A process and an apparatus for producing instant noodles

A process for producing instant noodles starting from noodles divided in portions or blocks, comprising the steps of:

• transporting the portions of noodles by means of a conveyor (2) along a transport direction (D), said conveyor (2) comprising a plurality of cup-shaped receptacles (4) for receiving the portions of noodles, each cup-shaped receptacle (4) having a holed bottom (4a);
• subjecting the portions of noodles arranged in the cup-shaped receptacles (4) to an upper air flow having a temperature that is comprised between 100° C. and 300° C., the upper air flow being directed from a first zone (3a) above the conveyor (2) to a second zone (3b) under the conveyor (2);
• subjecting the portions of noodles arranged in the cup-shaped receptacles (4) to a lower air flow having a temperature that is comprised between 100° C. and 300° C., the lower air flow being directed from the second zone (3b) to the first zone (3a);
• moving the portions of noodles arranged in the cup-shaped receptacles (4) by means of an air flow, the step of moving occurring before subjecting the portions of noodles to the upper air flow and to the lower air flow.