Oh my goodness, let me tell you about air fryer fried rice! It’s one of those dishes that’s not only super easy to whip up but also incredibly satisfying and delicious. I mean, who doesn’t love a bowl of warm, flavorful fried rice that can come together in just about 25 minutes? What I adore about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can throw in whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand. Plus, cooking it in the air fryer gives it that perfect texture, with crispy bits and tender rice that just make your taste buds dance. Seriously, once you try this, you’ll be making air fryer fried rice all the time. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, and trust me, your family will be begging for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old for better texture)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (fresh or frozen, your choice!)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for that nutty flavor)
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish and freshness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on flavor!)
How to Prepare Air Fryer Fried Rice
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this air fryer fried rice! Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and I’ll walk you through each step so you can nail it every time.
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it helps the rice cook evenly and get those lovely crispy bits. Just set it to the right temperature and let it warm up while you prepare the ingredients.
Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked rice, mixed vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil. I like to use a fork to fluff the rice a bit before adding everything else. It helps to break up any clumps, making sure every grain gets coated with that delicious soy sauce and oil. Give it a good mix until everything’s well combined!
Incorporate the Eggs
Next, beat your eggs in a separate bowl until they’re nice and frothy. Then, gently fold the beaten eggs into your rice mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep those lovely bits of egg visible for a colorful finish in your fried rice!
Season and Transfer
Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy, this is where the flavor comes alive! Once seasoned, transfer your mixture into the air fryer basket, spreading it out evenly for even cooking.
Cooking Time and Technique
Cook your fried rice for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This little shake helps to ensure everything cooks uniformly and gives you those crispy edges. Keep an eye on it towards the end; if you want extra crispiness, you can add a minute or two!
Serving Suggestions
Once it’s done, garnish with chopped green onions for a burst of freshness. You can serve it as a main dish or as a side. Either way, it’s going to be a hit at your dinner table! Enjoy your delicious air fryer fried rice!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up—nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the numbers I’m sharing here are just estimates. Always good to double-check if you’re tracking closely! Here’s what you can typically expect per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Remember, these values can change based on what you throw into your fried rice, like different proteins or extra veggies. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old rice?
You can, but I highly recommend using day-old rice! It’s drier and less sticky, which gives you that perfect fried rice texture. If you only have fresh rice, try letting it cool and spreading it out on a tray for a bit to dry out.
What kind of vegetables can I add to the air fryer fried rice?
Oh, the options are endless! You can use frozen mixed veggies, peas, carrots, bell peppers, or even broccoli! Just make sure they’re chopped into small pieces for even cooking. Get creative with what you have in the fridge!
Can I add protein to my fried rice?
Absolutely! You can toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a hearty meal. Just make sure your protein is cooked beforehand, as the air fryer is mainly for heating it through and adding a bit of crispiness.
How do I know when the fried rice is done cooking?
The fried rice is done when it’s heated through and the edges start to get crispy. If you want that extra crunch, you can always give it an extra minute or two, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just pop it into the air fryer when you’re ready to eat, and it’ll be a quick dinner fix for those busy nights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Uses leftover rice, making it a great way to reduce waste.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and proteins—get creative!
- Deliciously crispy texture thanks to the air fryer—no need for extra oil.
- Perfect for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
- Kid-friendly and a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen.
- Flavor-packed with soy sauce and sesame oil—your taste buds will thank you!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your air fryer fried rice turns out perfectly every time! Trust me; these little nuggets of wisdom will make a big difference.
- Use Day-Old Rice: This is key! If you can, use rice that’s been cooked and refrigerated for a day. It dries out slightly, which helps prevent clumping and gives that lovely texture we all crave in fried rice.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give your rice room to breathe! If you cram too much in there, it won’t cook evenly. If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking in two rounds.
- Shake It Up: Seriously, don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking. It helps to redistribute the ingredients and promotes even crispiness, which is what we’re after!
- Adjust the Seasoning: Everyone has different taste preferences, so feel free to tweak the soy sauce and seasoning to your liking. Start with less and add more if needed—easy peasy!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Try adding different proteins, veggies, or even some spices. Each time you make it, you can create a new flavor explosion!
- Keep an Eye on It: Air fryers can vary a bit, so check your rice a minute or two before the cooking time is up. If it’s looking crispy and delicious, don’t hesitate to pull it out early!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to making the best air fryer fried rice ever! Enjoy experimenting and have fun in the kitchen!
Variations
One of the best things about air fryer fried rice is how adaptable it is! You can really switch things up based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for. Here are some fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Protein Power: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost. Just make sure they’re pre-cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces to heat through nicely in the air fryer.
- Veggie Wonderland: Swap out the mixed vegetables for your favorites! Think bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or even some spinach. You can mix and match based on what’s in season or what you have in the fridge.
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick! You could also experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or oyster sauce for a unique flavor twist.
- Herb It Up: Fresh herbs can brighten up your fried rice beautifully. Try adding chopped cilantro or basil right before serving for an aromatic touch.
- Egg-cellent Variations: Instead of regular eggs, try using scrambled egg whites for a lighter version, or even mix in a bit of beaten egg before cooking for a richer taste throughout.
- Sweet and Savory: For a fun twist, consider adding some pineapple chunks! They add a lovely sweetness that pairs surprisingly well with the savory elements.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own signature version of air fryer fried rice. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes cooking so much fun! Enjoy diving into these variations and making this dish truly yours!
For more delicious recipes, check out Air Fryer Fried Chicken Legs or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries for a tasty side dish!
Print
Air Fryer Fried Rice: 7 Delicious Ways to Enjoy It
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air fryer fried rice is a quick and easy dish that combines rice, vegetables, and protein for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 green onion, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cooked rice, vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Beat the eggs and add them to the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for better texture.
- Feel free to add your choice of protein.
- Adjust soy sauce to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: air fryer fried rice, easy fried rice, quick rice recipe
