Air Fryer Fried Rice Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and chilled rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, break up the cold rice with a fork or your hands to separate any clumps.
- Place the diced onions and bell peppers in the air fryer basket and cook for about 3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Push the vegetables to the side and add the beaten eggs to the other side of the basket. Allow them to cook for a minute or so, then scramble them using a spatula until they are fully cooked. Push the eggs to the side with the cooked vegetables.
- In the same air fryer basket, add the cooking oil and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add the mixed vegetables to the basket and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they are heated through.
- Add the chilled rice to the basket and break up any remaining clumps. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the fried rice mixture in the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring or shaking the basket halfway through, until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy.
- Once the fried rice is cooked, remove the basket from the air fryer and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve the air fryer fried rice hot as a delicious side dish or main course.
Notes:
- Using day-old rice is important as it helps achieve the right texture in the fried rice. Freshly cooked rice can turn out mushy.
- You can customize the vegetables and protein in the recipe based on your preferences. Cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu can be added for extra protein.
- Be sure to preheat the air fryer before cooking to ensure even and efficient cooking.
- Keep an eye on the fried rice as it cooks to prevent overcooking or burning. Stirring or shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps to evenly distribute heat.
- Adjust the seasonings and sauces according to your taste. You can also add other flavorings like ginger, oyster sauce, or hot sauce for additional depth of flavor.
- Experiment with different types of rice, such as jasmine, basmati, or brown rice, for unique variations of air fryer fried rice.
Enjoy your homemade air fryer fried rice!
Certainly! Here are some additional tips and variations for making air fryer fried rice:
Tips:
- Use Cold Rice: Cold rice works best for fried rice as it has a firmer texture and is less likely to become mushy when cooked. If you don’t have day-old rice, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for a couple of hours before using.
- Customize Proteins: Feel free to add cooked proteins of your choice, such as chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu. Add them along with the vegetables for a complete meal.
- Even Cooking: If you’re making a larger batch of fried rice, cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which could lead to uneven cooking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Overcrowding the air fryer basket can result in uneven cooking. If you’re making a larger batch, cook in smaller portions.
- Crispy Texture: To achieve a crispy texture, you can spread the rice mixture evenly in the air fryer basket and avoid packing it down too tightly.
- Additions: Consider adding other ingredients like diced ham, pineapple chunks, cashews, or sliced mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Pineapple Fried Rice: Add diced pineapple along with the vegetables for a sweet and savory twist. You can also include cooked ham or shrimp for a tropical flair.
- Curry Fried Rice: Stir in a teaspoon of curry powder or paste to give your fried rice a delightful curry flavor. You can pair this with chicken, vegetables, and raisins.
- Spicy Fried Rice: Add a touch of heat by including chopped chili peppers or red pepper flakes. Toss in some Sriracha or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Sesame Ginger Fried Rice: Infuse your fried rice with the flavors of sesame oil and fresh grated ginger for a fragrant and aromatic variation.
- Teriyaki Fried Rice: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce for a sweeter and tangier flavor profile. Add cooked chicken, broccoli, and sesame seeds.
- Egg Fried Rice: For a classic Chinese-style egg fried rice, scramble the eggs first, set them aside, and then stir them in towards the end of cooking.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Fried Rice: Omit the eggs and use tofu as the protein source. You can also add more vegetables like broccoli, baby corn, and snap peas.
Remember that the air fryer fried rice recipe is versatile and can be adapted to your taste preferences. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Enjoy your delicious homemade air fryer fried rice!
