Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 8 oz Rice noodles
- 1 Egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup Bean sprouts
- 1/4 cup Green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp Peanut oil (or any high smoke point oil)
- 1/4 cup Crushed peanuts for garnish
- 1 Lime, cut into wedges
Sauce:
- 3 tbsp Tamarind paste
- 3 tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp Chili flakes (adjust to taste)
Substitutes:
- Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu if you’re looking for a different protein source.
- Noodles: Can’t find rice noodles? Use any flat noodle as an alternative; just be mindful of cooking times.
- Allergies: For a nut-free version, omit peanuts and use sunflower seeds for that crunch.
Instructions
1. Prep the noodles: Soak rice noodles in hot water for about 5-8 minutes until they’re soft but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
2. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine tamarind paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Set this aside for later.
3. Cook the chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Toss the sliced chicken with a tablespoon of peanut oil and a pinch of salt. Spread it in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4. Sauté add-ins: While the chicken cooks, heat a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the remaining oil and the beaten egg. Scramble the egg and then push it to the side of the skillet. Add the pre-soaked noodles and half of the prepared sauce. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes, mixing well with the egg.
5. Combine: Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the skillet with the noodles. Add the rest of the sauce, bean sprouts, and green onions. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the ingredients are well combined and heated through.
6. Garnish and serve: Transfer the cooked Pad Thai to a serving dish. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
Pay close attention to the air fryer cooking times and temperature settings to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly but remains juicy. Cooking Thai noodles in a skillet after softening them ensures they soak up the flavorful sauce without becoming too soft.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken pad thai