If you love ordering prawn Chow Mein from your local takeaway, then you’ll love to know that you can easily recreate your own healthier version at home using just your air-fryer. In only 20 minutes, this dish will be ready and on your plate faster than you can say “air fried prawn noodles.” I absolutely love being able to recreate our favourite takeaway recipes in a healthier way, as it allows us to indulge more often without the guilt. This air fryer prawn noodles recipe is not only quick but also delicious, offering a light and fresh take on a classic dish.
What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. You can easily swap out the prawns for another protein source such as chicken, tofu, or even beef depending on your preference. You can also mix and match vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, making it a great way to use up whatever you have in your fridge. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times slightly to suit the protein or veggies you choose.
I had the pleasure of cooking this easy air fryer prawn noodles recipe with Alexis Conran on the Channel 5 TV show “Air Fryers: Do You Know What You’re Missing,” which first aired on 17 January 2024. We were both amazed at how effortlessly the air fryer created such a flavourful and satisfying dish in no time at all. With minimal fuss and fewer calories than your local takeaway, this dish is a fantastic way to enjoy your favourite flavours right in the comfort of your own home. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make, and how satisfying the results are!
PREP 10 minutes
COOK 13 minutes
SERVES 1 person
KIT you will need an air fryer and mixing bowl.
Ingredients for air fryer prawn noodles
For the sauce:
4 tablespoons of Soy sauce
1 teaspoon of rice vinegar
1 teaspoon of sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon of ginger paste
1/2 teaspoon of garlic paste
1 tablespoon of honey
1/2 teaspoon of chilli paste
For the main dish:
1 onion, peeled and thinly sliced
2 mixed peppers green and red, de-seeded and thinly sliced
x5 baby corn, cut in half length ways
Fresh prawns
1 bag fresh noodles
Dash Olive oil
Chopped nuts and finely sliced spring onions to serve
Method
Start by making your sauce, place all the sauce ingredients into a bowl and stir well, set aside and leave for later. If you need to, pre heat your air fryer to 190c. Each air fryer is different, so we will need to check the manufactures instruction.
Add in your veggies to a bowl and coat with a little olive oil. When the temperature is reached, add your veggies to your air fryer 190c and cook for 5 minutes. Be careful the draw will be hot!
While your veggies are cooking slice the spring onions ready for the garnish along with the chopped nuts, these will both be scattered on the top when your dish is finished. After 5 minutes open your draw and stir. Add your prawns to the air fryer draw, cook for a further 5 minutes. If you feel you need to check and stir halfway. After 5 minutes open your draw and stir well.
Add your noodles and a dash of olive oil to the noodles to help to break them up, then add your sauce all over the ingredients and cook for 3 minutes. After about a minute and a half open the draw and give your noodles a stir to break them up, (They tend to be rather sticky so you need to loosen them up a little to help them cook). Then close to draw to let them finish cooking.
Make sure the prawns are cooked thoroughly before serving (They should be pink in colour and curled up). Serve your air fryer prawn noodles in a large bowl and scatter on your chopped nuts and spring onions.
Tips for Air Fryer Prawn Noodles
1. Use pre-cooked noodles
Ready-to-eat noodles like egg noodles or rice noodles work best in the air fryer. They reheat well and absorb sauces quickly without drying out.
2. Toss prawns in oil and seasoning
Coat raw prawns lightly in oil, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce before cooking. This adds flavour and helps them stay juicy in the air fryer.
3. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Cook prawns in a single layer for even browning. If needed, cook in batches—crowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting.
4. Use foil or a tray insert
Place noodles in a foil tray or on parchment paper to stop them falling through the basket and to help catch any sauce. This also makes cleanup easier!
5. Cook prawns first, noodles second
Air fry prawns at 180°C (356°F) for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway. Remove and set aside. Then air fry the noodles with veg and sauce for 5–6 minutes, stirring once.
6. Add veggies
Stir-fry vegetables like peppers, spring onions, shredded cabbage, or sugar snap peas add crunch and colour. Toss them in with the noodles for a balanced meal.
7. Sauce it up
Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, a touch of honey or hoisin, and a dash of lime juice for a quick, tasty dressing. Add after cooking for best flavour.
8. Combine and reheat briefly
Return prawns to the noodles, toss everything together, and air fry for 1–2 more minutes to heat through.
9. Garnish and serve
Top with sesame seeds, chopped coriander, or chilli flakes for that final kick of flavour.
Fast, satisfying, and packed with umami, these air fryer prawn noodles are a winner!
Similar recipes
So if you love these air fryer prawn noodles you might also like my air fryer salmon noodles soup recipe from my One Basket Meals book or this air fryer pork noodles recipe.
So if you are still looking for more air fryer inspiration, then visit my Amazon shop front to order your copy of my best selling cookbooks.