Ramen Pasta Chips
Ramen Pasta Chips is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 2. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Elliott Norris on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 17 min | Total: 27 min
Cost: $22.27 total, $11.14 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 package Instant Ramen Noodles (any flavor, discard the seasoning packet if you prefer to season later)
- 1 tablespoon Oil from Ramen Packet (use the oil that comes with the ramen or substitute with vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon Seasoning (use the ramen flavor packet, soy sauce, chili powder, or any seasoning you like)
Instructions
Boil the Ramen
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan, add the ramen noodles and cook for 3‑4 minutes until just tender.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: 212°F
Drain and Dry
Drain the noodles in a colander and let them sit for 30 seconds to steam off excess moisture.
Time: PT2M
Toss with Oil
Transfer the noodles to a mixing bowl, add the oil from the ramen packet (or substitute oil) and toss until every piece is lightly coated.
Time: PT1M
Preheat Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 400°F
Air‑Fry the Noodles
Spread the oiled noodles in a single layer in the air‑fryer basket. Air‑fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 400°F
Season and Serve
Immediately transfer the hot chips to a bowl, sprinkle your chosen seasoning, toss to coat, and enjoy while crunchy.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Wheat (gluten), Soy (if soy‑based seasoning is used)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Instant Ramen Noodles: dry wheat spaghetti (break into short pieces), rice noodles (for gluten‑free)
- Instead of Oil from Ramen Packet: vegetable oil, canola oil, olive oil (light)
- Instead of Seasoning: soy sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sesame seeds
Equipment Needed
- Medium Saucepan
- Colander or Strainer
- Mixing Bowl
- Air Fryer
- Tongs (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook the ramen just until al dente to avoid mushy chips
- Ensure noodles are thoroughly drained before oil coating
- Air‑fry in a single layer and shake halfway for uniform crispness
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, toss the hot chips with a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds before serving.
- If you like heat, add a dash of chili powder or sriracha to the seasoning mix.
Troubleshooting
Noodles turn out soggy instead of crunchy.
Make sure the noodles are fully drained and dry before adding oil, and avoid overcrowding the air‑fryer basket.
Chips burn or become too dark.
Reduce the air‑fry time to 7‑8 minutes or lower the temperature to 375°F; shake the basket more frequently.
Oil coating is uneven.
Toss the noodles gently with tongs in the bowl to ensure each piece gets a thin, even layer of oil.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; re‑crisp in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture becomes soggy after thawing.
Room temperature: Best eaten same day; can stay crunchy for up to 4 hours in a sealed bag.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the seasoned, air‑fried ramen chips up to step 5 and store in a sealed container; re‑heat briefly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of ramen chips in Japanese cuisine?
Ramen chips are a modern, Western‑inspired snack that repurposes the beloved Japanese instant ramen noodle. While traditional Japanese snacks include rice crackers and senbei, ramen chips emerged from the global trend of turning pantry staples into crunchy finger foods, blending Japanese flavors with the convenience of air‑frying.
What are the traditional regional variations of ramen in Japan, and how might they influence the flavor of ramen chips?
Japan’s ramen varies by region – Shoyu (soy sauce) in Tokyo, Miso in Hokkaido, Tonkotsu (pork bone) in Kyushu, and Shio (salt) in Hakodate. Using the seasoning packet from a specific regional flavor imparts those distinct tastes to the chips, so a Miso‑flavored ramen chip will have a richer, earthy note compared to a Shoyu version.
How are ramen chips traditionally served in Japanese street food culture?
Ramen chips are not a traditional street food, but when served in modern Japanese‑inspired cafés they are often presented in small bowls, sprinkled with sea‑salt, nori flakes, or a drizzle of soy sauce, and eaten as a crunchy side or snack alongside drinks.
What occasions or celebrations are ramen chips associated with in contemporary Japanese‑American gatherings?
Ramen chips have become popular at casual gatherings, game nights, and anime‑themed parties in Japanese‑American communities because they are quick to make, budget‑friendly, and evoke the comfort of instant ramen in a fun, bite‑size form.
What authentic ingredients are used in traditional ramen versus the simplified ingredients for ramen chips?
Traditional ramen uses fresh wheat noodles, a broth made from pork, chicken, or seafood, and toppings like chashu, nori, and soft‑boiled eggs. For ramen chips, the instant noodle packet provides the wheat noodles and a small oil packet, while the broth is omitted and seasoning is added after air‑frying.
What other Japanese dishes pair well with crispy ramen chips?
Ramen chips pair nicely with a light miso soup, edamame, or a simple cucumber‑sesame salad. Their salty crunch also complements a cold sake or Japanese craft beer.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making ramen chips at home?
Common mistakes include overcooking the noodles before air‑frying, not draining them well, overcrowding the air‑fryer basket, and using too much oil which makes the chips soggy rather than crisp.
Why does this ramen chips recipe use an air fryer instead of deep‑frying?
Air frying uses hot air circulation to crisp the noodles with a fraction of the oil, resulting in a lighter texture, fewer calories, and less mess compared to traditional deep‑frying, while still achieving that satisfying crunch.
Can I make ramen chips ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can make them ahead, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Re‑crisp in a 350°F oven for 3‑5 minutes before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Elliott Norris specialize in?
The YouTube channel Elliott Norris focuses on quick, budget‑friendly cooking hacks, snack ideas, and simple recipes that use everyday pantry ingredients, often featuring air‑fryer and microwave techniques.
How does the YouTube channel Elliott Norris's approach to snack recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Elliott Norris emphasizes ultra‑fast preparation, minimal equipment, and creative repurposing of packaged foods, whereas many other channels prioritize elaborate techniques or gourmet ingredients. His style is very relatable for college students and busy home cooks.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
