Simple Air-Fried Chicken Noodle Soup

A creative, comforting noodle soup featuring a savory chicken bone broth paired with air-fried, crispy chicken thighs and vibrant, zesty scallion kimchi.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken thigh bones
• 2 chicken thighs, de-boned
• 200 g fresh noodles
• 3 slices fresh ginger
• 1 tsp white peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups fresh lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp scallion kimchi
• to taste salt

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the Chicken Broth

   

   Place the de-boned chicken thigh bones into a black stone pot. This foundation will create a rich and savory base for the noodle soup.

   Tip: Using bones adds depth of flavor; ensure they are clean before adding to the pot.
2. 2Add Water

   

   Pour an appropriate amount of clean water over the chicken thigh bones in the pot, ensuring they are fully submerged to start the boiling process.

   Tip: Use enough water to cover the bones completely for an even extraction of flavor.
3. 3Season the Broth

   

   Add ginger slices, white peppercorns, and a bay leaf to the pot. These aromatics will infuse the broth with warmth and a subtle, spicy complexity.

   Tip: Ginger slices provide a fresh, pungent lift that balances the richness of the chicken.
4. 4Skim the Broth

   

   As the broth reaches a boil, use a fine mesh strainer to skim off the foam that rises to the surface. This ensures a clean, clear, and refined soup base.

   Tip: Skimming regularly during the first boil is the secret to a professional-looking, clear broth.
5. 5Simmer the Broth

   

   Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the broth to simmer gently for half an hour to extract maximum flavor from the chicken bones.

   Tip: A gentle simmer is crucial; a rolling boil can make the broth cloudy.
6. 6Prepare the Lettuce

   

   While the broth simmers, chop fresh lettuce into smaller, bite-sized pieces on a cutting board to prepare it for the final dish.

   Tip: Fresh lettuce adds a crisp, refreshing texture that contrasts perfectly with the hot soup.
7. 7Slice the red onion

   

   Carefully slice the red onion into thin strips on a cutting board. These will be added to the broth later to provide a sweet, aromatic flavor to the soup.

   Tip: For uniform slices, keep your fingertips tucked under your knuckles while using the knife.
8. 8Prepare chicken for the air fryer

   

   Take the pre-seasoned chicken thigh meat and place it into the air fryer basket, which has been lined with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.

   Tip: Ensure the chicken is arranged in a single layer to allow for even air circulation and crisping.
9. 9Roast the chicken

   

   Set the air fryer temperature dial to 180 degrees Celsius and roast the chicken thighs for about seven to eight minutes until golden and cooked through.

   Tip: Keep an eye on the chicken toward the end to ensure it reaches your desired level of crispiness without burning.
10. 10Clarify the broth

    

    Once the broth has finished simmering, use kitchen tongs to carefully remove and discard the boiled chicken bones and ginger slices. This leaves you with a clean, flavorful base for the noodles.

    Tip: Work slowly to ensure all small bone fragments are removed from the stock.
11. 11Cook the noodles

    

    Add the fresh, uncooked noodles directly into the boiling chicken broth. Let them cook until they reach your preferred texture, typically two to three minutes.

    Tip: Stir the noodles gently with chopsticks or a fork after adding them to prevent sticking.
12. 12Add aromatics to the soup

    

    Add the previously sliced red onions into the pot with the boiling noodles. The brief cooking time will soften them while maintaining their flavor.

    Tip: Adding the onions toward the end keeps their flavor bright and prevents them from overcooking.
13. 13Add fresh lettuce

    

    Add the prepared chopped fresh lettuce into the bubbling chicken broth. Cook for a short time to keep the greens vibrant and slightly crisp.

    Tip: Do not overcook the lettuce, as it should maintain some texture against the soft noodles.
14. 14Top with roasted chicken

    

    Using chopsticks, carefully place the air-fried, browned chicken thigh pieces on top of the cooked noodles and broth.

    Tip: Keep the chicken separate from the soup until serving to maintain its chewy, roasted texture.
15. 15Garnish with scallion kimchi

    

    Place a portion of homemade scallion kimchi on top of the soup as a final garnish to add a spicy, fermented depth of flavor.

    Tip: The acidity of the kimchi helps balance the rich flavor of the chicken broth.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions