.
• For extra flavour, add some crushed garlic to the dish before cooking.
• For a kick of spice, add a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
• This recipe makes 6 small portions, so for hungrier people, it will serve 4.

Alternative Method

If you want to make crispy noodles, first boil your noodles in a pan of salted water until al dente. Drain the water and leave the noodles to dry on a plate for 30-40 minutes.

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 air fry for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

Tips

• Ensure the noodles have dried completely before air frying, otherwise they will stick together.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer with noodles.
• Do not coat the noodles with corn starch before air frying, as it will not cook properly.

Making Knorr White Cheddar & Broccoli Sidekick in an air fryer

Yes, you can make noodles in an air fryer! However, it is not possible to boil noodles in an air fryer, as boiling requires submerging the noodles in water. Instead, you can make air fryer noodles by first boiling the noodles on a stovetop and then placing them in the air fryer to get them crispy.

Now, for making Knorr White Cheddar & Broccoli Sidekick in an air fryer, follow these steps:

Ingredients:

• Knorr White Cheddar & Broccoli Sidekick
• Water
• Milk (1% or low-fat)
• Margarine (optional)

Method:

• In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water, 1 cup of milk, and 1 tablespoon of margarine (if desired) to a boil.
• Add the contents of the Knorr package to the saucepan and stir well.
• Return the mixture to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to medium and continue boiling gently for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
• Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture stand for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Stir the mixture again, and then transfer it to an air fryer basket.
• Set the air fryer to 400 °F.
• Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes.
• Flip the noodles over and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
• Remove the noodles from the air fryer and serve!

Note: Ensure that your noodles are dried completely before placing them in the air fryer. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking together.

Frequently asked questions