Air Fryer Fried Rice Recipe

Fried rice is a classic Chinese dish that’s become a beloved staple in many American and Canadian households. It's delicious, easy to make, and perfect for using up leftover rice and adding some excitement to your weekday meals.

In this recipe, we take the classic dish to the next level by using an air fryer to achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful rice in a fraction of the time it would take to cook it on a stovetop or in an oven.

Using the air fryer gives the rice a unique texture—crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—that cannot be replicated with other cooking methods. This version of fried rice is not only faster and easier to make, but it also has a more authentic taste compared to the oven-baked or stovetop versions commonly found in restaurants.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Kitchen Tools & Equipment Needed
• Instructions
• Serving Recommendations
• Recipe Variations
• Substitutions
• Storing and Freezing Leftovers
• Top Tips for Success
• Fixing Possible Problems
• Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice, preferably leftover
• 2 eggs
• 1 carrot, diced
• ½ cup frozen peas
• 1 red pepper, diced
• ½ onion, diced
• 1 stalk green onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Tools & Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (I'm using the Air Fryer Instant Vortex Plus XL)
• Large bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Baking dish or pan
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Oven mitts
• Hot plate trivet
• Serving dish

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/205°C and let it warm up for 3-5 minutes.

In a large bowl, whisk the egg and add the cooked rice. Mix well so that each grain of rice is coated with eggs.

Add the diced carrots, peppers, and onions. Add vegetable oil, soy sauce, ginger powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well so that all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. Сook for 12 minutes.

Note: Again, be careful. The walls of the air fryer are very hot.

Check to make sure the rice is well-cooked and the vegetables are soft. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Transfer the fried rice to a big plate or serving dish, add sliced green onions, and mix well.

Your air fryer fried rice is ready! Serve hot, and enjoy your meal!

Serving Recommendations

Serve the air fryer fried rice hot, garnished with additional sliced green onions and soy sauce on the side. For a complete meal, pair it with stir-fried vegetables or a simple salad. 

You can also serve it as a side dish with your favorite Chinese-style main course.

Recipe Variations

For a vegetarian version, add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or bok choy. ​​Another healthy option is using brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice is a great source of whole grains and contains more fiber and nutrients than white rice.

You can also experiment with other seasonings to customize the flavor of the fried rice, such as fresh ginger, sesame oil, or chili flakes for extra spice.

If you want to switch up the flavor and texture of your fried rice, try using different vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, or peppers. You can also add other ingredients like tofu or cashews for extra protein and crunch.

Substitutions

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce. You can also replace the vegetable oil with coconut oil or sesame oil for added flavor.

In addition, you may opt to use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas.

Storing and Freezing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To freeze leftovers, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze them for up to 2 months. Once you’re ready to consume your leftovers, you may thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the air fryer or on the stovetop.

Top Tips for Success

Keep in mind that every air fryer model is different, so adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. For instance, if your air fryer has a lower wattage than the Instant Vortex Plus XL, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

If you prefer your fried rice to be crispy, you can cook it for a few extra minutes. Conversely, if you prefer it to be more tender, you can lower the temperature to 350°F or cook it for less time.

If you're making a larger batch of fried rice, you may need to increase the cooking time and stir the ingredients more frequently to ensure that they cook evenly.

Before serving, taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning with extra soy sauce or salt, as needed. For a richer umami flavor, you can add a dash of fish sauce or oyster sauce.

To ensure that all ingredients cook evenly, stir the fried rice occasionally while cooking. Check the eggs by cutting a piece of egg with a spatula to ensure they are fully cooked and not runny. 

Fixing Possible Problems

• Overcooked: Try reducing the cooking time or temperature for the next batch. You can also add a splash of water or broth to the fried rice to moisten it and prevent it from drying out.
• Undercooked: Try increasing the cooking time or temperature for the next batch. Make sure to stir the rice occasionally to ensure that it cooks evenly.
• Unevenly cooked: Stir the rice more often during cooking to ensure that all the ingredients cook evenly. You can also try reducing the number of ingredients in the air fryer basket to prevent overcrowding.
• Fried rice is sticking to the air fryer basket: Use non-stick cooking spray or line the basket with parchment paper. You can also reduce the temperature or add a small amount of oil to the rice.
• Rice is too wet: Use day-old rice or spread the rice out in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Recipe