Air Fryer Fried Rice Recipe – Easy, Healthy, and Delicious
The Air Fryer Fried Rice Recipe is a quick and healthier alternative to traditional fried rice. Start by gathering your ingredients: cooked rice, diced vegetables, soy sauce, sesame oil, and optional proteins like scrambled eggs or cooked chicken. Begin by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Mix the rice, vegetables, and proteins in a bowl, then season with soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor. Spread the mixture evenly in the air fryer basket and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and crispiness. The result is a deliciously golden, lightly crispy fried rice with minimal oil. This recipe is perfect for weeknight meals or using up leftovers, providing a simple and satisfying dish packed with flavor. Experiment with different vegetable combinations or spices to customize your Air Fryer Fried Rice Recipe to suit your taste preferences.
Air Fryer Fried Rice Recipe – Easy, Healthy, and Delicious Fried Rice with Vegetables
Air fryer fried rice is a quick, healthy, and delicious twist on the classic fried rice dish, making it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep. Using the air fryer to cook fried rice results in crispy rice with a perfect balance of tender vegetables and savory flavors. This recipe is customizable, so you can add your favorite protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. It’s also a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rice and turn it into a fresh, flavorful meal with minimal effort.
Aie Fryer Fried Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably chilled)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, corn, and bell peppers)
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions, sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, mixed vegetables, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Pour the beaten eggs over the rice mixture and stir until the eggs are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the rice mixture to the air fryer basket and spread it out in an even layer.
- Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the rice is heated through and starting to crisp up.
- Once cooked, remove the fried rice from the air fryer and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious air fryer fried rice!
Notes
- Use chilled rice: For the best texture, use cooked rice that has been chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Chilled rice tends to be firmer and less sticky, making it ideal for frying without becoming mushy.
- Preheat the air fryer: Just like with traditional frying methods, preheating your air fryer is crucial for achieving crispy results. Preheat the air fryer according to the recipe instructions to ensure even cooking and crispiness throughout.
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Spread the rice mixture out in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure that each grain of rice has contact with the hot air. Overcrowding the basket can result in uneven cooking and soggy fried rice.
- Stir halfway through: To ensure that the fried rice cooks evenly and crisps up on all sides, give it a gentle stir halfway through the cooking time. This will help redistribute the ingredients and prevent them from sticking to the basket.
- Add protein and extra veggies: Customize your air fryer fried rice by adding your favorite protein sources such as cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu, as well as extra vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly if adding raw protein or vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked and chilled rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or any cooking oil of choice)
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (optional, for added protein)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
- Optional protein: Chicken, shrimp, or tofu (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Rice:
- If you’re using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a baking sheet to cool for about 15-20 minutes. This helps to reduce moisture and achieve the crispy texture that fried rice is known for. Ideally, use day-old rice as it tends to be drier and better for frying.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables:
- In a bowl, toss the diced carrots, peas, bell peppers, garlic, and onions with a tablespoon of sesame oil. Transfer them to the air fryer basket and cook for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are tender and slightly crispy.
- Add Rice to the Air Fryer:
- Add the cooled rice to the air fryer basket with the cooked vegetables. Drizzle with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and any additional seasoning you prefer. Toss everything together and cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure the rice heats evenly.
- Add Eggs (Optional):
- If you’re adding scrambled eggs, heat a small pan over medium heat and cook the beaten eggs until just set. Alternatively, you can add the raw eggs to the rice in the air fryer and stir them in, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the eggs are cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the rice is crispy and heated through, remove it from the air fryer and give it a final stir. Garnish with fresh green onions and serve immediately.
Nutrition (per serving, without added protein):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
Tips:
- Rice Type: Long-grain rice or jasmine rice works best for fried rice as they remain separate and less sticky when cooked.
- Add Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make the dish more filling.
- Customization: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand, like corn, spinach, or zucchini.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Making fried rice in an air fryer offers a healthier, more efficient way to enjoy this classic dish without sacrificing flavor. With its crispy texture and vibrant vegetables, this air fryer fried rice recipe will become a go-to meal for busy evenings. You can customize it with your favorite proteins and veggies, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.