Soy Noodles with Tomato Sauce and Crispy Basil

• 250g instant soy noodles
• 300g Italian-spiced tomato paste
• 1 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons extra‑virgin olive oil
• 1 toasted sesame seed
• to taste salt and black pepper

👨‍🍳 Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the soy noodles with 200 ml of hot water. Let sit for 5 min so they absorb the liquid and soften without becoming gummy.

2. 2

   Step 2: Meanwhile, heat the tomato sauce in a saucepan to 80 °C, stirring gently. Low heat prevents caramelization and keeps the flavor fresh.

3. 3

   Step 3: Drain the noodles and add them to the sauce. Stir with a wooden spoon until the pasta is evenly coated.

4. 4

   Step 4: Transfer the noodles to the air‑fryer basket. Set the temperature to 190 °C and program for 12 min. The air circulation at this temperature creates a lightly golden exterior without burning the interior.

5. 5

   Step 5: When done, scatter the fresh basil and toasted sesame seeds over the dish. If desired, drizzle a little extra‑virgin olive oil to enhance the aroma.

6. 6

   Step 6: Serve immediately, as the sesame’s crunch holds best when the dish is freshly removed from the air‑fryer.

💡 Chef's tip

The key to perfect crunch lies in balancing the sauce’s moisture with the air‑fryer temperature. Cooking at 190 °C for 12 min evaporates almost all the water, leaving a 5 mm surface that browns without losing interior softness. If the sauce is too thick, add 20 ml of hot water before mixing to prevent the outer layer from burning.