Savory Air Fryer Fried Rice in 20 Mins (Print Version)

Whip up savory Air Fryer Fried Rice in 20 minutes! My simple recipe brings crispy edges, rich flavors, and an easy weeknight meal to your table.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Dietary: Vegetarian-adaptable

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 2 cups day-old cooked rice (chilled)
02 - 2 large eggs, whisked
03 - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
04 - 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
05 - 1 tbsp neutral oil (like avocado or canola)

→ Flavor Boosters

06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
08 - 1/4 tsp white pepper

→ Garnish & Finishing Touches

09 - 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
10 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
11 - 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

→ Optional Add-ins

12 - 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or firm tofu, diced
13 - Chili garlic sauce or sriracha, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - This is where the magic starts, prepping everything. Grab a big bowl and toss in your cold, day-old cooked rice. Add about half of your soy sauce, a tablespoon of neutral oil, all your minced garlic, and grated ginger. Give it a really good stir, making sure every grain is lightly coated. Honestly, this step is crucial for getting those separate, crispy grains later. I’ve tried using warm rice, and it just steams instead of getting those lovely crispy bits. Oops!
02 - Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Once hot, spread your seasoned rice mixture in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd it, or it won't get crispy; you might need to do this in two batches depending on your air fryer size. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, giving it a good shake halfway through. You're looking for some of those grains to start getting a little golden and dried out. This is where I sometimes get impatient and try to cram too much in, then have to do extra batches. Learn from my mistakes, people!
03 - After the first rice batch is done, carefully pull out the basket. Now, toss in your frozen mixed vegetables, the remaining soy sauce, and a dash of white pepper. Give everything another thorough mix right in the basket. The cold veggies will help cool things down a bit, and they'll start to thaw and cook beautifully alongside the rice. The smell at this point is starting to get really good, trust me!
04 - Pop the basket back into the air fryer and continue to cook at 375°F (190°C) for another 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket once or twice. Keep an eye on it – you want the veggies to be tender-crisp and the rice to have those perfect, slightly crispy edges. This is where the Air Fryer Fried Rice really comes together! Every time I pull it out, I'm amazed at how well it works.
05 - While your rice is air frying, quickly scramble your two eggs in a small non-stick pan with a tiny bit of oil. Cook them until they're just set and fluffy, then chop them into small pieces. Don't overcook them; keep 'em soft and fluffy. I once got distracted and ended up with rubbery egg bits, which is just sad. Once the rice and veggies are done, gently fold the scrambled egg pieces into the Air Fryer Fried Rice mixture.
06 - Finally, stir in most of your sliced green onions. Dish it out onto plates! A little drizzle of toasted sesame oil and a sprinkle of fresh green onions and sesame seeds, if you're feeling fancy, really takes it up a notch. Honestly, sometimes I just eat it straight from the air fryer basket, no shame! It looks so vibrant and smells absolutely divine, a true weeknight triumph.

# Notes:

01 - Always use day-old, cold rice for that perfect crispy texture – fresh rice gets mushy, trust me on this!
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or a pan to keep those flavors vibrant.
03 - No mixed veggies? Broccoli florets or chopped bell peppers work wonderfully, just chop them small!
04 - A squeeze of sriracha or a dash of chili oil at the end adds a fantastic kick if you like things spicy!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - large mixing bowl
03 - spatula
04 - small non-stick pan (for eggs)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 60g
Protein: 18g

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