Why Make This Recipe
Air Fryer Fried Rice is a simple, delicious, and quick meal perfect for any time of day. Using the air fryer makes it healthier than traditional fried rice, as it requires less oil while still delivering crispy textures and rich flavors. This recipe is great for using up leftover rice and vegetables, making it budget-friendly and environmentally friendly too. You can customize it easily with whatever ingredients you have at home.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably cold)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or sesame)
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Directions:
- Gather and chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk the eggs in a bowl and pour them into the air fryer basket. Cook for about 5 minutes until scrambled; remove and set aside.
- Add oil to the basket along with onions, carrots, and peas. Air fry for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce; mix well to coat.
- Fold in the scrambled eggs and green onions, then cook together for another 3-4 minutes.
How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Rice
Serve the Air Fryer Fried Rice hot. You can add extra green onions on top for garnish. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
How to Store Air Fryer Fried Rice
To store leftovers, let the fried rice cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, you can reheat it in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Fried Rice
- Use day-old rice for better texture; it’s less sticky and fries better.
- Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli based on your preference.
- For added flavor, try incorporating ginger or chopped cilantro.
Variation
You can turn this fried rice into a protein-packed dish by adding diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu during the cooking process.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but the cooking time may vary slightly.
2. Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps achieve an even cooking temperature, but it’s not strictly necessary.
3. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can also make this recipe in a regular frying pan or wok on the stove top. Adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Air Fryer Fried Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Gather and chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk the eggs in a bowl and pour them into the air fryer basket. Cook for about 5 minutes until scrambled; remove and set aside.
- Add oil to the basket along with onions, carrots, and peas. Air fry for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce; mix well to coat.
- Fold in the scrambled eggs and green onions, then cook together for another 3-4 minutes.