Air-Fryer Edamame: Quick, Crispy, Healthy Snack

Edamame is a delicious and healthy snack that can be made in an air fryer in just a few minutes. This recipe is perfect for those who are short on time but still want something tasty and nutritious. It is also a great option for those who are vegan, gluten-free, or nut-free. In this guide, we will walk you through the simple steps to make crispy edamame in your air fryer, as well as provide tips on seasoning and storing your snack.

Choosing the right edamame

• Opt for Freshness: Choose edamame that is still in the pod as it helps retain moisture and freshness. Look for pods that are bright green, plump, and have a firm texture. Avoid pods that appear discoloured, shrivelled, or have brown spots.
• Variety Matters: Different types of edamame have unique flavours and growing requirements. For instance, Chiba Green is known for its large pods and deep green colour, making it ideal for an early harvest. Black Jet offers a darker, richer colour, while Butterbean is renowned for its tasty beans.
• Organic and Local Options: Consider selecting organic or locally sourced edamame. These options often provide better taste and nutritional value.
• Storage Matters: Fresh edamame can last in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to six months. If you're using frozen edamame for your air fryer recipe, be sure to thaw them first by placing them in a bowl, covering them with water, and then rinsing and draining.
• Allergies and Sensitivities: Remember that edamame is a type of soybean. If you or anyone consuming has an allergy or sensitivity to soy, opt for a different snack or side dish.

Seasoning options

Spicy Options:

• Red pepper chilli flakes
• Cayenne
• Black pepper
• Curry powder
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked salt

Savoury Options:

• Sea salt
• Truffle salt
• Black pepper and lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Za'atar
• Vegan "chicken" broth powder

Other Options:

• Olive oil
• Avocado oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Lemon/lime juice
• Sesame oil
• Miso dressing
• Togarishi seasoning
• Yuzu powder

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings and oils to find your favourite flavour profile. You can also try adding different types of flavoured salts or spices to give your edamame a unique twist.

Oil options

When making air fryer edamame, you can use a variety of oils to coat the beans before cooking. Some recipes suggest using a neutral-tasting oil, such as grapeseed oil, avocado oil, or sesame oil. Other recipes recommend using olive oil, either plain cooking olive oil or extra virgin olive oil. You can also mix olive oil with grapeseed oil or a little toasted sesame oil.

If you don't want to use oil, some recipes suggest using lemon or lime juice instead. This adds flavour and helps the seasonings stick to the edamame.

When it comes to applying the oil, you can either toss the edamame in a bowl with the oil and seasonings, or use an oil spray.

Air fryer settings

The air fryer settings you use will depend on the type of edamame you are cooking (in or out of the pod) and the level of crispiness you want to achieve.

If you are cooking edamame in their pods, it is recommended to use an oil spray, such as grapeseed oil spray, as this has a higher smoke point. You can then add your desired seasoning. Place the edamame in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

For crispy edamame, one source recommends cooking at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, and then adding an extra 5 minutes if needed. Another source recommends cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 12 minutes.

If you are cooking shelled edamame, you can cook them at 375 to 385 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking.

It is worth noting that air fryer models vary, so you may need to adjust the cook time and temperature for your specific machine.

Storage and reheating

It is important to store cooked edamame properly to prevent it from turning bad. Edamame should not be left out at room temperature for long periods, as it can easily spoil.

To store cooked edamame, first let it cool down to room temperature. Then, place the edamame in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to four days.

For longer-term storage, cooked edamame can be frozen. Divide the edamame into small portions and place them in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date, then place them in the freezer. When properly stored, cooked edamame can last for up to one year in the freezer.

To reheat cooked edamame, you can use a microwave, an air fryer, or an oven. If frozen, thaw the edamame in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. Reheat the edamame for a few minutes until it reaches your desired temperature.

Frequently asked questions