Air Fryer Fried Rice

why make this recipe

Air Fryer Fried Rice is a quick and easy dish that brings great flavor without much effort. Using an air fryer makes the cooking process faster and healthier by reducing the need for excess oil. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can use up leftover rice and various vegetables. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a tasty meal in no time!

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:

  1. Gather and chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  3. 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.
  4. Add oil to the basket along with onions, carrots, and peas. Air fry for 5-7 minutes until tender.
  5. Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce; mix well to coat.
  6. Fold in the scrambled eggs and green onions, then cook together for another 3-4 minutes.
  7. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra green onions.

how to serve Air Fryer Fried Rice

Air Fryer Fried Rice is best served hot, right after cooking. You can serve it as a main dish or as a side with your favorite protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Adding extra green onions on top gives it a fresh touch and extra flavor.

how to store Air Fryer Fried Rice

If you have leftovers, let the fried rice cool down before storing. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply use the air fryer for a few minutes or microwave until hot.

tips to make Air Fryer Fried Rice

  • Use day-old rice for the best texture. It should be cold and dry, which helps achieve that classic fried rice feel.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn to enhance the flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of soy sauce based on your taste preference; start with less and add more if needed.

variation

You can easily change this recipe by adding proteins like cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what you have or prefer. You might also try adding spices like black pepper or sesame oil for a different twist.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, as brown rice takes longer to heat through.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also make this dish in a large skillet or wok on the stove. Adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, just skip the eggs or use a plant-based egg substitute. Make sure to use low-sodium soy sauce to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Air Fryer Fried Rice

A quick and easy dish featuring flavorful fried rice made healthier in an air fryer, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Quick Meals
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably cold) Use day-old rice for the best texture.
  • 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 Can be skipped for a vegetarian option.
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce Adjust based on taste preference.
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions For garnish and flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gather and chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Cooking
  1. 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.
  2. Add oil to the basket along with onions, carrots, and peas. Air fry for 5-7 minutes until tender.
  3. Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce; mix well to coat.
  4. Fold in the scrambled eggs and green onions, then cook together for another 3-4 minutes.
  5. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra green onions.

Notes

If you have leftovers, let the fried rice cool down before storing. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply use the air fryer for a few minutes or microwave until hot. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn. You can also add proteins like cooked chicken or shrimp.