Air-Fried Potato Noodle Sticks hold a special place in my kitchen, and my heart. I still remember the first time I made them, on a crisp autumn afternoon with golden leaves tumbling outside and cinnamon candles flickering on the counter. That day, I craved something crunchy, comforting, and just a little different. I had leftover mashed potatoes and a pack of rice noodles, and the air fryer already warm from breakfast. And just like that, this cozy snack was born.
Welcome to Fresh Leaf Rezepte! I’m Sam, and if you’ve been with me a while, you know how much I love turning pantry basics into snack-time surprises. These Air-Fried Potato Noodle Sticks are one of those recipes that turns heads at gatherings and gets recipe requests before the tray hits the table. They’re crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, with a satisfying chew from the noodles and that golden air-fried finish we all adore. Best part? They’re made with simple ingredients, no deep fryer in sight, and they pair perfectly with everything from dips to soups.
In this post, I’ll guide you through every step of making Air-Fried Potato Noodle Sticks, from the basic ingredients to my favorite variations. Whether you’re making an afternoon snack, a holiday party platter, or a fun side dish for dinner, these will become your go-to crispy treat. Plus, I’ll share storage tips, gluten-free swaps, and even a sweet potato version!
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Air Fried Potato Noodle Sticks
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy outside, chewy inside, these Air-Fried Potato Noodle Sticks are the ultimate cozy snack. Made with mashed potatoes and chopped noodles, they’re easy, flavorful, and totally addictive.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cold or room temperature)
- 1 cup cooked rice noodles or glass noodles (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 1 tablespoon rice flour (or all-purpose if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley (optional)
- Oil spray for air frying
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheese
- Optional: 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- Optional: chili flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodle-Potato Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed potatoes and chopped noodles.
- Add cornstarch, rice flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Mix until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Sticks:
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon at a time and roll into stick shapes.
- Make them mozzarella stick-sized or smaller for bites.
- Chill (Optional):
- Place sticks on a tray and chill in the fridge for 20–30 minutes.
- Air Fry:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray sticks with oil on all sides.
- Air fry in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve Hot:
- Let cool slightly and serve with your favorite dips.
Notes
Use dry mashed potatoes to avoid soggy sticks. Chill the dough before frying for best shape. Spray lightly with oil—don’t overdo it. For a cheesy version, add shredded cheese or a cube in the center before shaping.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with what you need. This recipe uses everyday ingredients, but feel free to play around based on what you’ve got.
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed potatoes (cold or room temperature)
- 1 cup cooked rice noodles or glass noodles (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 1 tablespoon rice flour (or all-purpose if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley (optional)
- Oil spray for air frying
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup shredded cheese (for cheesy sticks!)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free cheesy flavor)
- Chili flakes for heat
These ingredients are flexible. I often use gluten-free noodles, and for flavor, I might add a dash of tamari or some chopped scallions.
Related Recipe Inspiration: If you’re into cozy snacks like this, check out the Awesome Blossom Onion Bites or these fun Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires no fancy tools, just your hands, a bowl, and an air fryer.
1. Prepare the Noodle-Potato Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes and finely chopped noodles. The noodles should be cooked and cooled, glass noodles or rice vermicelli work best. Add the cornstarch, rice flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix everything until it becomes a soft dough.
2. Shape the Sticks
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture at a time and roll into small sticks, think mozzarella stick size. You can shape them longer for dipping or smaller for bite-sized nibbles.
3. Chill (Optional but Recommended)
Place the formed sticks on a lined tray and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold shape during air frying.
4. Air Fry Time
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the sticks with oil on all sides. Air fry in a single layer (don’t overcrowd) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should turn golden brown and crisp.
5. Serve Hot!
Let them cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces, spicy mayo, sriracha ketchup, or even classic marinara.
Pro Tip: Try them with a warm bowl of Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Casserole for the ultimate comfort food combo.
Tips for Perfect Potato Noodle Sticks
To get the best texture and flavor from your Air-Fried Potato Noodle Sticks, here are some of my go-to tips:
- Use dry mashed potatoes: Too much moisture makes them fall apart. If your mash is very soft, add a bit more flour or cornstarch.
- Chop noodles finely: You want little bits of noodle in each bite, not long strands that pull the mix apart.
- Don’t skip chilling: This helps them hold their shape and fry up evenly.
- Spray, don’t soak: A light oil spray is enough. Too much oil can make them soggy instead of crisp.
Bonus: These freeze beautifully before cooking. Lay them on a tray in the freezer for an hour, then transfer to a container or freezer bag. Air fry from frozen, just add 3–4 minutes to the cook time.
Looking for another high-protein comfort option? Try the High Protein Hamburger Helper for a heartier dish.
Fun Variations to Try
Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, get creative! Here are a few ways to put a twist on your potato noodle sticks:
1. Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free flour (like rice flour or chickpea flour) and certified GF noodles. You can also use Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes as a sweet gluten-free treat to pair alongside.
2. Sweet Potato Twist
Swap regular mashed potatoes with mashed sweet potatoes for a richer, sweeter flavor. Add a pinch of cinnamon and cumin for a savory-sweet balance.
3. Cheesy Center
Before shaping, flatten the dough, add a bit of shredded cheese in the middle, and wrap the dough around it. Melty inside, crispy outside.
4. Spicy Kick
Mix in some chopped jalapeños or red chili flakes. Serve with spicy aioli for heat lovers.
5. Asian-Inspired
Add a splash of soy sauce, sesame oil, and chopped green onions for an umami-rich version. Dip in sweet chili sauce or hoisin.
Craving fusion flavors? The Spicy Ramen Lasagna is a must-try for noodle lovers.
How to Store and Reheat
These sticks are best served fresh, but you can absolutely make them ahead or keep leftovers for later.
Storage:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked sticks on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Lasts up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Air fryer: 375°F for 3–5 minutes until hot and crisp.
- Oven: 400°F for 7–8 minutes, flipping once.
- Microwave: Not recommended, they’ll turn soft, not crispy.
Looking for meal-prep friendly bites? These Viral Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Bowls are packed with flavor and protein.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
Yes, but prepare them thicker than usual and let them cool completely before using. Fresh mashed potatoes give the best texture, though.
2. Can I bake instead of air-fry?
Definitely! Bake at 425°F (220°C) on a parchment-lined tray for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be as crisp as air-fried but still tasty.
3. What noodles work best?
Rice vermicelli, glass noodles, or even soba noodles. Just make sure they’re cooked and chopped into short pieces.
4. What dips go best with these?
Spicy mayo, creamy garlic sauce, sweet chili sauce, or classic ketchup. For something richer, pair with this Crispy Rice Salad on the side.
Conclusion
Air-Fried Potato Noodle Sticks are one of those joyful recipes that remind us why we love home cooking: they’re crunchy, creative, easy to make, and always a hit. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting friends, these sticks bring fun to the table and warmth to your kitchen.
Don’t forget to pair them with cozy recipes like the Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Casserole or the Healthy Pumpkin Donut Holes for a truly comforting meal.