Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Noodles Recipe

It uses only three basic ingredients and requires no oil.
You get a satisfyingly crisp texture from the air fryer, without deep-frying — a lighter, healthier alternative.
Once prepared, the noodles can be stored and used later — convenient for meal prep or quick meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
10 oz hakka noodles
5 cups water
1 ½ teaspoon salt

Directions

In a pan, add water and salt; bring to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
Drain the noodles using a fine-mesh colander and spread them out on a plate to dry for about 30–40 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (≈ 200°C).
Once preheated, place the dried noodles in the air fryer basket in nearly a single layer — avoid overcrowding.
Air fry the noodles for 5 minutes, then flip them over.
Continue air frying for another 3–4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the air fryer and use as desired.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~15 minutes
Resting/drying time: 30–40 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour

Variations

Use different types of medium-thick noodles like whole-wheat or gluten-free for dietary needs.
Add peppercorns or spices to the boiling water for added flavor.
Use the crispy noodles in fusion dishes, over stir-fries, or in crunchy salads and street food-style snacks.

Storage/Reheating

Let the noodles cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or resealable bag. They stay crispy for up to 10 days.
To re-crisp, pop them back in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes before serving, or use as-is depending on the dish.

FAQs

How can I make sure the noodles get crispy and not soggy?

Make sure the noodles are completely dry before air frying — leftover moisture makes them clump and stay soggy instead of crisping.

Can I add oil or seasoning before air frying for extra flavor?

You can, but the original recipe intentionally skips oil. Adding oil may change the texture and increase fat, but a light spray or toss with seasoning is possible if you prefer more flavor.

What kind of noodles work best for this recipe?

Medium-thick noodles like hakka noodles work best. Super thin or flat noodles can fry unevenly or burn.

Can I use gluten-free or whole-wheat noodles?

Yes — as long as they are similar in thickness to standard noodles. Just ensure they dry well before air frying.

How should I store leftover crispy noodles?

Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or resealable bag. They stay good for about 10 days.

Can I re-crisp the noodles after storage?

Yes — give them a quick round in the air fryer for a minute or two, or use them as-is in recipes where a bit of crunch is fine.

Are these noodles meant to be a standalone dish or a component?

They are more of a component — great as toppings for soups, chow-mein-style dishes, salads, or chaat/bhel-style recipes.

What should I avoid when air frying noodles?

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, and avoid coating with cornstarch — it may remain uncooked and taste unpleasant. Also, ensure noodles are dry before air frying.

Can I skip the drying time after boiling?

It’s possible, but not recommended — drying helps ensure the noodles crisp properly rather than sticking together or steaming inside the fryer.

How crunchy will the noodles be?

Quite crunchy — similar to deep-fried noodles but without oil. They should be crisp enough to add texture to dishes.

Conclusion

This air fryer noodle recipe is an easy, oil-free solution for adding crunch to your meals. Whether you’re topping soups, tossing them in stir-fries, or using them as the base for a crunchy fusion bowl, these noodles are a versatile kitchen staple you’ll want to keep on hand.

Air Fryer Noodles