Air Fryer Fried Rice

Air Fryer Fried Rice — The easy, crispy way

Air Fryer Fried Rice is an approachable, tasty twist on a classic takeout favorite, delivering crisped edges and fluffy rice with less oil and mess. If you’ve ever wanted fried rice that’s faster, easier to clean up, and adaptable to whatever’s in your fridge, this air fryer method is a winner. For a cozy meal pairing, consider serving it alongside a warming soup like autumn wild rice soup, which complements the savory notes and makes dinner feel truly complete.

why make this recipe

Fried rice in the air fryer cuts down on standing over a hot skillet or wok, uses less oil than pan-frying, and still gives you the slightly toasted, slightly crisp texture that makes fried rice so addictive. It’s a great way to use leftover rice — cold rice rehits much better than freshly cooked — and it’s forgiving for busy cooks who want a quick, satisfying weeknight meal.

This recipe is flexible: it works as a vegetarian main, a side dish, or a base for adding leftover proteins like rotisserie chicken, scrambled tofu, or seared shrimp. Because the air fryer concentrates heat in a small space, you get faster cooking and more even reheating compared with a pan on the stove. It’s ideal for apartment cooks or anyone who doesn’t want to heat a whole stovetop burner.

how to make Air Fryer Fried Rice

This method is intentionally straightforward so you can get dinner on the table quickly. Use cold cooked rice for the best results, and prep all your ingredients before turning on the air fryer — air frying moves fast, and you’ll want everything ready to combine.

• Gather and chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Whisk the eggs in a bowl and pour into the air fryer basket for about 5 minutes until scrambled; remove and set aside.
• Add oil to the basket along with onions, carrots, and peas; air fry for 5–7 minutes until tender.
• Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce; mix well to coat.
• Fold in the scrambled eggs and green onions; cook together for another 3–4 minutes.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably cold)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or sesame)
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup chopped green onions

Ingredient notes and substitutions:

• Rice: Cold, day-old rice is ideal because the grains are drier and separate easily. If you only have freshly cooked rice, spread it on a tray and chill it for at least 30 minutes to remove surface moisture.
• Oil: Canola is neutral; sesame adds a nice toasty note. For lower fat, reduce oil to 1 tablespoon and use a light spray to finish.
• Vegetables: Swap or add bell peppers, corn, edamame, or finely chopped broccoli. Frozen mixed vegetables work fine — just add a minute or two if they’re very icy.
• Eggs: If you prefer not to use eggs, scrambled firm tofu or crumbled tempeh make good vegan alternatives.
• Soy sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps salt in check. For gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos (adjust salt to taste).
• Protein add-ins: No pork or alcohol in this recipe — if you want a meaty boost, use grilled chicken, smoked turkey, or mushrooms for a vegetarian smoky bite.

Directions

Follow the steps below exactly as written to get consistent, flavorful results.

1. Gather and chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
3. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and pour into the air fryer basket for about 5 minutes until scrambled; remove and set aside.
4. Add oil to the basket along with onions, carrots, and peas; air fry for 5-7 minutes until tender.
5. Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce; mix well to coat.
6. Fold in the scrambled eggs and green onions; cook together for another 3-4 minutes.

Pro Tips for Success Air Fryer Fried Rice

1. Use cold, day-old rice: Freshly steamed rice is too moist and clumps; chilling it firms each grain so they crisp up in the fryer.
2. Don’t overcrowd the basket: Work in batches if you’re making a large quantity; crowded rice steams rather than crisps.
3. Preheat the air fryer: A preheated basket helps quickly set the eggs and sear the rice edges without overcooking vegetables.
4. Stir halfway through: Give the rice a good toss midway to expose more grains to hot air for even browning.
5. Finish with high heat for a minute: If your air fryer can hit 400°F safely for short bursts, a final 60 seconds at high heat adds extra crunch.
6. Taste and adjust: Low-sodium soy sauce is mild; add a splash more soy sauce or a pinch of salt if it needs brightness.

Flavor Variations Air Fryer Fried Rice

1. Kimchi Fried Rice Twist: Fold in chopped kimchi and a drizzle of sesame oil, and top with toasted sesame seeds for tangy, spicy depth.
2. Pineapple Fried Rice: Add diced pineapple and swap peas for cashews. Finish with a squeeze of lime for sweet-and-sour balance.
3. Ginger-Garlic Boost: Add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger with the garlic to give the dish a bright, warming kick.
4. Curry Fried Rice: Stir in a teaspoon of mild curry powder with the soy sauce and add raisins or chopped dried apricots for a slightly sweet contrast.
5. Protein-Packed: Stir in pre-cooked diced chicken, shrimp, or firm tofu toward the end to heat through without drying out.

Serving Suggestions Air Fryer Fried Rice

Air Fryer Fried Rice is versatile and pairs well with a wide range of dishes. Serve it as a main with a side salad and pickled vegetables for contrast, or as a hearty side to grilled or roasted proteins. It’s great topped with extra chopped green onions, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or chili oil for heat, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for texture. For a balanced meal, add a simple steamed green vegetable like bok choy or snap peas. Leftovers are delicious reheated and can be turned into a fried rice bowl with sliced avocado and a fried egg on top.

Storage and Freezing Instructions Air Fryer Fried Rice

• Refrigerator: Store leftover fried rice in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Cool the rice to room temperature (no more than two hours after cooking) before refrigerating to slow bacterial growth.
• Reheating: Reheat portions in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes, stirring halfway through, or microwave with a splash of water and a damp paper towel to keep moisture.
• Freezing: Cool completely and pack into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
• Reheating from frozen: Reheat gently in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 8–12 minutes, breaking up cold clumps and stirring halfway through, until heated through.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) — approximate

Serves 4. These values are estimates and will vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes.

• Calories: ~310 kcal
• Protein: ~9 g
• Carbohydrates: ~46 g
• Fat: ~9.5 g
• Fiber: ~3.8 g
• Sodium: ~300 mg

If you add extra soy sauce, salted ingredients, or additional proteins, adjust the sodium and calorie counts accordingly. For lower-carb options, use cauliflower rice — note that cooking time and texture will change.

FAQ About Air Fryer Fried Rice

What kind of rice works best for air fryer fried rice?

Cold, day-old short- to medium-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best because it dries out a bit and the grains separate. If you have only freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a rimmed baking sheet to cool and dry for at least 30 minutes or chill it in the fridge; this helps prevent clumping and creates better crisping in the air fryer. Brown rice can be used but tends to have slightly more moisture and will need a longer crisping time.

Can I make this recipe in a regular skillet instead of an air fryer?

Absolutely — you can cook it in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Heat the oil until shimmering, add the aromatics and vegetables, then add rice and soy sauce, stirring quickly to combine. Push rice to the side, scramble the beaten eggs in the cleared space, then fold everything together and finish with green onions. The texture will be different — less air-fried crisp and more wok-char — but equally delicious.

How do I prevent the rice from drying out or getting mushy?

Avoid using freshly steamed rice, which contains too much moisture. Use cold rice and don’t over-stir during air frying; stirring just once or twice is enough. If your rice looks dry before serving, add a teaspoon of oil or a few drops of soy sauce mixed with water to rehydrate and boost flavor without making it mushy.

Is it safe to cook eggs in the air fryer basket?

Yes, when cooked properly. Scrambling eggs in the air fryer basket requires a shallow heat-safe tray or parchment to prevent eggs from dripping through basket holes, depending on your air fryer model. If your basket is solid or you use a small oven-safe dish, pour beaten eggs in and air fry until they set, then remove and chop or crumble into the rice. Always ensure eggs reach a safe temperature (set and no runny parts).

Can I add raw meat to this recipe?

It’s better to pre-cook any raw meats before adding to the fried rice to ensure safe internal temperatures and avoid overcooking rice or vegetables. Add diced rotisserie chicken, cooked shrimp, or seared turkey in the final few minutes to warm through. If you want to use raw items like shrimp or thinly sliced chicken, cook them separately in the air fryer or a skillet first, then fold into the rice.

How do I make this vegan or gluten-free?

To make it vegan, skip the eggs and stir in crumbled firm tofu or sautéed mushrooms for texture. Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free; adjust to taste because these alternatives vary in saltiness. Add a splash of toasted sesame oil for depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Fried Rice is a simple, flexible recipe that turns humble leftovers into a fast, flavorful meal. It’s ideal for busy evenings, easy to customize, and friendly to a variety of diets and flavor preferences. With a few smart swaps and the pro tips above, you can make a consistently tasty fried rice that’s crisp at the edges and tender inside — all with minimal fuss and cleanup. Try it once and it may become your go-to weeknight solution for using up rice and whatever vegetables are in the fridge.

Air Fryer Fried Rice

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and easy twist on classic fried rice, made in the air fryer for a healthier, crispier version with less oil.

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Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked white rice (preferably cold)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (canola or sesame)
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Gather and chop all ingredients into bite-sized pieces.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
3. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and pour into the air fryer basket for about 5 minutes until scrambled; remove and set aside.
4. Add oil to the basket along with onions, carrots, and peas; air fry for 5-7 minutes until tender.
5. Stir in the cooked rice and soy sauce; mix well to coat.
6. Fold in the scrambled eggs and green onions; cook together for another 3-4 minutes.

Notes

Use cold, day-old rice for best results; do not overcrowd the basket to ensure crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Asian