Air-Fryer Crispy Noodles: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious snack, look no further than crispy noodles made in an air fryer. This versatile kitchen appliance can give you perfectly crispy and tasty noodles in just a few minutes. The best part? You don't need any oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep-fried or pan-fried noodles. Here's a simple guide to help you make crispy noodles in an air fryer.

Choosing the right noodles

Go for Heartier Options: Opt for noodles that can hold their shape and have a firmer texture. Examples include ramen noodles, udon noodles, or soba noodles. These varieties tend to be thicker and less delicate, making them ideal for the air-frying process.

Avoid Delicate Noodles: Steer clear of delicate noodles like angel hair or thin vermicelli. Their fine texture makes them more prone to breaking apart during cooking. They may become too brittle and not hold up well in the air fryer.

Consider Fresh or Dried: While fresh noodles are readily available, you can also use dried Cantonese egg noodles if you can't find fresh ones. Fresh noodles are typically found in the refrigerator section of Asian stores or markets.

Thickness Matters: When it comes to thickness, medium-thick noodles are your best bet. Avoid flat or super-thin noodles, as they may result in uneven cooking or burning. Go for noodles that are thick enough to withstand the air-frying process without becoming too brittle.

Cooking Time Adjustment: Depending on the type of noodles you choose, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For instance, if using ramen noodles, follow the package instructions but reduce the cooking time by a minute or two. This ensures they don't overcook since they will continue cooking in the air fryer.

Experiment and Enjoy: Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of noodles to find your favourite. You can try spaghetti, linguini, soba noodles, or even ramen. Each type of noodle will give you a slightly different result, so feel free to explore and discover which one works best for your taste and texture preferences.

Boiling the noodles

• Start by filling a pan with water and placing it on your stovetop. Turn the heat to high and let the water come to a rolling boil. You can add a pinch of salt to the water at this stage to season the noodles as they cook.
• Once the water is boiling vigorously, it's time to add the noodles. For crispy noodles, it is recommended to use medium-thick noodles such as ramen, udon, or egg noodles. Avoid thin varieties like angel hair or vermicelli, as they may break apart during the cooking process.
• Let the noodles cook in the boiling water, stirring them occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by a minute or two. You want the noodles to be slightly undercooked since they will continue to cook in the air fryer. Aim for an al dente texture.
• When the noodles are done, turn off the heat and drain the water using a fine-mesh colander. It is important to remove the excess water from the noodles to ensure they don't become mushy.
• After draining, spread the noodles out on a plate or a tray and let them air dry for a while. This step is crucial to achieving crispy results in the air fryer. Depending on the ambient temperature and humidity, you can let the noodles dry for 30-40 minutes.

Remember, the key to successful crispy noodles in the air fryer is to avoid overcooking them during the boiling process. By boiling the noodles until they are just al dente and then drying them before air frying, you'll achieve that perfect crispy texture.

Drying the noodles

First, start by draining the cooked noodles. Use a fine mesh colander to drain the water, and then spread the noodles out on a plate in a thin layer. This will help them dry faster and more evenly. Leave the noodles to air-dry for around 30-40 minutes. You can also use paper towels to gently pat them dry. It is crucial that the noodles are completely dry before placing them in the air fryer, as any remaining moisture can affect the crispiness.

If you're in a hurry, you can speed up the drying process by using a salad spinner. Place the drained noodles in the spinner and give it a few spins to remove excess water. Then, lay the noodles on a plate or tray and use paper towels to absorb any remaining moisture.

Once your noodles are dried, it's time to toss them with a small amount of oil. This step is essential, as it helps the noodles crisp up nicely in the air fryer and prevents them from drying out too much. Use a neutral-flavoured oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. Drizzle a small amount of oil over the noodles and toss them gently until they are lightly coated.

Now your noodles are ready for the air fryer! Remember to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Follow the air frying instructions provided earlier, and you'll have perfectly crispy noodles in no time!

Oil and seasoning

The key to achieving crispy noodles in an air fryer is to ensure they are dry before cooking. The oil you choose to toss the noodles in will also impact the flavour and texture.

Oil

A small amount of oil is necessary to prevent the noodles from drying out and to help them crisp up. You can use vegetable oil, olive oil, or sesame oil, depending on your preference and the desired flavour profile. For example, if you want an Asian-inspired dish, sesame oil is a good choice.

Seasoning

While you can certainly enjoy the crispy noodles as they are, adding seasonings can take them to the next level. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sesame-soy glaze: Toss the cooked noodles in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey.
• Spicy garlic explosion: Drizzle the crispy noodles with spicy chili oil and sprinkle them with freshly minced garlic.
• Italian herb infusion: Mix dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme with grated Parmesan cheese and lightly sprinkle over the noodles.
• Salt and pepper: Keep it simple with a classic seasoning of salt and pepper.
• Herbs and spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, red pepper flakes, or paprika to find your favourite flavour combinations.
• Stir-fry sauce: If you're making an Asian-inspired dish, try using a stir-fry sauce like teriyaki, sweet and sour, or a spicy chili sauce.

Air frying

Choose the Right Noodles

Select noodles that can hold their shape and have a firmer texture. Good options include ramen, udon, or soba noodles. Avoid delicate varieties like angel hair or thin vermicelli, as they may break apart during cooking.

Boil the Noodles

Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, reducing the time by a minute or two. You want them slightly undercooked, as they will continue cooking in the air fryer.

Drain and Cool

Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step also removes excess starch, preventing the noodles from sticking together.

Toss with Oil

Place the noodles in a bowl and toss them with oil. This step prevents drying and helps the noodles crisp up in the air fryer.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a few minutes.

Spread Out the Noodles

Arrange the oiled noodles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Air Fry to Perfection

Cook the noodles for about 8-10 minutes, tossing them halfway through. Keep a close eye on them, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Enjoy Your Crispy Noodles

Once the noodles are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve them as a snack or incorporate them into your favourite noodle dish.

Creative Seasonings

Take your air fryer noodles to the next level with tasty seasonings. Try a sesame-soy glaze, spicy garlic explosion, or an Italian herb infusion for delicious flavour variations.

Reheating Leftovers

You can also use your air fryer to reheat leftover noodles. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), place the noodles in a single layer, and reheat for about 5-6 minutes, tossing halfway through.

Frequently asked questions