Air Fryer Noodles

A ZERO oil recipe to make crunchy and crisp noodles, this Air Fryer Noodles are perfect as a topping or to make some delicious Chopsuey or Chinese Bhel!

Plus, it is super quick and easy with minimal active time.

An Asian food lover, I have made and shared so many recipes from the cuisine in the last few years. Each year I make many recipes and always have 4-5 that I am testing to put up here.

Certain recipes are super simple and quick to make and some do need some extra efforts. But they are all delicious and always a treat.

This recipe would definitely classify as one of the SIMPLEST recipes. Though it is not a complete recipe but it gives us an important component for so many other recipes. So is an important one.

When we talk noodles, we often talk of so many varied kinds of noodles. The thick, the thin and the hand cut ones. Plus, the stir fried, deep fried or just boiled noodles. They are all a part of the cuisine and make some really amazing recipes.

What is Air Fryer Noodles

Coming to these noodles; here we are talking about air fryer noodles. These are super crisp yet need ZERO oil to make. They are crunchy and super delicious.

These noodles are first boiled and then air fried to get the crunch. They make a delicious topping for Manchow Soup and can be used to make Chinese Bhel or American Chopsuey.

This three ingredient recipe is something I have tried many times before bringing it here. From a messy air fryer to burnt noodles, I have got them all. But this iteration has been a favorite for a long time and works well.

Whether you are looking to make some bhel or as a topping, these air fryer noodles can be made ahead of time. They stay well in an airtight container for a long time.

This Recipe of Air Fryer Noodles

• We can make this recipe really quickly. The time required to boil the noodles and to air fry is the only active time. Rest is just to dry out the noodles a little.
• I do not add any seasoning in these noodles as they are used to make several other recipes. Adding some pepper or sichuan peppers to the water will work but has minimal flavor in the noodles.
• Comes together easily and well when worked in batches. Do not overcrowd the air fryer with noodles. They will stick to each other and become a mess.
• The traditional deep frying recipe calls for coating the noodles with corn starch to absorb moisture. However, I have seen the coating does not cook and remains on top as a white layer that is rather unpleasant to eat. So skip that step for the air fryer.

Video Recipe

Ingredients

Noodles: The starting point of the recipe is noodles. I like to use these noodles for the recipe. They work wonderfully for this air fryer noodle recipe and beyond.

If not this brand, look for noodles that are medium thick. Flat or super thin noodles will result in either unevenly fried or burnt noodles.

Water: As we need to boil the noodles before we air fry them, we use water to cook them.

Salt: We use salt to season the noodles. Apart from that we do not use any other seasoning in the recipe. As these noodles will be used in other recipes, no seasoning is needed.

Step by Step Instructions to make Air Fryer Noodles

1- In a pan add water. Season with salt and let the water come to a boil. Add the noodles.

2- Let them cook till al-dente, stirring intermittently and remove from flame.

3- Drain the water using a fine mesh colander and set the noodles to dry a little on a plate. I like to leave mine for 30-40 minutes.

4- Heat the air fryer to 400 F. Once hot, place the noodles in the basket in an almost single layer.

5- Air fry the noodles for 5 minutes and flip them over.

6- Air fry for another 3-4 minutes till golden brown. Remove from air fryer and use as desired.

Tips and Notes

• Ensure the noodles have dried completely before air frying. That way they will remain separate and not become a mess.
• It is common to coat the noodles with corn starch when frying in oil. However, corn starch tends to make a layer on the noodles and remains uncooked in the air fryer. Skip that step here.
• Once done, cool and transfer to an air tight container or bag. The noodles are good for at least 10 days.

Love Asian recipes? These would be amazing to try:

• Peanut Sauce: This quick recipe is SO good with so many other recipes. Use it as a sauce for spring rolls or toss noodles in it. It is a one stop sauce for all Asian food lovers!
• Hakka Noodles: A super delicious recipe with veggies, noodles and sauces, this street style hakka noodles is easy to make too.
• Vegan Poke Bowl: A great recipe for vegetarians to enjoy Poke, this tofu based bowl is colorful, flavorful and healthy too!
• Burnt Garlic Fried Rice: Full of garlic, this fried rice recipe has veggies, fluffy rice and seasonings that are perfect for any meal.