Air fryers are a convenient and healthy alternative to deep frying, and they can be used to make egg fried rice with minimal effort. The high temperature of the air fryer means that the dish is ready in under 30 minutes, and it can be customised with a variety of ingredients. The air fryer's basket also makes clean-up a breeze.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Ease of cooking | Quick and easy |
Taste | Authentic, tasty, versatile |
Health | Less oil, healthier than takeout |
Cleanliness | Less mess, easy cleanup |
Customisation | Customisable with ingredients of choice |
Time | Ready in under 10-30 minutes |
Temperature | 300-380°F |
What You'll Learn
What ingredients do you need?
To make egg fried rice in an air fryer, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Rice: Use cold, cooked, and cooled rice. Leftover rice is ideal, but you can also cook the rice the night before and store it in the fridge. Both white and brown rice work well.
- Eggs: Scramble the eggs and add them to the rice. You can use one or two eggs, depending on your preference.
- Vegetables: Fresh or frozen vegetables can be used. Onion, garlic, carrots, peas, corn, broccoli, beans, and green beans are popular choices.
- Oil: Avocado oil, sesame oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil can be used. Oil helps the rice crisp up in the air fryer.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds flavour and saltiness to the dish. You can adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
- Oyster Sauce: Oyster sauce adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the fried rice. It's not a mandatory ingredient, but it enhances the flavour.
- Butter: Butter is optional but recommended as it adds flavour and helps prevent the rice from sticking together.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
- Scallions: Scallions can be used for garnish or added to the fried rice for additional flavour.
- Spices: You can also add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or curry powder to the uncooked rice for extra flavour.
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How do you make egg fried rice in an air fryer?
How to Make Egg Fried Rice in an Air Fryer
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make egg fried rice in an air fryer:
- Cooked rice (preferably chilled and leftover)
- Eggs
- Frozen vegetables (such as carrots, peas, corn, broccoli, beans, onion, garlic)
- Oil (avocado oil, sesame oil, olive oil, or butter)
- Soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- Oyster sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Scallions
- Sriracha or other sauces (optional)
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 350-380°F (175-193°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, frozen vegetables, and oil together. Ensure the rice is coated evenly.
- Add your desired seasonings and mix well. You can also add the soy sauce and oyster sauce at this stage.
- Transfer the rice mixture to an oven-safe dish or cake pan that fits inside your air fryer.
- Place the dish in the air fryer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If you haven't added the eggs yet, pour beaten eggs over the rice and cook until the eggs are set, about 4 minutes.
- If you prefer your eggs to be in pieces, cook them separately before adding them to the rice.
- Garnish with scallions and serve immediately.
Tips
- It is recommended to use chilled, leftover rice as it will give a better texture. Freshly cooked rice may turn out mushy.
- You can customise your fried rice by adding different proteins and vegetables of your choice.
- Be sure to stir the rice occasionally during cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce.
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What temperature and time settings should you use?
The temperature and time settings for your air fryer fried rice will depend on the type of rice you are using, the ingredients you are adding, and the doneness you are looking for. Here are some general guidelines to help you get started:
Temperature Settings:
- For long-grain white rice varieties such as Basmati or Jasmine, set your air fryer to 300°F (149°C). This temperature ensures even cooking and prevents clumping due to the lower starch content of these rice varieties.
- For other types of rice, the ideal temperature may vary. It is recommended to start at a lower temperature of around 300°F (149°C) and adjust as needed.
Time Settings:
- For white rice in an air fryer, cook for 30 minutes. Then, let the rice rest inside the air fryer for an additional 15 minutes before removing the foil and serving.
- For brown rice, the cooking time may vary. It is recommended to start with 30 minutes and adjust from there, checking the rice for doneness.
- When cooking proteins such as shrimp or chicken, it is best to cook them first and then add the rice and vegetables. This ensures that everything is cooked properly without overcooking.
- When adding eggs to your fried rice, it is recommended to cook them separately before combining them with the rice to air fry. This prevents the eggs from sticking to the rice and changing the texture.
- In general, it is important to stir the fried rice mixture every few minutes during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Tips for Optimal Results:
- Use chilled, day-old rice for best results. Freshly cooked rice can turn out mushy in the air fryer due to its high moisture content.
- Lightly coat the rice with oil to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
- When reheating leftover fried rice in the air fryer, set the temperature to 360°F (182°C) and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
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How do you make fried rice in an air fryer without it becoming soggy?
Yes, you can make egg fried rice in an air fryer. Here are some tips to ensure your fried rice doesn't become soggy:
Use the Right Type of Rice:
Long-grain white rice varieties, such as Basmati or Jasmine rice, are best for air frying. These types of rice have a lower starch content, which prevents the grains from sticking together and helps maintain their individual grain separation. This is particularly important in the dry heat environment of an air fryer, as too much starch can cause the rice to clump.
Rinse the Rice:
Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove dust, debris, and excess starch. This will prevent the rice grains from sticking together and becoming soggy. Rinse the rice under cold water for about 1 minute, or until the water runs clear.
Use Room Temperature Water for Cooking:
Using hot water to cook the rice can result in unevenly cooked grains, with a mushy exterior and an undercooked centre. Therefore, it is recommended to use room temperature water when cooking rice for fried rice.
Maintain the Proper Rice-to-Water Ratio:
A 1:1.25 rice-to-water ratio is generally recommended for cooking rice in an air fryer. However, you may need to make slight adjustments based on your specific air fryer model. Too much water can lead to soggy rice.
Choose the Right Container:
Use an oven or air fryer-safe pan or dish that allows for even spreading of the rice. Ensure the container is not too deep to facilitate uniform cooking. A cake pan or an oven-safe bakeware that fits inside the air fryer basket can work well.
Seal the Container Well:
Cover the dish tightly with a compatible lid or aluminium foil to retain moisture and steam inside. This is crucial for cooking the rice properly and preventing it from drying out.
Cook at the Right Temperature and Time:
Cook the rice at a moderate temperature of around 300°F (149°C) for 30 minutes. Start with this as a guideline, and then adjust the time and temperature based on your specific air fryer model and your personal preferences. Check the rice for doneness and extend the cooking time if needed.
Let the Rice Rest:
Once the rice is done cooking, let it sit in the air fryer for about 15 minutes before fluffing it. This step is important because it allows the residual steam to finish the cooking process and ensures the grains don't break when fluffed.
Fluff the Rice Gently:
After the resting period, use a fork or a rice paddle to gently fluff the rice. This step helps separate the grains and gives them a light, fluffy texture.
Test and Adjust:
Keep in mind that the first time you cook rice in an air fryer may involve some experimentation. Make note of the exact water ratio, temperature, and time that worked best for your specific appliance, and adjust accordingly in the future.
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What are some tips for making the best egg fried rice in an air fryer?
Making egg fried rice in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty dish with minimal effort. Here are some tips to help you make the best egg fried rice:
- Use cold, leftover rice that has been refrigerated. Cold rice separates more easily and doesn't clump together like freshly cooked rice.
- If you don't have leftover rice, cook the rice beforehand and let it cool in the refrigerator.
- Use long-grain white rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine. These types of rice have less starch, which prevents the rice from becoming gummy and sticking together.
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and any debris.
- Use an oven-safe dish or cake pan that fits inside your air fryer. A 7-8 inch round cake pan should work for most air fryers.
- Grease the pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the rice from sticking.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix your rice, vegetables, proteins, and seasonings in a large bowl before transferring to the pan. This ensures everything is evenly coated and distributed.
- Break up the eggs and mix them into the rice before transferring to the air fryer. This prevents the eggs from sticking to the rice and changing the texture.
- Cook the rice for 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- If desired, add some butter and chopped scallions or green onions to the rice after cooking for extra flavour and garnish.
- For a more authentic fried rice flavour, finish the rice by tossing it in a hot wok or pan with a dash of sesame oil.
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