Have you ever felt that sudden craving for something both comforting and exciting, like finding an old favorite book with a fresh new cover? That’s exactly how I stumbled upon this air fryer chicken fried rice recipe, which, let me tell you, is a game-changer—like the unexpected plot twist in a summer blockbuster. The aroma alone, with its inviting mix of savory chicken and perfectly seasoned rice, might just transport you to your favorite takeout spot, except this time, you’re the chef in charge.
Steps
- Begin by preheating your air fryer to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. As it heats, combine melted butter, scrambled eggs, frozen mixed vegetables, diced onion, minced garlic, cooked and chilled rice, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil in an oven-safe pan.
- Place the pan in the air fryer and cook the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure to stir the ingredients every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and that the rice and vegetables are thoroughly heated.
- Once cooked, remove the pan from the air fryer and serve the fried rice immediately. Optionally, you can garnish with green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, scrambled and cooked
- 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables (no need to defrost)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 cups of cooked and chilled rice (white or brown)
- 2 tablespoons of low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- Green onions for optional garnish
Nutritional Values
Calories: 647kcal | Carbohydrates: 121g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 455mg | Potassium: 344mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2621IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- Can you use uncooked rice in an air fryer for this recipe?
- Yes, you can cook raw rice in an air fryer. This recipe provides detailed steps on how to prepare Air Fryer Rice.
- What additional ingredients can I incorporate into this recipe?
- You can enhance the recipe by adding shredded chicken, diced cooked pork or beef, shrimp, and a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, baby corn, sugar snap peas, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and yellow squash.
- What dishes pair well with Air Fryer Fried Rice?
- Air Fryer Fried Rice complements a variety of dishes. Some suggested pairings include Sweet and Sour Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken, Spicy Szechuan Beef, Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, Orange Teriyaki Salmon, and Kung Pao Shrimp.
- How should I store leftover Air Fryer Fried Rice?
- Store the fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use a microwave or heat it on the stove until it reaches a piping hot temperature. If the rice seems dry, add a little water while reheating.
- Are there any tips for preparing Air Fryer Fried Rice successfully?
- Utilizing leftover rice is a great way to make this dish. Feel free to switch up the frozen vegetable mix with different varieties. To save time, consider using pre-chopped frozen onions and garlic, or even onion and garlic powder for convenience.
Tips
- Use chilled, leftover rice for the best results, as it prevents the rice from becoming mushy during cooking. If you don’t have leftover rice, cook it the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.
- Customize your vegetable mix by exploring different frozen varieties available at the store. You can try adding bell peppers, sugar snap peas, or bamboo shoots for added flavor and texture.
- To save time on prep, consider using pre-chopped frozen onions and pre-minced garlic. Alternatively, you can use onion powder or garlic powder for a quicker option.
- For a heartier meal, add cooked proteins like shredded chicken, diced pork, or shrimp to the fried rice. This not only enhances the dish’s flavor but also makes it more filling.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Essential for cooking the fried rice in this recipe.
- Oven-Safe Pan – Specifically an 8 x 3-inch cake pan or similar oven-safe pan to use inside the air fryer.
