Air-Fried Ramen: Quick, Easy, And Delicious?

Ramen is a popular dish, but can you make it in an air fryer? The answer is yes, it is possible to cook ramen in an air fryer. While it may not be the most efficient way to cook noodles, with a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make delicious, crispy ramen in an air fryer. So, if you're looking for a quick, tasty, and unique way to prepare ramen, give the air fryer a try!

Cooking times and temperatures for air-fried ramen

While cooking ramen in an air fryer is possible, it is not the most efficient way to cook noodles. It is recommended to cook the ramen on a stovetop or in a microwave before placing it in an air fryer to achieve a crispy texture.

Cooking times and temperatures

To cook ramen in an air fryer, break the ramen into bite-sized pieces and place them in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and cook for 8 minutes, turning the noodles occasionally to ensure even cooking. For a crispier texture, cook the ramen for an additional 3 minutes.

If you are using an air fryer to cook other ingredients for your ramen, such as vegetables and chicken, the recommended temperature is 370 degrees Fahrenheit (188 degrees Celsius), and the cooking time is 8-10 minutes.

Tips for cooking ramen in an air fryer

• Cook the ramen according to the package instructions before placing it in the air fryer for a crispy texture.
• Use a greased pan to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Add a light mist of oil to help seasonings adhere to the ramen.
• Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to find your preferred flavour profile.
• For a more cohesive dish, add cheese, such as mozzarella, to your ramen.
• If you prefer softer ramen, add the sauce or soup before serving to allow it to penetrate and soften the noodles.

How to make ramen in the microwave

While it is possible to make ramen in an air fryer, you have specifically asked for instructions on how to make it in a microwave, so here goes:

Firstly, place your ramen noodles in a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with water. The amount of noodles and water you use will depend on how much ramen you wish to make and your desired consistency. As a guide, one packet of ramen noodles should be cooked with two cups of water. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high power for 2-3 minutes. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on how powerful your microwave is and how 'done' you like your ramen. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it will be very hot.

Once cooked, remove the bowl from the microwave using oven gloves and set it aside to allow the noodles to cool slightly. You can then add the seasoning packet that comes with the ramen, or you can add your own seasoning to taste. Some popular seasoning options include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, stir fry sauce, or curry powder.

If you want to add extra ingredients to your ramen, such as vegetables or protein, you can cook these separately and then combine them with the noodles after cooking. For example, you could cook some chicken breast strips and frozen vegetables in the air fryer while your noodles are cooking in the microwave.

Finally, stir everything together and enjoy your delicious, homemade ramen!

Seasoning ideas for ramen

There are many ways to season your ramen, whether you are making it in an air fryer or not. Here are some seasoning ideas:

Using the Ramen Packet Seasoning

The ramen packet usually comes with a seasoning packet. You can use this to season your chicken and vegetables. Depending on how much chicken and vegetables you have, you can use some or all of the seasoning.

Garlic and Onion Powder

A classic combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to taste is a simple yet effective way to season your ramen.

Stir Fry Sauce

You can keep things traditional by mixing in a bottle of stir fry sauce with your vegetables and chicken before cooking them in the air fryer. Alternatively, you can make your own sauce with chicken broth, low-sodium soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Thai Seasoning

Although stir fry originates from China, you can change the flavour profile of your ramen with a homemade Thai seasoning mix.

Curry Seasoning

Infuse your ramen with Indian flavours by using seasonings such as garlic, ginger, curry powder, ground coriander, cumin, paprika, and chilli powder.

Other Ideas

There are endless ways to season your ramen. Here are some more ideas:

• Peanut butter
• Lime zest and lime juice
• Grated ginger
• Minced garlic
• Fish sauce
• Hot sauce
• Butter
• Cayenne
• Chilli oil
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Miso
• Furikake
• Kewpie mayo
• Egg
• Spinach
• Smoked sausage
• Parmesan
• Sesame seeds
• Scallions
• Honey
• Gochujang
• Green beans
• Corn
• Broccoli
• Mushrooms
• Baby bok choy
• Tofu
• Chilli garlic oil
• Green onion
• Soft-boiled egg
• Sesame oil
• Truffle oil
• Teriyaki sauce
• Vinegar
• Horseradish
• Cream
• Milk

How to make ramen noodles crispier

Ramen noodle stir fry is a great, tasty, and filling meal that can be made in an air fryer. While you can air fry almost any food, cooking noodles like ramen in an air fryer is not the most efficient way to make them. It is recommended to cook the ramen noodles on a stovetop or in a microwave before placing them in the air fryer.

• After cooking the ramen according to the package instructions, place them in a greased mini deep dish pizza pan and put them in the air fryer for 3 minutes.
• If the noodles are not crispy enough, put them back in the air fryer for another 3 minutes.
• Spritz some oil on the noodles and air fry for 1-2 minutes at 400 °F, or until they are crispy to your liking.
• You can also add some 'rustic cut' mozzarella to the noodles, which will help keep them cohesive and add some extra flavour.

What vegetables to add to ramen

Ramen is a great dish to make when you need a filling, healthy, and tasty meal quickly. You can add a variety of vegetables to ramen to enhance its flavour and nutritional value. Here are some ideas for vegetables that you can add to your ramen:

Fresh or Frozen Vegetables

You can use fresh or frozen vegetables in your ramen. Some options for fresh vegetables include red peppers, green onions, snap peas, and green beans. If you're short on time, frozen stir-fry vegetable mixes are a convenient option that works great in an air fryer.

Tender Vegetables

Tender vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and green beans are good choices for ramen as they cook evenly in the air fryer. Just be sure to cut any larger pieces into smaller, bite-sized portions.

Firm Vegetables

You can also add firm vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower to your ramen. Just be sure to cut them into small pieces so they cook through by the time the other ingredients are ready.

Seasoning

When it comes to seasoning your ramen vegetables, you have a lot of options. You can use the seasoning packet that comes with prepackaged ramen, or get creative and experiment with different combinations of spices and sauces. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Garlic powder, onion powder, and salt
• Stir-fry sauce mix
• Homemade Thai seasoning mix
• Homemade curry seasoning mix
• Italian seasoning

Cooking Instructions

To cook your ramen vegetables in an air fryer, first prep the vegetables by chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large bowl and add your chosen seasonings and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss everything together to coat the vegetables evenly.

Next, arrange the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Overcrowding the basket will cause the vegetables to steam instead of brown.

Air fry the vegetables at 370°F to 375°F for 8 to 15 minutes, or until they are tender and browned. Toss them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Finally, serve your vegetables with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and your favourite garnishes.

Frequently asked questions