Air-Frying Noodles: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but can you put noodles in them? The short answer is yes, you can cook noodles in an air fryer. In fact, there are several recipes available online for air-fried noodles, including Chinese noodles, beef and broccoli noodle stir fry, and baked pasta. However, it's important to note that you cannot boil noodles in an air fryer as it doesn't involve submerging the food in water. Instead, air fryers cook or heat food from the top down.

Boiling noodles before air frying

Step 1: Boiling the Noodles

To begin, add water to a pan and season it with salt. Bring the water to a boil, and then add the noodles of your choice. It is important to use medium-thick noodles, as flat or super thin noodles may result in uneven frying or burning. Stir the noodles intermittently, and cook them until they are al dente. Once they are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the heat and drain the water using a fine-mesh colander. Spread the noodles on a plate and let them air dry for around 30-40 minutes. This drying step is crucial to ensure that the noodles don't stick together and become a mess in the air fryer.

Step 2: Air Frying the Noodles

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare the noodles by ensuring they are completely dry. This step is essential, as any remaining moisture can affect the crispiness of the final product. Once the air fryer is ready, place the noodles in the basket in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Air fry the noodles for 5 minutes, and then flip them over. Return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of golden brown crispiness.

Tips for Success:

• Avoid coating the noodles with corn starch, as it tends to form an unpleasant, uncooked layer in the air fryer.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will result in uneven cooking and sticking.
• Ensure the noodles are completely dry before placing them in the air fryer to prevent sogginess.
• If you want to add seasoning to your noodles, it is best to do so after boiling and before air frying. This way, the seasonings will adhere to the noodles and not be washed away.

Air fryer temperature settings

The ideal temperature for cooking noodles in an air fryer typically falls between 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C). The specific temperature you choose within this range will depend on the type of noodles you are cooking and the desired texture.

For instance, if you want crispy fried noodles, a higher temperature setting of around 400°F for a shorter duration of time can yield delightful results. On the other hand, if you're reheating cooked noodles or preparing softer dishes, a lower temperature setting of approximately 350°F might be more suitable.

It is important to note that air fryer models can vary in performance, so you may need to adjust the temperature slightly based on your specific machine to achieve perfect results. Additionally, always check your noodles mid-cooking to ensure they are not overcooking or burning.

Now, let's delve into the step-by-step process of making noodles in an air fryer, including the temperature settings for each step:

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

First, bring a pot of water to a boil on the stove. Add your chosen noodles to the boiling water and cook them according to the package instructions. This is usually around 6-10 minutes for dried pasta and about 3-5 minutes for fresh noodles. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.

Step 2: Prepare Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. If you desire extra crispiness, lightly coat the drained noodles with a small amount of cooking oil. This step is optional but recommended for optimal results.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Now, it's time to add your favourite seasonings. You can use a combination of soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or even sesame oil. Toss the noodles gently to ensure an even coating of the seasonings.

Step 4: Air Fry the Noodles

Place the seasoned noodles in the air fryer basket, spreading them out evenly to ensure consistent cooking. Set the air fryer temperature to somewhere between 350°F to 400°F, depending on your desired texture. Cook for about 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides get crispy. Keep a close eye on the noodles to avoid burning.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

After removing the noodles from the air fryer, check if they have achieved the desired crispy texture and tenderness. If they need more time, return them to the air fryer for an additional couple of minutes.

Tips for Success:

• To achieve optimal crispness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Allow sufficient space for air circulation by not overloading the basket, as this will lead to uneven cooking.
• Preheating your air fryer can significantly improve cooking time and ensure even cooking.
• When using oil, start with a small amount as too much can make the noodles soggy. Adjust as necessary.
• Don't skip the seasoning step! Noodles can be quite bland without it.

By following these temperature guidelines and steps, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of making delicious noodles in your air fryer.

Noodle shapes and types

Noodles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and each type has a unique purpose. Here is a guide to help you choose the right noodle shape for your air fryer creation:

Long Noodles

Long noodles, such as spaghetti, bucatini, and angel hair, are thin and cylindrical. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from light olive oil-based sauces to chunky meat sauces.

Short Noodles

Short noodles, like penne, macaroni, and fusilli, are great for baked dishes and casseroles. They are often used in creamy sauces, salads, and soups. Their shape and size make them perfect for holding sauces and small ingredients.

Stuffed Noodles

Noodles like manicotti, cannelloni, and ravioli are made to be stuffed. Manicotti and cannelloni are large tube-shaped noodles that are usually filled with cheese or meat and then baked. Ravioli, on the other hand, are small, square, or round pillow-shaped noodles stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables.

Soup Noodles

Soup noodles are typically small and shaped to add texture and variety to soups. Examples include orzo, ditalini, and pastina. These noodles are also versatile and can be used in salads and baked dishes.

Flat Noodles

Flat noodles, such as lasagna and fettuccine, are wide, flat sheets of pasta. Lasagna noodles are commonly used in layered baked dishes, while fettuccine is often served with creamy sauces, such as the classic Fettuccine Alfredo.

Twisted and Tubular Noodles

Twisted and tubular noodles, like gemelli, cavatappi, and rigatoni, are designed to hold sauces and small ingredients in their crevices. They are versatile and can be used in baked dishes, salads, and hearty sauces.

Shell-shaped Noodles

Shell-shaped noodles, also known as "conchiglie" or "cavatelli," come in various sizes. Large shells can be stuffed with cheese and baked, while medium shells are used in casseroles and meat sauces. The smallest shells are perfect for soups and stews.

Unique Shapes

Some noodles have unique shapes that add a playful touch to your dish. For example, bow-tie pasta (farfalle) and wagon wheel pasta (rotelle) are great for dressing up dishes. Gnocchi, a traditional potato dumpling, adds a chewy texture and is typically served with rich sauces.

When choosing noodle shapes, consider the dish you want to create and the sauce or ingredients you plan to use. Each noodle shape has a purpose, and selecting the right one will enhance your culinary experience.

Oil and seasoning

When cooking noodles in an air fryer, you can choose to use oil or not. Some recipes, such as the Air Fryer Chinese Noodles recipe, do not require oil. However, if you are making Air Fryer Baked Pasta, you will need to use a combination of melted butter and oil to ensure the pasta is super moist.

For seasoning, you can use a variety of ingredients depending on your taste preferences and the type of noodles you are making. Here are some options:

• Chilli flakes, oregano, and finely chopped garlic (this combination is described as the "golden trio" in the Air Fryer Baked Pasta recipe)
• Soy sauce (dark soy sauce or teriyaki sauce can be used for a darker colour and different flavour)
• Salt and pepper
• Sugar
• Vegetable stock powder
• Sesame oil
• Onion, carrots, mushrooms, soya beans, and other vegetables of your choice
• Meat, such as beef or chicken, or plant-based alternatives

When preparing the noodles for cooking in the air fryer, it is important to ensure that they are not wet if you want them to be crispy. Additionally, make sure that the noodles are fully submerged in the water or water-sauce mixture if you are making a baked pasta dish.

Dipping sauces

While air-fried noodles are a tasty treat, they can be made even better with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for sauces that will perfectly complement your crispy noodles:

Thai Dipping Sauce (Prik Nam Pla)

This sauce, also known as Prik Nam Pla, is a perfect combination of spicy, sour, and sweet flavours. It is a great way to add a banging flavour to your noodles. The recipe includes ingredients such as fish sauce, lime juice, bird's eye chillies, palm sugar, and garlic.

Ginger Mango Chutney

For those who enjoy a sweet and tangy flavour profile, ginger mango chutney is an excellent choice. The ginger adds a nice spicy kick, while the mango provides a sweet and fruity touch. You can adjust the consistency of the chutney to your liking, making it either chunkier or smoother.

Numbing Sichuan Chili Oil

This condiment is perfect for those who crave a spicy and numbing sensation. It is made with a combination of Sichuan peppercorns, chillies, and flavourful oils. The numbing effect comes from the Sichuan peppercorns, which contain a compound that creates a unique tingling sensation in the mouth.

Peanut Sauce

A peanut sauce is a classic choice for Asian-style dishes and can be used as a dipping sauce or a dressing. It is creamy, nutty, and often has a hint of sweetness. You can make it yourself by combining peanut butter, soy sauce, honey or sweetener, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a simple yet classic choice for a dipping sauce. It adds a savoury and umami flavour to your noodles. If you want to get creative, you can enhance your soy sauce by adding ingredients like garlic, ginger, or chilli flakes.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

Sweet and sour sauce is a popular choice for a reason—it offers a perfect balance of flavours. The sweetness often comes from sugar or fruit juices, while the sourness can be achieved through the addition of vinegar or citrus juices. This sauce is a great way to add a tangy twist to your crispy noodles.

Frequently asked questions