Name: Air Fryer Fried Rice: 20-Minute Healthy Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 4 cups Cooked White Rice (Preferably leftover rice); 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (Canola or sesame oil); 1 cup Carrots (Diced small); 1 cup Green Peas (Frozen, no need to thaw); 1 medium Onion (Chopped); 2 cloves Garlic (Minced); 2 large Eggs (Beaten); 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Low-sodium recommended); 2 tablespoons Green Onions (Chopped for garnish)

Air Fryer Fried Rice is a delightful dish that has transformed how I enjoy leftovers. This quick and versatile rice dish combines leftover cooked rice, fresh vegetables, and a dash of soy sauce, resulting in a meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. In just 20 minutes, you can create a healthy fried rice recipe that is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into how to make air fryer fried rice that will impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Fried Rice

This Air Fryer Fried Rice is not only quick but also incredibly delicious. Here are some reasons why you’ll love it:

It’s ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for a quick air fryer fried rice option.
Using an air fryer gives you that crispy rice in air fryer texture that everyone loves.
This dish is a great way to utilize leftover rice, reducing food waste.
It’s customizable; add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own.
Perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy healthy meals throughout the week.
It fits various diets, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Fried Rice

Gather these items:

4 cups Cooked White Rice (Preferably leftover rice)
2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (Canola or sesame oil)
1 cup Carrots (Diced small)
1 cup Green Peas (Frozen, no need to thaw)
1 medium Onion (Chopped)
2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
2 large Eggs (Beaten)
2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Low-sodium recommended)
2 tablespoons Green Onions (Chopped for garnish)

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Rice Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, crack and beat the eggs until well combined.
Step 3: In a non-stick skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add diced carrots and frozen peas to the sautéed mixture and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in the cold cooked rice along with the soy sauce, mixing thoroughly for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Create a small space in the center of the rice mixture and pour in the beaten eggs, stirring gently until scrambled.
Step 7: Mix everything together until well combined and heated thoroughly, about 2 minutes.
Step 8: Remove from the fryer, transfer to a serving bowl, and garnish with chopped green onions.

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Fried Rice

Keep these in mind:

Use day-old rice for the best texture; it prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; this ensures even cooking and crispy rice in air fryer.
Feel free to experiment with proteins like chicken or shrimp for an air fryer chicken fried rice or air fryer shrimp fried rice.

Air Fryer Fried Rice: 20-Minute Healthy Delight - Air Fryer Fried Rice - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Fried Rice

You can serve this dish in various ways:

Top with additional green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil.
Pair with grilled meats or tofu for a complete meal.
For a vegan option, skip the eggs and load up on vegetables for a vegan air fryer fried rice.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Fried Rice

For leftovers, store your fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring it’s heated through. This method helps maintain the texture and flavor, making it perfect for meal prep air fryer fried rice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Fried Rice

What’s the secret to perfect Air Fryer Fried Rice?

The secret lies in using day-old rice, which ensures the grains are firm and less sticky, leading to that perfect fried rice texture.

Can I make Air Fryer Fried Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for quick meals throughout the week.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Air Fryer Fried Rice?

To avoid mistakes, ensure the rice is cold and avoid overcrowding the air fryer for even cooking.

Variations of Air Fryer Fried Rice You Can Try

Get creative with these variations:

Try adding different vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for an air fryer vegetable rice.
Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
For a spicy kick, add some chili paste or sriracha to your air fryer fried rice.

For more tips on reducing food waste, check out this article. If you’re interested in meal prep ideas, visit this resource. You can also explore these variations for more inspiration!