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

Ramen is a popular dish, but can you make it in an air fryer? It seems like you can make anything in an air fryer these days, but cooking noodles like ramen may not be the most efficient way to prepare them. While you can air fry just about any food, it is recommended to cook ramen noodles on the stovetop or even in the microwave. Once the noodles are cooked, you can then make a ramen stir fry in the air fryer.

Ramen noodle stir fry recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 packet of Top Ramen or 3 ounces of Ramen Noodles
• 1 package of frozen stir fry vegetable mix (about 12 ounces)
• 1 package of frozen grilled chicken breast strips (about 20 ounces)
• Red peppers (or other bell pepper colors)
• Green onions (use as a garnish)
• Snap peas or green beans
• Sesame seeds, peanuts, cilantro, green onions, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, etc. (optional garnish)

Instructions:

First, cook the ramen noodles on the stovetop according to the package instructions. Alternatively, cook the ramen noodles in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2 minutes.

Place the desired amount of frozen vegetables and chicken in the air fryer basket. You can season the vegetables and chicken with the Top Ramen seasoning packet, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, stir fry sauce mix, or a homemade sauce.

Cook the vegetables and chicken in the air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender and crispy to your liking.

Combine the cooked ramen noodles with the vegetables and chicken in a bowl. Add any additional seasonings or sauces and enjoy!

For crispier noodles, place the mixture back into the air fryer basket, add a spritz of oil, and cook for 1-2 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips:

You can also use fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones. Some tasty vegetable ideas include red peppers, green onions, snap peas, and green beans.

You can also get creative with the protein and use steak, pork, ground beef, tofu, or a vegetarian substitute.

Other Variations:

For a vegetarian option, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, cabbage, or bell peppers.

For a spicier dish, add chili oil or red pepper flakes.

Cooking noodles in an air fryer

To cook noodles in an air fryer, place the desired amount of frozen or fresh noodles in the air fryer basket. If using frozen noodles, increase the cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through. Spray the noodles with a light coating of oil to help them crisp up. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 204 degrees Celsius and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the noodles have reached your desired level of crispness.

It is important to note that this method is for cooking plain noodles. If you are making a stir-fry or a dish with other ingredients, the cooking instructions may vary.

Additionally, when cooking noodles in an air fryer, it is crucial to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of noodle and the specific air fryer model, so adjust the time as needed.

For a more efficient and convenient method, it is recommended to cook the noodles separately and then add them to the air fryer with the other ingredients to stir-fry or reheat. This ensures that the noodles are cooked properly and that the dish is prepared evenly.

Using frozen stir fry vegetables

Ramen noodle stir fry is a great, tasty and healthy meal that can be made in an air fryer. It is also a super budget-friendly recipe that is quick and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 packet of Top Ramen or 3 ounces of Ramen Noodles
• 1 12-ounce package of frozen stir fry vegetable mix
• 1 package of frozen grilled chicken breast strips (optional)
• 2-3 tablespoons of Italian dressing marinade or olive oil
• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste
• 2 tablespoons of shredded parmesan cheese (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370-390°F.
• Place the frozen vegetables and chicken in the air fryer basket. You can add as much or as little as you like, depending on how many servings you want to make.
• Season the chicken and vegetables with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can also add a light mist of oil to help the seasoning stick.
• Air fry the chicken and vegetables for 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender and cooked to your liking.
• Boil the ramen noodles on the stovetop according to the package instructions. You can also cook the noodles in the microwave if you prefer.
• Drain the water from the ramen noodles and combine them with the chicken and vegetables in a bowl.
• Add any additional seasonings or sauces and enjoy!

You can also add the noodles back into the air fryer basket and spritz them with oil if you want them to be more crispy. Air fry for 1-2 minutes at 400°F.

This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and seasonings!

Seasoning ideas

While ramen seasoning packets are tasty, you can add your own seasonings to create unique flavour combinations. Here are some seasoning ideas:

• Soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions for an Asian-inspired flavour.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs like rosemary and thyme for a classic savoury taste.
• Red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese for a spicy and tangy twist.
• Buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a spicy and creamy flavour combo.

Another way to add flavour to your ramen noodles is by using broth instead of water. You can use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth to give your noodles a richer taste. You can also add some protein, such as sliced chicken, beef, or tofu, to make your ramen more filling and satisfying. Additionally, you can add some vegetables like spinach, carrots, or mushrooms to make your ramen healthier and more nutritious.

You can also try adding different sauces such as teriyaki, hoisin, or peanut sauce to give your ramen noodles a different flavour profile. Don't be afraid to get creative and try new combinations!

Making ramen noodles crispy

While it is possible to cook ramen in an air fryer, it is not the most efficient way to make noodles. It is recommended to cook the ramen noodles on a stovetop or in a microwave before stir-frying them in the air fryer.

To make crispy ramen noodles in an air fryer, follow these steps:

• Boil the noodles on a stovetop until they are al dente. Drain the water and set the noodles aside to dry for 30-40 minutes.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Place the noodles in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry the noodles for 5 minutes, then flip them over.
• Air fry for another 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
• Remove the noodles from the air fryer and use them as desired.

It is important to ensure that the noodles are completely dry before placing them in the air fryer. This will ensure that they remain separate and do not stick together.

Additionally, while it is common to coat noodles with corn starch when frying, this step should be skipped when using an air fryer as the corn starch tends to form an uncooked layer on the noodles.

You can also add some cooking oil spray to the noodles before placing them in the air fryer for extra crispness. Season the noodles with your desired seasonings, such as French fry seasoning or taco seasoning.

For a fun twist, you can crush the crispy ramen and use it as a topping for soups or salads.

Frequently asked questions