Quick and Easy Air Fryer Fried Rice in Under 30 Minutes

Hope you arrived here hungry, because this Air fryer Fried Rice recipe will have you craving seconds. It’s easy and quick to cook, savory thanks to the umami flavor, healthy, and high in protein. Toss everything together in a single basket and it’s ready to eat!

As an asian myself, Fried Rice hits too close to home. Leftover rice almost always means a big bowl of hot, steaming fried rice the next morning usually served with strips of bacon, eggs, fried chicken, or ham. As much as I love the taste and the comforting aroma as I cook, it can be annoying during busy days. The kitchen heats up fast, and the smell tends to cling to clothes and hair. Who doesn’t, really?

This makes my air fryer a godsend! I can toss everything in, set a timer, come back after a few minutes for a quick mix, and it’s done. No need to juggle multiple pans or haul out a heavy wok.

What makes this recipe so good 

While it’s easier to get that traditional flavor and aroma from stovetop fried rice or one made in a wok, air fryer fried rice has its upsides. For one, it uses less oil, making it a healthier option. And as long as you’re working with day-old rice, it’s even easier to achieve those satisfyingly crispy grains.

What’s the best rice for Air Fryer Fried Rice

When cooking fried rice, it’s best to use long-grain varieties like white rice, basmati, or jasmine. Short-grain types, such as sushi rice, contain more starch, which makes them prone to sticking or clumping together.

Why leftover rice?

By now, it’s no secret that leftover rice works better than freshly cooked rice for fried rice. Cold, day-old rice has drier grains, making it easier to separate and fry. On the other hand, freshly cooked rice tends to be moist and steamy, meaning it can stick together.

How to prevent rice from clumping

When cooking fried rice, there must always be some leftover rice, or you just need to plan ahead. It typically requires day-old rice, which can be frustrating if you’re craving fried rice but don’t have any leftovers. However, you can still use freshly cooked rice but you just need to take some extra steps.

Spread your rice out evenly on a large plate or tray and fluff it with a fork. Let it air dry until it cools down, then place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour.

Got no leftover fried rice? Here are the alternatives

Fried rice needs time! It’s worth the wait, though. It ideally requires day-old rice, which can be frustrating if you’re craving fried rice but don’t have any leftovers. However, you can still use freshly cooked rice but you just need to take some extra steps.

Use cold or day-old rice

Well, I can’t stress this enough. Always use day-old rice or rice that’s been chilled in the fridge overnight. This makes sure there’s less moisture, less mushiness, and makes the grains less likely to stick together when cooked.

Break up the rice before placing it in the basket

Now, don’t dump all the rice in at once. Before adding it to the basket, take time to separate the grains. Using your hands is best since you have better control and can easily spot any clumps. Just make sure to wash your hands thoroughly beforehand and lightly oil them to prevent sticking. Alternatively, clean plastic gloves work well too, especially if you have long nails.

How to make fried rice using an air fryer – Main Ingredients

Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need for Air Fryer Fried Rice. This recipe is not only easy to make, but most of the ingredients are likely already in your pantry or available at your local market.

• Leftover rice: Obviously, leftover rice is the main character of this dish. It’s easier to separate leftover or day-old rice than the rice that just came out of the rice cooker.
• Boneless chicken: Chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper is one of your sources of protein. I highly recommend using boneless chicken so you won’t have to worry about accidentally swallowing small bones.
• Bacon: Bacon crisps up nicely, and cutting it into small bits works perfectly with the crispy rice grains in fried rice. If you don’t have bacon, you can also try leftover spam or ham.
• Onion and garlic powder: Chopped onions add the right amount of sweetness and depth to the dish. Also, toss in some garlic powder for that garlicky flavor and aroma.
• Soy sauce and oyster sauce: A mix of soy sauce and oyster sauce acts as the liquid seasoning, especially if you’re craving some umami flavor. Soy sauce adds saltiness, while oyster sauce adds a bit of sweetness. This mixture also adds color, along with the mixed vegetables, which is personally what I like about fried rice. Just be sure not to add too much soy sauce and you don’t want your fried rice to become mushy.
• MSG: Besides salt, dry seasonings, and soy sauce, MSG is an easy shortcut to get that umami and savory taste.
• Mixed vegetables: Mixed vegetables consisting of peas, corn, and carrots are one of the key ingredients in this recipe. Not only do they add crunch and color to the dish, but they also contribute nutrition. Mixed vegetables make this air fryer fried rice recipe much healthier. You can purchase frozen mixed vegetables in supermarkets if you don’t have any stock at home or simply don’t have enough time to chop them yourself.
• Egg: Got protein? We can add more! Toss some scrambled eggs into the basket.
• Chopped spring onion (for toppings)

Is MSG safe to eat

MSG is not bad for health! Despite common misconceptions, MSG is generally considered safe when consumed in normal amounts, according to experts.

Some people continue to avoid MSG due to claims that it poses health risks or is an unhealthy additive. However, modern research has consistently shown otherwise. Much of the fear surrounding MSG stems from outdated studies and misinformation, which have since been debunked by more recent scientific reviews.

As someone who likes to cook and eat fried rice, MSG is an ingredient that I can never skip or leave out. Its umami taste blends everything together and enhances the flavor by a long shot. This ingredient, however, is optional. If you’re firm on not having MSG in your fried rice, you can simply leave it out.

Best Meat or protein for Air Fryer Fried Rice

One of the best things that made me fall in love with cooking fried rice is how customizable it is and I can change the recipe however I want. So, if you’re not a fan of chicken and bacon, here are some other meats and protein sources you can add.

• Chinese BBQ Pork or Char Siu 
• Spam
• Shrimp 
• Beef
• Tofu
• Plant-based sausage

How to store Air Fryer Fried Rice

Best way to store it so it won’t spoil is to place it in the fridge. Cool it down first before transferring it into an airtight container. Your air fryer fried rice should be good for about a week. It’s best to consume it as soon as possible though.

How to Reheat Air Fryer Fried Rice

You can reheat your fried rice using wok or pan, microwave, oven or even your air fryer.

• Pan or Wok: At medium high, heat the pan and drizzle some oil. Add the fried rice and break lumps with a spatula. Continue stir-frying for about 7 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish or bowl, mix, and reheat for about three minutes.
• Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 170°C or 340°F for five minutes. Then, place your rice inside the basket

Check out more Air fryer recipes!