Air Fryer Fried Rice is a simple way to turn leftover rice into a satisfying meal with vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a savory soy-based sauce. The air fryer warms the ingredients evenly and gives the rice a lightly toasted texture without requiring constant stirring at the stove.
Made with cooked white rice, frozen peas and carrots, green onions, and pantry seasonings, this recipe is ready in about 25 minutes. Serve it for lunch, a quick dinner, or as a side dish with your favorite Asian-inspired meals.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Fried Rice
- A practical way to use leftover rice: Day-old rice works especially well, helping reduce food waste.
- Simple pantry ingredients: You only need rice, frozen vegetables, eggs, and a handful of seasonings.
- Easy cooking method: The air fryer handles most of the cooking with just one stir halfway through.
- Ready in 25 minutes: It is a convenient option when you need a meal without spending much time in the kitchen.
- Easy to customize: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or other vegetables to change it up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cooked white rice: Three cups of chilled rice form the base. Day-old rice is particularly useful because its grains are drier and easier to separate.
- Frozen peas and carrots: These add color, texture, and vegetables without requiring much preparation. Thaw them before mixing.
- Eggs: Two large eggs provide soft, savory pieces throughout the rice.
- Green onions: Finely chopped green onions add a fresh flavor. Divide them between the rice mixture and the final garnish.
- Soy sauce: This gives the rice its salty, savory taste. Taste before adding extra salt because soy sauce already contains sodium.
Chef’s Tip: Use cold rice and separate the grains before adding the sauce. This helps prevent clumps and gives the finished rice a better texture.
Air Fryer Fried Rice Recipe
Air Fryer Fried Rice is an easy way to turn leftover rice into a flavorful meal with vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a savory soy-based sauce. The air fryer heats the ingredients evenly while giving the rice a lightly toasted texture without requiring constant stirring at the stove.This simple recipe comes together with cooked rice, frozen vegetables, and a few pantry seasonings. It makes a convenient lunch, quick weeknight dinner, or side dish to serve alongside your favorite Asian-inspired meals.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Air fryer-safe baking dish or metal pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or spatula
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and chilled white rice
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots thawed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup finely chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Use cold, cooked rice for the best texture. Break up any large clumps with a fork so the grains are separated. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it on a tray and let it cool completely before preparing the recipe.
- Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt until combined.
- Combine the Ingredients: Place the chilled rice in a large mixing bowl. Add the peas and carrots, half of the chopped green onions, and the prepared sauce. Toss gently until the rice and vegetables are evenly coated.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Dish: Transfer the rice mixture to an air fryer-safe baking dish or metal pan that fits inside your air fryer. Spread it into an even layer, leaving enough room for heat to circulate.
- Air Fry the Rice: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F if your model requires it. Place the dish inside and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway through so the rice heats evenly.
- Prepare the Eggs: While the rice cooks, crack the eggs into a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Lightly grease a small air fryer-safe dish, pour in the eggs, and cook at 320°F for about 4–6 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until fully set. Alternatively, scramble them in a lightly oiled skillet.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Break the cooked eggs into small pieces and fold them into the fried rice. Return the dish to the air fryer for another 2–3 minutes, until everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish carefully and sprinkle the remaining green onions and sesame seeds over the rice. Serve hot as a main dish or alongside your favorite vegetables or protein.
Notes
- Use chilled rice: Day-old rice works especially well because it is drier and less likely to become mushy during cooking.
- Choose the right dish: Use a shallow, air fryer-safe pan that allows the rice to heat evenly. Avoid filling it too deeply.
- Break up rice clumps: Separate the grains before adding the sauce to help distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Adjust the sauce: Add another teaspoon of soy sauce if you prefer a stronger savory flavor. Taste before adding extra salt.
- Add protein: Cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or diced ham can be mixed into the rice before air frying.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 43 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Easy Variations to Try
- Chicken Fried Rice: Fold in small pieces of cooked chicken for a more substantial meal.
- Shrimp Fried Rice: Add cooked shrimp during the final mixing stage so it warms without overcooking.
- Tofu Fried Rice: Mix in cooked, cubed tofu for a vegetarian protein option.
- Spicy Fried Rice: Add chili flakes or a little chili sauce to the seasoning mixture.
- Extra Vegetable Fried Rice: Include finely chopped bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms with the peas and carrots.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Fried Rice
- Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Classic Vegetarian Green Bean Casserole
- Maple Roasted Delicata Squash with Sage
- Creamy Potato Leek Soup Recipe
- Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use freshly cooked rice for air fryer fried rice?
- Yes, but let it cool completely first. Spread it across a tray to release steam and moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients. Chilled rice generally gives a better texture.
- Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes. Simply leave out the eggs and prepare the rice and vegetables as directed. You can add tofu or another cooked protein if you want a more filling dish. - What type of rice works best for fried rice?
Long-grain white rice, such as jasmine rice, works well because the grains tend to remain separate after cooking. Make sure the rice is chilled before using it. - Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Follow your air fryer’s instructions. If your model recommends preheating, set it to 350°F before adding the rice mixture. - Can I make a larger batch?
Yes, but avoid filling the air fryer dish too deeply. Cook in batches if needed so the rice has enough room to heat evenly. - Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas and carrots?
Yes. Finely chop the vegetables so they cook more evenly. Firmer vegetables may need to be lightly cooked before being mixed with the rice.
