Sidra Agarwal, Dietetics Studen
Reviewed by Jennifer Hanes MS, RDN, LD
Welcome to our latest blog post, where we will share a delicious and easy air fryer recipe to make edamame.
Edamame is a popular snack in Japanese cuisine made from soybeans still in the pod. The beans are typically steamed or boiled before being seasoned with salt, but in this recipe, we will use an air fryer to give them a crispy, crunchy texture.
This recipe is perfect for those looking for a healthy and tasty snack option. It’s also a great way to use your air fryer in a new and exciting way. So, let’s get started!
What is Edamame?
Edamame are little green soybean pods that are mild in flavor, nutty, and with a mild sweetness. Because it is picked before the bean matures, edamame doesn’t have a “bean-y” texture.
For me, edamame has a perfect bite and almost resembles the texture of cashews. They are easily available in grocery stores in small bags, already blanched and frozen or shelled and ready for you to enjoy as a snack or as a topping for bowls or salads.
For this recipe, I chose to use edamame that is still in the pods. If you pick up edamame that has been shelled, you may have to adjust the cooking time.
Edamame Nutrition
Edamame is an excellent source of protein and fiber and a perfect vegetarian option!
Because we are only using a quick spray of olive oil, our recipe is very similar to the nutrition of edamame in its natural state. This recipe will give you about 8 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber!
While we call this a snack recipe, it would also make a great crunchy topping for a salad.
Tofu and tempeh are both made from soybeans
Tofu, like the silken, soft, or firm variety, is made from curdled soy milk pressed into solid blocks. This process is similar to how cheese is made.
Tempeh, on the other hand, is made from cooked and fermented soybeans molded into a firm, dense block. Occasionally, brown rice, quinoa, or nuts are also added to tempeh, further increasing its protein content.
How to Make Air Fryer Edamame
Honestly, this is the easiest snack on the planet!
All you need is an air fryer and 3 ingredients, including the edamame, and it is ready in 5 minutes.
You simply season the edamame, place it in the air fryer basket, and wait a few short minutes!
Using frozen edamame means making as much or as little as you want without worrying about the food going bad. If the edamame you have on hand isn’t frozen, reduce the cooking time.
How to Eat Air Fryer Edamame
To eat the cooked edamame, use your teeth to scrape the beans out of the pod. This is not only fun but also allows you to taste the seasoning.
The edamame pod is not toxic but is very fibrous. This fiber is not digestible, potentially causing a lot of gas and abdominal discomfort. The texture while chewing is not so great, either.
Air Fryer Edamame
Equipment
- bowl
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz Frozen and blanched edamame approximately 2 cups
- olive oil spray
- 1 Tbsp garlic salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, toss the edamame with garlic salt and olive oil spray.
- Place it in the air fryer basket, and air fry it at 390F for 10 minutes.
- Stir or shake around halfway through the cooking time.
- Serve and enjoy!
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Personalizing Your Edamame
This recipe is super versatile, and you can play around with the flavor profile. Add chili flakes to give it a spicy kick, or soy sauce and sesame seeds or oil for a more savory, umami flavor. Or be a real rebel and choose any flavor profile you want! Garam masala, garlic and onion powder, harissa, taco or fajita seasoning, or any other seasoning blend you find on the spice aisle would work.
You can also use shelled edamame if you prefer not to deal with the edamame pods. Just keep an eye on the cooking time; it’ll likely be shorter.
Have fun with it, and enjoy this snack when you get those hunger pangs while working or grab a bowl while watching your favorite show!
Storage Tips
To store your air fryer edamame (if there’s any left!) simply store in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.
I recommend re-heating the edamame in the air fryer. You can skip this, but the texture will be softer, and the taste will likely be milder.
More About Sidra
My name is Sidra Agarwal. I am from India and have been in the DFW area for the last 10 years.
I am a senior at Texas Woman’s University, majoring in Nutrition with an emphasis in Dietetics. When I am not studying or working, I enjoy cooking/baking, working out, going on walks with my dogs, and binge-watching Netflix. I also love to travel and explore new cuisines and cultures and have a Europe trip on my bucket list for next year!
My Instagram handle is @SidraAgarwal
Jennifer Hanes MS, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian, mom, wife, and vegetarian in North Texas. She has dedicated Dietitian Jenn to be a source of information, ideas, and inspiration for people like her, vegetarians that live with people with different dietary beliefs and/or needs in a multivore household.
Super simple recipe and a great, healthy snack!