Should You Cook Instant Ramen In An Air Fryer? We Asked An Expert

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For most people who grew up in the 1990s, there's only one way to make instant ramen: You open the packet, boil the noodles, add the packaged seasoning, and cook until the noodles are fit to eat. The more adventurous among us found ways to upgrade packet ramen by using a combination of ingredients from eggs and cheese to broth. Of late, however, we've seen a number of videos online that recommended cooking ramen in an air fryer. Does this really work? We sought out an expert to check if it was a good idea.

Clare Andrews is known in the United Kingdom as the Queen of Gadget Cookery. She's also the author of The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook, which makes her perfectly placed to tackle this query. And according to her, cooking ramen in an air fryer makes very little sense — primarily because you're not really air frying the noodles.

"Yes, you can cook instant ramen in an air fryer, but I'd make an important distinction: You're not really air frying the noodles; you're using the air fryer as a way of heating and cooking them in a suitable container," she said. "It's an interesting kitchen experiment, but I wouldn't describe the air fryer as a preferable way to cook instant ramen. A saucepan or kettle is quicker, easier, and designed for the job."

The videos in question suggest a couple of different methods to cook ramen in an air fryer, from adding water, soy sauce, and other condiments into a pan to covering it all with silver foil. But Andrews pointed out that there were safety considerations to think about. "I also wouldn't recommend pouring water directly into the air fryer basket," she says. "Air fryers are designed to circulate hot air, not to function like a saucepan, and water can potentially leak into areas containing electrical components, depending on the model. For the best results, I'd use a heatproof dish or ramekin that is specifically suitable for air fryer temperatures and large enough to hold the water and noodles safely."

She also asks to check the manufacturer's instructions on your air fryer to ensure it is suitable for liquid cooking, adding that some models specifically advised against this. Andrews uses Ninja air fryers as an example here, pointing out that the brand specifically advises against boiling water in the devices because it is simply isn't designed for that task. 

Overall though, she suggests remaining skeptical about following weird cooking hacks that don't work. "I'd be particularly cautious about following viral TikTok cooking hacks without checking the appliance manufacturer's guidance," she said.

If you really want to try out this viral hack, Andrews has a few tips. Once you've found a suitable dish, place the instant noodle block in it, break it up, and add the seasoning. Then cook it gently. "If the appliance permits this method, use a lower temperature and check the noodles regularly, stirring to help them cook evenly," Andrews says.

The thing to remember is that when it comes to cooking noodles, the air fryer doesn't offer a particular advantage over conventional boiling. "If submerged in hot liquid, the noodles will soften and rehydrate much as they would in a saucepan," Andrews notes. "However, if the method involves partially cooking the noodles and then exposing them to circulating hot air, you may get slightly firmer edges or a chewier, more textured finish. This isn't necessarily better, and depends on the technique."

One of the best parts about making instant ramen is going beyond the packet instructions and elevating your ramen with a few simple upgrades. And where the air fryer can really come in handy. "I'd save the air fryer for adding crispy toppings, cooking chicken, or roasting vegetables to serve alongside the noodles!" Andrews says, noting that her own preferred list of extras includes "spring onions, cooked chicken, prawns, chilli oil, sesame seeds or a soft-boiled egg for extra flavor."