The present invention provides a method for producing instant noodles having fresh noodle-like texture and flavor and having an excellent reconstitution property even if the noodles are thick. In the present invention, superheated steam flow is directly sprayed to raw noodle strings for 5 to 50 seconds such that a temperature of superheated steam to which surfaces of the noodle strings are exposed becomes 125 to 220° C., the noodle strings are supplied with moisture using water or hot water, the noodle strings are further steamed by directly spraying the superheated steam flow to the noodle strings for 5 to 50 seconds and/or steamed by using non-superheated steam, and the noodle strings are dried to produce the instant noodles.