Air-Fried Noodles: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a versatile kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods, including noodles. This guide will show you how to make delicious, crispy noodles in an air fryer with minimal effort. The process is simple: boil the noodles, toss them in oil, and then air fry them. You can also add vegetables, proteins, and a variety of seasonings to customise your dish.

Choosing the right type of noodles

Noodle Type

Select noodles that can retain their shape and have a firmer texture. Ramen, udon, and soba noodles are excellent choices as they hold up well during the cooking process. Avoid delicate noodles like angel hair or thin vermicelli, as they may break apart. Spaghetti, linguini, and even pre-cooked egg noodles or wholewheat noodles are also suitable for air frying.

Noodle Thickness

It is important to choose noodles with the right thickness. Flat or super-thin noodles may result in uneven cooking or burning. Opt for medium-thick noodles to ensure consistent results.

Preparation

Before air frying, noodles typically need to be boiled, drained, and rinsed in cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming mushy. This step also removes excess starch, reducing the chances of the noodles sticking together.

Oil

Tossing the noodles with a small amount of oil is essential. It helps prevent the noodles from drying out and promotes even browning and crispiness during air frying.

Seasoning

While some recipes suggest adding salt to the boiling water, others recommend skipping seasoning altogether if the noodles will be used in other recipes. You can also experiment with various seasonings, such as Italian herbs, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, or chili oil, to enhance the flavour of your noodles.

Preparing the noodles for the air fryer

Once you've chosen your noodles, follow these steps:

Step 1: Boiling

Cook the noodles in a pan of boiling water according to the package instructions, reducing the cooking time by a minute or two. This slight undercooking is important as it prevents the noodles from becoming mushy when air-fried. You can add salt to the water for seasoning.

Step 2: Draining and Cooling

After boiling, drain the noodles using a fine-mesh colander and give them a quick rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps remove excess starch, preventing the noodles from sticking together. Leave the noodles to dry on a plate for around 30-40 minutes.

Step 3: Tossing with Oil

Place the cooled noodles in a bowl and toss them with a small amount of oil. This step is crucial as it prevents the noodles from drying out and helps them crisp up in the air fryer. You can also add salt and pepper for seasoning at this stage, or even some vegetables for extra flavour.

Now that your noodles are prepared, it's time to cook them in the air fryer! Preheat your appliance to around 400°F (200°C) and arrange the noodles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

How to get crispy noodles

Ingredients:

• Noodles (e.g. ramen, udon, or soba)
• Water
• Salt
• Oil (optional)
• Vegetables (optional)
• Seasonings (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Choose the right type of noodles. Opt for noodles that can hold their shape and have a firmer texture. Examples include ramen, udon, or soba noodles.
• Boil the noodles according to the package instructions, reducing the cooking time by a minute or two. You want them slightly undercooked.
• Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
• (Optional) Toss the noodles with a small amount of oil to prevent them from drying out and to enhance crispness.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the noodles in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
• Air fry the noodles for about 8-10 minutes, tossing them halfway through. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
• (Optional) For extra crispness, after removing the noodles from the air fryer, let them cool and dry completely before transferring to an airtight container or bag.

Tips:

• Ensure the noodles are completely dry before air frying to prevent them from becoming soggy or sticking together.
• Experiment with different seasonings like sesame-soy glaze, spicy chili oil, or Italian herbs to enhance the flavour of your crispy noodles.
• You can also add vegetables and proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu to your noodles. Chop them into small, even pieces and add them towards the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

Enjoy your crispy noodles as a snack or incorporate them into your favourite dishes!

Seasoning the noodles

Salt and Pepper

A simple yet classic combination, salt and pepper are the most basic seasonings you can add to your noodles. Salt enhances the natural flavour of the noodles, while pepper adds a subtle kick. This combination is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle flavour or want to showcase other ingredients in their dish.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a popular choice for seasoning noodles, especially when creating Asian-inspired dishes. It adds a savoury, umami flavour to the noodles and pairs well with other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, and green onions. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to add flavour to your noodles, soy sauce is a great option.

Sesame-Soy Glaze

For a more complex flavour profile, try tossing your noodles in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey. The soy sauce provides the savoury base, while the sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavour. The honey rounds out the glaze with a touch of sweetness, resulting in a delicious and unique flavour combination.

Spicy Garlic

If you like your food with a kick, consider adding some spice to your noodles. Drizzling chilli oil over your noodles and sprinkling them with freshly minced garlic will give them a fiery kick that is sure to tantalise your taste buds. This combination is perfect for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavours.

Italian Herbs

For an Italian twist on your noodles, mix dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme with grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it over your noodles. This combination adds a fragrant, savoury flavour to the dish and is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of fresh herbs. It's also a great way to add some extra cheese to your meal!

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is experimentation. Don't be afraid to mix and match different seasonings to find the perfect combination for your taste preferences. You can also adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your desired level of flavour intensity.

Reheating leftover noodles

If you are set on using an air fryer to reheat your noodles, it may be worth bearing in mind that the air fryer is better suited to reheating fast food than casseroles. It is also worth noting that the size of the food you are reheating matters; the food must not be too big, as it will not cook all the way through safely.

If you are reheating a large batch of noodles, you will need to do so in sections to avoid overfilling the air fryer, which could damage the machine.

To reheat your noodles, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F for 4-5 minutes. Then, place your noodles in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space to allow the hot air to circulate freely. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, or until crispy and heated through. Keep a close watch on your noodles to ensure they do not burn.

It is worth noting that there are alternative methods for reheating noodles that may yield better results. For example, you could use a pot on the stovetop, or, if you have one, a microwave.

Frequently asked questions