Jewish Christmas is by far my favorite of all the winter holidays. Though it may not be marked on the calendar as such, I’d argue that it’s every bit as legitimate as all the “national holidays” that social media loves to celebrate. Notably absent is the expectation of exchanging gifts, spending all day in the kitchen creating an elaborate meal, or time with the extended family with questionable political views. Quite the contrary; you’re fully expected to spend a good chunk of the day sitting in silence, enjoying the darkness of a movie theater, where you can (hopefully) avoid most people, then treat yourself to the finest American Chinese cuisine that your nearest hole in the wall takeout spot can provide.

Usually, I’ll have my order figured out long before the credits roll. Who am I kidding, I usually have my dinner game plan set before breakfast. The day can change and my mood may shift, but the craving remains the same. It seems like there are more people than ever seeking solitude at the movies, which means my social battery is still exhausted by that single outing. Returning to the safety of my home, I’m much happier to slip back in front of the stove to craft my own homage to Chinese takeout.

Moreover, for anyone that appreciates the art of crispy cake noodles, you’ll know that they’re best when eaten right away, making them a poor candidate for extended transport. For best results, you’ve gotta eat them right away, which means taking matters into your own hands. Luckily, that’s much easier than it may seem, thanks to the beloved air fryer.

What Are Cake Noodles?

Backing up a step, cake noodles may also be called noodle cakes, fried noodle cakes, or pan-fried noodle cakes, depending on the actual preparation and how literal the menu writer wants to be. They’re found in various permutations across numerous Asian cuisines, and have a notable following especially in Hawaii. Rather than a typical stir fry that creates charred chewy stands of individual noodles, the entire portion of noodles stays together in one large clump and is cooked to a crunchy finish. Any combination of protein and vegetables will then be cooked separately and plated right on top. The noodles begin to soften as the sauce they’re topped with begins to soak in, which makes them such an ephemeral, short-lived entree.

What Are The Best Type Of Noodles?

All noodles are beautiful, but if we’re talking about crispy cake noodles, wheat-based chow mein is the gold standard. Technically, any noodle can become a cake noodle, but very thick options like udon won’t become crispy all the way through, and gluten-free noodles may not stick together properly. There’s no harm in experimenting, though; even if you don’t make a cake noodle, you’ll still make something entirely delicious.

Why Use An Air Fryer?

We all know by now that air fryers are really just glorified countertop ovens, but that doesn’t make them any less convenient. In this case, their quick cooking capabilities and high temperatures create a perfect crunchy crust across your entire noodle cake, fully enclosed so there’s no temptation to stir and break them up. This preparation is especially well-suited to basket-style models for their round shape, popping perfectly circular noodle disks every time.

What makes cake noodles so special is their textural contrasts. Golden-brown, fried noodles, crispy and delicate on the outside yet tender on the inside, shine when plated with a savory medley of vegetables, succulent tofu, and a rich, flavorful sauce that coats every strand.

These little crispy marvels serve as a reminder of the simplicity and pleasure of Jewish Christmas. No need for complicated recipes, extravagant dishes, or expensive takeout – just a hearty, satisfying meal that warms the soul. It’s a culinary embrace that brings us comfort and joy during this quiet celebration. Even if you’re celebrating a more conventional Christmas this year, you might want to consider a round-two taking this approach the following day.

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Yield: Makes 2 - 3 Servings

Air Fryer Crispy Cake Noodle

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Make crispy noodle cakes at home in minutes in the air fryer! This technique is incredibly fast and easy, and much less messy without any splattering oil to contend with.

Ingredients

Crispy Noodles:

• 5 Ounces Chow Mein Noodles
• 1 Tablespoon Toasted Sesame Oil
• 1/4 Teaspoon Salt

Basic Brown Sauce:

• 2 Tablespoons Arrowroot
• 1 1/2 Cups Vegetable Stock
• 1/4 Cup Soy Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Date Molasses or Maple Syrup
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 Teaspoon Minced Fresh Ginger
• 2 Scallions, Thinly Sliced

Vegetables and Protein:

• 1 Pound Frozen Stir-Fry Vegetables (Such as Broccoli, Carrots, Snap Peas, and Water Chestnuts)
• 10 - 12 Ounces Fried Tofu, Tofu Puffs, or Diced Super Firm Tofu

Instructions

1. Begin by making the crispy noodles. Bring a medium saucepan full of water to a boil and cook the noodles for just 2 to 3 minutes, until they're pliable and edible, but not yet al dente. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse; we want to keep all that starch to help bind the noodles together.
   
   
2. Toss the semi-cooked noodles with sesame oil and salt. Once combined, spread them out in the basket of a well-greased air fryer in a single, even layer. Begin air frying at 370 degrees for 5 minutes, then increase the heat to 400 degrees and air fry for another 5 minutes.
   
   
3. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the arrowroot with just a splash of the vegetable sauce, until smoothly combined with no clumps. Add the remaining stock, soy sauce, vinegar, sweetener, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute longer, until fully thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the scallions.
   
   
4. Remove the crispy cake noodle from the air fryer and set it on a serving plate. Lightly grease the basket again and add the vegetables and tofu. Air fry at 370 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes, until hot and lightly browned around the edges.
   
   
5. Toss the vegetables in the pan with the sauce, to coat. Pour the saucy vegetables and protein over the crispy noodles and serve immediately.

Recommended Products

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have experience with all of these companies and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something through my links.

• 
  Bob's Red Mill, Arrowroot Starch/Flour, Gluten Free, 16 oz (454 g)
• 
  La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil
• 
  Chinese 5 Spice Nuggets — Always Plant-Based. Always Delicious. Hodo.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

3

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 553Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 300mgCarbohydrates: 60gFiber: 5gSugar: 7gProtein: 30g

All nutritional information presented within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on BitterSweetBlog.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though I try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of my ability, these figures should still be considered estimations.