Air Fryer Pad Thai

Skip the takeout and make this easy, flavorful Air Fryer Pad Thai at home! Packed with tender noodles, crisp veggies, and a bold, tangy-sweet sauce, this dish delivers all the classic flavors with an effortless twist. The air fryer makes it quick and convenient, giving you a delicious homemade meal in no time. Perfect for weeknights or whenever you’re craving Thai food!

If you love Thai food, you will love this recipe, made with a few simple ingredients, you can have an authentic Thai meal, straight from your air fryer.

Serve with a plate of Air Fryer Great Value Egg Rolls, Benihana Fried Rice, or Instant Pot Miso Soup, this makes a great dinner, for the entire family.

This might just be the best Air-Fried Pad Thai, you have ever day!

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Quick & Easy: This Air Fryer Pad Thai recipe comes together fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Packed with Flavor: Each bite is loaded with savory sauce, fresh veggies, and a hint of lime.
• Customizable: Easily add your favorite proteins, like tofu, chicken, or shrimp, to make it your own.
• Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer simplifies the cooking process, leaving you with less mess and more flavor!

Ingredients Needed

• Rice noodles: The base of the dish, creating the perfect chewy texture for Pad Thai.
• Vegetable oil: Adds just the right amount of fat to cook ingredients.
• Onion: Provides a mild sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor and aroma to the Pad Thai.
• Tofu Or Cooked Chicken (Optional): Adds protein.
• Eggs: Give richness and help bind the noodles for a classic Pad Thai texture.
• Bean Sprouts: Adds a fresh, crisp texture to complement the soft noodles.
• Green Onions: Adds a subtle oniony flavor and a pop of color.
• Crushed Peanuts: Provides a crunchy topping and a nutty flavor.
• Lime Wedges: Adds a zesty finish and allows you to adjust the tanginess to taste.
• Sauce Ingredients: Tamarind Paste, Fish Sauce, Brown Sugar, Lime Juice, Chili Powder, and Kosher Salt.

How To Make Air Fryer Pad Thai

Step One: Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 15-20 minutes until they are softened. Drain and set aside. In a bowl, mix together the tamarind paste, fish sauce (or soy sauce), brown sugar, lime juice, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the flavors according to your taste preferences.

Step Two: Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F (175°C), for 3-5 minutes. If using tofu or chicken, lightly sauté it in a pan with a bit of oil until cooked and slightly crispy. Set aside.

Step Three: Add the sliced onions and minced garlic, to the air fryer, brush with olive oil, or spray with olive oil. Set cook time for 2-3 minutes until they are softened.

Step Four: Push the onions and garlic to the side of the basket and pour the beaten eggs into the empty space. Let them cook for a minute or so, then scramble them with a spatula until they are fully cooked and mixed with the onions.

Step Five: Add the soaked rice noodles to the air fryer basket. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles. Gently toss and mix everything together using tongs or a spatula. If using pre-cooked tofu or chicken, add it now. Air fry the mixture at 350 degrees F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes, tossing or stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step Six: Open the air fryer and add the bean sprouts and chopped green onions. Toss everything together again. Once the noodles are heated through and the bean sprouts have slightly softened, remove the basket from the air fryer. Serve the Pad Thai in bowls, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.

Air Fryer Pad Thai Recipe Tips

• Soak Noodles Properly: Soak rice noodles in warm water until they’re slightly tender but not fully cooked, so they’ll finish cooking in the air fryer without getting mushy.
• Toss for Even Coating: Toss the noodles, sauce, and ingredients together well before placing them in the air fryer to ensure even coating and flavor.
• Customize Protein: Add tofu, chicken, or shrimp based on preference; just make sure it’s cooked and cubed for easy mixing.
• Adjust Spice Level: Control the chili powder or add sriracha to adjust the spice level to your taste.
• Add Fresh Toppings: Finish with a squeeze of lime, bean sprouts, and crushed peanuts after cooking for authentic flavor and crunch.

Air Fryer Pad Thai Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of noodles? Yes! You can substitute rice noodles with other Asian noodles like soba or egg noodles, though the texture will differ slightly.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply use tofu instead of chicken and replace fish sauce with soy sauce for a completely vegetarian dish.

What can I use if I don’t have tamarind paste? If you don’t have tamarind paste, you can substitute with a mix of lime juice and a bit of sugar for the tangy and sweet flavor.

Can I make Pad Thai ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the noodles and sauce ahead of time. Reheat them in the air fryer or on the stovetop before serving, adding the fresh toppings like peanuts and lime at the end.

Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, but be sure to thaw them and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture that could affect the noodles’ texture.

What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store leftover Air Fryer Pad Thai in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or on the stovetop before serving.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Cashew Chicken
• Air Fryer Kung Pao Chicken
• AIR FRYER CHINESE SPARE RIBS
• INSTANT POT VEGETARIAN CHINESE FRIED RICE
• AIR FRYER CHINESE DONUTS

Equipment Used

Philips Kitchen Appliances Digital Twin TurboStar Airfryer XXL, with Fat Removal Technology, 3 Lbs, Black, HD9650/96

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