Air fryer edamame is the side dish hack that’ll make you question why you ever bothered with boiling or steaming these protein-packed beans. You get crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside edamame straight from freezer to table in minutes!
If you’ve ever enjoyed these addictive little soybeans at your favorite Japanese restaurant, you know how perfect they are as appetizers or healthy snacks. But ordering takeout whenever you crave edamame isn’t practical (or budget-friendly!).
The savory, nutty flavor of the beans intensifies with the high heat of the air fryer, creating an addictive snack that delivers protein and fiber in each pod. You’ll find yourself making these as a pre-dinner snack, lunch, or late-night munch.
That’s why I love this air fryer shortcut – it takes just 10 minutes and comes out perfectly tender every time. You can even serve these as appetizers at your next party; they taste good!
In this post, I’ll show you the simple steps to turn frozen edamame into the crispiest, most flavorful version you’ve ever had. Plus, I’ll share my favorite seasoning variations to keep things interesting!
Looking for more easy internationally-inspired air fryer recipes? Try air fryer baba ganoush, air fryer jerk chicken skewers, or air fryer pierogies.
Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Frozen edamame in pods: You want the edamame still in the pods. Look for bright green pods in the frozen vegetable section of your grocery store.
- Olive oil
- Flaky sea salt
How to Make Air Fryer Frozen Edamame
- Start with your frozen edamame – no need to thaw! Pour about 3 cups (or 14 ounces) into a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over the frozen pods. Toss everything together until the pods are lightly coated. Sprinkle with the flaky sea salt and toss again.
- Transfer the seasoned edamame to your air fryer basket. If possible, try to spread them out in a single layer, though a little overlap is fine.
- Set your air fryer to 390 degrees F and cook for 10 minutes. Around the 5-minute mark, pause and give the basket a good shake to ensure even cooking.
- Once done, they should be hot and slightly crispy on the outside. I usually grab one to test (careful, they’re hot!) to ensure they’re warmed through.
Seasoning Variations
Don’t limit yourself to plain salt. For Asian-inspired pods, toss them with sesame oil, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of furikake or togarashi.
Craving something with kick? Try chili lime seasoning with a squeeze of fresh citrus after cooking. My family’s current obsession is everything but the bagel seasoning, which sticks perfectly to the crispy exterior.
Since these cook so quickly, you can make a batch with one seasoning and another with something completely different—perfect for households where everyone likes something different!
Serving Ideas
This air fryer edamame is great as a snack or side dish. I love setting out a big bowl of these tender, salty pods when my family is watching movies or during game night. Here are some more delicious meals that go well with it:
- Asian-inspired main courses like stir-fries or rice bowls
- Grilled fish or chicken
- Sushi or poke bowls
I always serve edamame with an empty bowl nearby for the pods. You’ll want somewhere to put those empty shells while enjoying this addictive snack!
How to Store
While these air fryer edamame are best enjoyed fresh and warm, sometimes you end up with leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat, put them back in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Or microwave them for 30-45 seconds.
Tips & Tricks
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Keep those edamame frozen! Thawing them first makes them mushy. For perfect texture, go straight from the freezer to the air fryer.
- Giving the basket a good shake halfway through cooking is crucial. This ensures every pod gets evenly crispy.
Reader Questions
No, you’d need a different recipe for fresh edamame. Frozen edamame is already parboiled and ready to go, making it perfect for air frying. Fresh edamame must be boiled first, adding an extra step and time.
The pods should be bright green and slightly blistered on the outside. You might hear a slight sizzle when you shake the basket—that’s a good sign! If you’re unsure, try one (be careful, they’re hot!).
Yes! These soybeans are packed with protein and fiber. They’re one of my go-to healthy snacks when craving something salty but don’t want to reach for chips.
Regular kosher salt works fine, too. I prefer flaky sea salt because it gives a nice crunch and distributes more evenly. Don’t use table salt – it’s too fine and can make your edamame salty.
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Air Fryer Frozen Edamame Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen edamame in pods about 14 oz
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Toss the frozen edamame with olive oil and flaky sea salt in a bowl.3 cups frozen edamame in pods, 1 teaspoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Air fry at 390 degrees F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve warm, straight from the air fryer.
Notes
- Thawing the edamame first makes them mushy. For perfect texture, go straight from the freezer to the air fryer.
- Giving the basket a good shake halfway through cooking is crucial. This ensures every pod gets evenly crispy
Seasoning variations
- For Asian-inspired pods, toss them with sesame oil, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of furikake or togarashi.
- For hot and spicy, try chili lime seasoning with a squeeze of fresh citrus after cooking,
- Try different spice blends like Cajun seasoning, everything bagel seasoning, or Italian seasoning.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
