Air fryer chicken fried rice

 A Healthier Take on Fried Rice – Air Fryer Fried Rice Recipe

Enjoy a Lighter, Tastier Version of Your Favorite Takeout with Air Fryer Fried Rice

If you’re craving the savory satisfaction of fried rice but want a healthier twist, then air fryer fried rice is the perfect dish for you. It’s easy to make, lighter than traditional fried rice, and still bursting with the flavors you love. With minimal oil and the magic of the air fryer, this version of fried rice makes for a great weeknight dinner or a quick side dish to complement your favorite Asian-inspired meals.

Fried rice is a versatile dish, and this air fryer recipe allows you to enjoy it in a quick, easy, and healthier way. The air fryer cooks the rice evenly while maintaining its delicious crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. Plus, by using leftover chicken and a mix of vegetables, you get a complete and balanced meal in just 20 minutes.

Why You Should Try Air Fryer Fried Rice

1. Healthier Cooking: By using an air fryer, you cut down on the amount of oil typically used for stir-frying, making this a lighter alternative to takeout fried rice.
2. Quick and Convenient: The air fryer cooks the rice in a fraction of the time it takes on a stove, making it a perfect option for busy days when you need a fast and satisfying meal.
3. Customizable Ingredients: This recipe is highly adaptable—swap out chicken for turkey, pork, or leave out the meat for a vegetarian version. You can also choose any vegetables you prefer, such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers.
4. Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in the air fryer means fewer pans to clean, saving you time after the meal.

The Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Fried Rice

1. Cold Cooked Rice: Use 3 cups of cold rice, ideally made ahead of time. Day-old rice works best as it is firmer and won’t get mushy during cooking.
2. Leftover Chicken: Using 1 cup of cubed leftover chicken helps reduce food waste while adding a protein punch to your dish.
3. Tamari or Soy Sauce: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to regular soy sauce, but you can use standard soy sauce if you are not on a gluten-free diet.
4. Frozen Vegetables: A cup and a half of frozen veggies (corn and peas are great choices) make the dish convenient and flavorful without the need for extra chopping.
5. Green Onions: Two green onions (spring onions) add a fresh, crisp flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
6. Sesame Oil: A teaspoon of sesame oil gives a delicious, nutty flavor to the rice, making it reminiscent of traditional fried rice.
7. Vegetable Oil: A little vegetable oil is used to help with the cooking process and to prevent sticking.
8. Chili Sauce: Add a tablespoon of chili sauce if you prefer your fried rice with a bit of spice. This ingredient is optional depending on your taste preferences.
9. Salt: Adjust the seasoning to taste with a pinch of salt.

Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Air Fryer Fried Rice

1. Rice Texture: Use cold, cooked rice for the best results. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too soft and sticky, while day-old rice holds up better and gets a nice crispy texture in the air fryer.
2. Customize with Protein: If you don’t have chicken, feel free to swap it out with turkey, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The beauty of fried rice is that it’s easily adaptable.
3. Play with Veggies: You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Popular options include broccoli, peas, carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach. The more colorful, the better!
4. Omit the Heat: For those who prefer a milder dish, skip the chili sauce and enjoy the rice with its natural savory flavors.
5. Stir Occasionally: Stirring the rice once or twice while cooking ensures that it cooks evenly and gets that slightly crispy texture that makes fried rice so delightful.

What to Serve with Your Air Fryer Fried Rice

Air fryer fried rice is a delicious dish on its own, but you can take it to the next level by pairing it with other tasty recipes. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside your fried rice:

• Orange Chicken: The sweet and tangy flavor of orange chicken complements the savory taste of fried rice.
• Chinese Five Spice Pulled Pork: The rich, spiced pulled pork is a great match for the lighter, fresh flavors of the fried rice.
• Instant Pot Chicken Wings: Add some crispy chicken wings for a filling and satisfying meal combination.

Part 2: Simple Air Fryer Fried Rice Recipe

Prep Time : 5 minutes
Cook Time : 20 minutes
Total Time : 25 minutes
Servings : 6
Calories : 420kcal

Ingredients

• 3 cups (325g) cold cooked rice
• 1 cup (130g) leftover chicken, cubed
• 5 tbsp tamari soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
• 1½ cups frozen vegetables (sweet corn and peas)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp chili sauce (optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer
   • Set your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and allow it to preheat.
2. Mix the Ingredients
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold rice, cubed chicken, frozen vegetables, sliced green onions, sesame oil, vegetable oil, tamari or soy sauce, and chili sauce (if using). Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
3. Transfer to Air Fryer Basket
   • Pour the rice mixture into a non-stick pan or air fryer-safe dish that fits inside the air fryer basket.
4. Cook the Fried Rice
   • Place the pan in the preheated air fryer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring the rice mixture halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   • Once the rice is cooked and crispy to your liking, remove it from the air fryer. Season with salt to taste, and serve hot.

Enjoy This Healthier, Easy Air Fryer Fried Rice

This air fryer fried rice recipe is an excellent choice for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal. It’s perfect for using up leftovers and customizing with your favorite proteins and veggies. Best of all, it’s ready in just 20 minutes!