Quick Air Fryer Fried Rice: Crispy, Flavorful & Ready Fast (Print Version)
Whip up crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Fried Rice in just 20 minutes! My simple recipe brings takeout vibes home, perfect for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
3 cups day-old cooked rice (chilled)
02 -
2 large eggs, whisked
03 -
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
→ Flavor Boosters
04 -
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
05 -
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
06 -
1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
07 -
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
→ Fresh Accents
08 -
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish and mixing)
→ For Cooking
09 -
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, make sure your day-old rice is truly day-old. If it’s sticky, gently break it up with your hands. Then, grab your frozen mixed veggies; no need to thaw them, we’re going straight into the action! In a large bowl, combine the rice, veggies, minced garlic, and ginger. Give it a good toss to distribute everything evenly. This is where I sometimes get impatient and don't mix enough, ending up with pockets of plain rice – don't be like me!
02 -
In a separate small bowl, whisk your eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a tiny bit of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour in the eggs and scramble them until they're just set but still soft. Break them into small pieces. You want them cooked but not rubbery, you know? I’ve totally overcooked them before and they turned into sad, dry little bits. Learn from my oops moment!
03 -
Add the scrambled eggs to your rice and veggie mixture. Now for the flavor bomb! Pour in the soy sauce and a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Give everything another thorough mix. You want every grain of rice to get coated in that savory goodness. This is where the magic starts to happen, and you can practically smell the deliciousness waiting to unfold.
04 -
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for that crispy texture – don't skip it! Once hot, transfer the Air Fryer Fried Rice mixture into the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd it; you might need to cook it in two batches, depending on your air fryer size. Overfilling means steaming, not crisping, and we want crispy!
05 -
Cook the Air Fryer Fried Rice for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously every 5 minutes. This helps the rice cook evenly and develop those lovely crispy bits. You’ll see it start to turn golden brown, and the edges of the rice will get wonderfully crunchy. I always give it an extra shake or two just for good measure – a little kitchen chaos, but worth it!
06 -
Once cooked to your liking (I like mine extra crispy!), transfer the fried rice to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the toasted sesame oil and sprinkle generously with sliced green onions. Give it one final, gentle toss. The aroma at this point is just incredible – a warm, savory, nutty smell that tells you dinner is ready and it's going to be so, so good. Serve it up immediately!
# Notes:
01 -
Always use day-old, chilled rice for the best crispy texture; fresh rice will steam and get mushy.
02 -
Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket – cook in batches if needed for truly crispy Air Fryer Fried Rice.
03 -
Shake the basket frequently! It’s the secret to even cooking and those irresistible crunchy bits.
04 -
For an extra umami kick, a tiny splash of fish sauce can be added with the soy sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Air fryer
02 -
large mixing bowl
03 -
spatula
04 -
small non-stick pan (for eggs)
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 15 g
Total Carbohydrate: 60 g
Protein: 18 g