There’s just something so fun about edamame. Squeezing the little beans out of the shells is just relaxing in a way. Instead of heading to the restaurant to get your fix, now you can make frozen edamame in the air fryer right at home!
Why Make Frozen Edamame in the Air Fryer?
Edamame, also known as soybeans, are a great snack. They’re naturally vegan, as well as being high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, meaning they’re also a healthier choice. Just because it’s good for you doesn’t mean it can’t taste great too!
Frozen edamame takes just around 10 minutes to cook in your air fryer, with no defrosting required. While I’m going to show you how to make spicy garlic edamame, it’s incredibly easy to swap out different seasonings and flavors to suit any palette.
As long as you watch the seasonings you add, edamame are naturally vegetarian, gluten free, and vegan friendly as well, so they fit in with a variety of different dietary needs (unless you have a soy allergy).
You can find edamame in the frozen section of most major grocery stores (I found Bird’s Eye brand at my local Walmart, but Pictsweet is another common option). For larger quantities, find bagged edamame in whole stores like Costco.
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Ingredients List For Spicy Garlic Edamame
- 10-oz bag frozen edamame in the pod (I have Bird’s Eye brand)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sriracha or sambal oelek
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Any brand of frozen edamame works. Bird’s Eye and Pictsweet are common, but I’ve also used Costco and Trader Joe’s frozen edamame before for this. While you don’t eat the shells, you do want to get the “in the pod” version for cooking. If you use edamame without a shell, they tend to dry out and aren’t as good
- If someone has a soybean allergy, this recipe works well with frozen green beans too
- You can swap the olive oil for sesame oil for additional flavor if preferred
- The amount of seasonings may all be adjusted to taste, particularly if you want more or less heat, and feel free to omit the sriracha if you just want garlic edamame with no spice
- Other great seasoning variations include: Cajun, barbecue, Old Bay, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, or ranch seasoning (I just don’t use anything with sugar as it tends to burn in the air fryer)
How to Cook Frozen Edamame in Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F
- In a mixing bowl, combine frozen edamame pods with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and sriracha. Stir to evenly coat
- Add the seasoned edamame to the preheated air fryer basket in as close to a single layer as possible
- Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes at 390°F, pausing halfway to flip the edamame or shake the basket. Edamame are done when pods begin to brown and get a little crisp
- Serve warm.
How to Eat Spicy Garlic Edamame
To eat your air fryer spicy garlic edamame, hold one end of the pod in your hand. Put the whole pod (minus the part you are holding) in your mouth, then use your teeth to squeeze as you pull the pod with your hand.
This should release the beans into your mouth, while transferring the seasoning on the pods along with them.
What to Serve With Edamame Beans
- Sushi
- Tempura
- Fried rice
- Scrambled eggs
- Soba noodles
- Burritos
- Tacos
- Poached fish
- Shrimp
- Chowder
- Green salads
- Grain bowls
- Stir fry
Try your spicy garlic air fryer frozen edamame with my crispy Frozen Tempura Shrimp in the Air Fryer, quick Frozen Fried Rice in the Air Fryer, teriyaki Air Fryer Salmon Bites, Air Fryer Sushi Bake, or atop some tasty fish tacos made with Mahi Mahi Cooked in the Air Fryer.
Recipe FAQs
Can You Air Fry Frozen Edamame?
Yes, you can air fry frozen edamame. It may be cooked directly from frozen, with no defrosting required.
It is best to use shelled edamame in the air fryer, as the exterior will brown and become somewhat dry. However, the beans themselves, which you actually eat, remain perfect.
Can You Cook Edamame Beans From Frozen?
Yes, you can cook edamame beans from frozen. There is no need to thaw frozen edamame in advance.
In fact, this is true regardless of whether you’re cooking them in the air fryer, microwave, or on the stovetop.
How Long to Cook Frozen Edamame in the Air Fryer?
On average, it takes between 8 to 12 minutes to air fry frozen edamame.
The time will vary slightly based on your specific air fryer, as well as how tightly packed your beans are.
Is Frozen Edamame Already Cooked?
Typically frozen edamame is partially cooked, as it has been blanched before freezing.
As such, you will be heating it from its frozen state and finishing the cooking process when you prepare it.
Do You Eat the Skin of Cooked Edamame?
No, you do not eat the skin of cooked edamame. Use light pressure from your teeth to squeeze the pod and pop the interior beans out.
The pods are fibrous and tough, making them undesirable to eat.
Can You Eat Frozen Edamame Raw?
You can eat frozen edamame raw if it has been blanched prior to freezing. If you are using a flash frozen brand, then it should not be consumed raw.
It is always safe to cook the edamame before eating to be on the safe side, to prevent adverse reactions.
Can You Microwave Frozen Edamame?
Yes, you can microwave frozen edamame to steam them.
Cook in a microwave safe dish for 3-4 minutes on high, until they are steamed through and hot to the touch.
Is Edamame a Healthy Snack?
Yes, edamame is generally considered a healthy snack because it is high in plant-based protein and rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, folate, and iron. It’s also low in calories and contains dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel full longer.
Edamame provides healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, and is low in carbs, making it suitable for various diets. Its antioxidant properties and potential cholesterol-lowering effects contribute to its overall health benefits.
Recipe Pro Tips For Air Fryer Frozen Edamame
- Feel free to garnish with a little sea salt after cooking for a more prominent salty flavor
- You can add more sambal or top with red pepper flakes for additional heat after cooking as well (it’s always easier to add more heat than to take it away)
- It is normal for the outside of the pod to brown during cooking. Don’t worry, the soybeans (the part you eat) will be perfect!
- You’ll also notice some of the edamame pods will naturally split open during cooking. It doesn’t hurt them at all, and saves you work eating them!
- I made this recipe using a Ninja air fryer. Note that other brands of air fryer may vary slightly in cooking time, so adjust as needed for your specific appliance!
Spicy Garlic Edamame Storage & Reheating
- Store leftover edamame in an airtight container or zippered bag in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- To reheat leftover edamame, air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes (shake the basket halfway). You can also microwave them for about 1 minute if you’re in a hurry
More Asian Inspired Frozen Air Fryer Snacks
Final Thoughts
This spicy garlic frozen edamame in the air fryer is a simple way to make an Asian-inspired snack in only about 10 minutes. While I love bold flavors, if you don’t, they’re easily adjustable with other seasonings to suit a variety of tastes.
Speaking of, soybeans are naturally vegetarian, gluten free, and vegan friendly. So, unless you’ve got a soy allergy to contend with, this is one appetizer, side, or snack that’s approved for a variety of dietary restrictions!
That doesn’t mean they sacrifice flavor, though! I enjoy edamame any time we’re having sushi and sometimes just for a snack because they’re delicious!
Spicy Garlic Frozen Edamame in Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
Ingredients
- 10 Ounces frozen edamame in the pod (such as Bird's Eye)
- 1 Tsp olive oil
- ½ Tsp salt
- ½ Tsp garlic powder
- ½ Tsp sriracha or sambal oelek (I used sambal)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F
- In a mixing bowl, combine frozen edamame pods with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and sriracha. Stir to evenly coat10 Ounces frozen edamame in the pod, 1 Tsp olive oil, ½ Tsp salt, ½ Tsp garlic powder, ½ Tsp sriracha or sambal oelek
- Add the seasoned edamame to the preheated air fryer basket in as close to a single layer as possible
- Cook on the air fry setting for 10 minutes at 390°F, pausing halfway to flip the edamame or shake the basket. Edamame are done when pods begin to brown and get a little crisp at the edges
- Serve warm. To eat the edamame, hold one end of the pod in your hand. Put the whole pod (minus the part you are holding) in your mouth, then use your teeth to squeeze as you pull the pod with your hand. This should release the beans into your mouth, while transferring the seasoning on the pods along with them
Notes
- Any brand of frozen edamame works. I’ve also used Costco and Trader Joe’s frozen edamame before for this. While you don’t eat the shells, you do want to get the “in the pod” version for cooking. If you use shelled edamame they tend to dry out and aren’t as good
- If someone has a soybean allergy, this recipe works well with frozen green beans too
- You can swap the olive oil for sesame oil for additional flavor if preferred
- The amount of seasonings may all be adjusted to taste, particularly if you want more or less heat, and feel free to omit the sriracha if you just want garlic edamame with no spice
- Other great seasoning variations include: Cajun, barbecue, Old Bay, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, or ranch seasoning (I just don’t use anything with sugar as it tends to burn in the air fryer)
- Feel free to garnish with a little sea salt after cooking for a more prominent salty flavor
- You can add more sambal or top with red pepper flakes for additional heat after cooking as well (it’s always easier to add more heat than to take it away)
- It is normal for the outside of the pod to brown during cooking. Don’t worry, the soybeans (the part you eat) will be perfect!
- You’ll also notice some of the edamame pods will naturally split open during cooking. It doesn’t hurt them at all, and saves you work eating them!
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, seasonings, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
