Ella Walter
Air fryer fried rice is a playful take on a Chinese takeout classic. It is a quick, easy, and versatile dish that uses less oil and doesn't splatter. It is also a great way to use up leftovers and pantry staples. To make fried rice in an air fryer, you will need cooked and cooled rice, preferably leftover rice that has been refrigerated overnight. You can use white or brown rice, but long-grain varieties like Basmati or Jasmine are best as they have less starch. For flavour, you can add butter, eggs, frozen mixed vegetables, onion, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Meat lovers can also add cooked chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or bacon. The cook time for fried rice in an air fryer is typically between 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the rice and veggies are warmed through.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Rice | White or brown rice; long-grain rice varieties like Basmati or Jasmine are best |
| Rice Temperature | Cold leftover rice or rice that has been cooked, cooled, and refrigerated |
| Add-ins | Butter, cooked eggs, frozen mixed vegetables, onion, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, shredded chicken, diced cooked pork or beef, shrimp, avocado oil, coconut aminos, scallions, white or black pepper, and more |
| Cook Time | 10-15 minutes; stir every 5 minutes |
| Cook Temperature | 350 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Calories | 647kcal |
| Reheating | Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Use cold, cooked rice
Using cold, cooked rice is a great way to make fried rice in an air fryer. It's a quick, easy, and versatile meal that can be adapted to your taste. This method is perfect for using up leftovers, and it's a fun way to create a tasty dish without the hassle of extra oil and salt.
To start, choose cold leftover rice that has been in the refrigerator overnight. Cold, freshly cooked rice will likely result in a mushy texture, as the high moisture content will cause the rice to steam and stick together. By using day-old rice, you allow the grains to firm up and dry out, which will help them cook properly and give them a light and fluffy texture.
You can use any type of rice, but long-grain varieties like Basmati or Jasmine are ideal because they have less starch, which works better with the dry heat of the air fryer. White rice will give you a slightly crispier texture, but you can also use brown rice.
Once you have your rice, simply add your desired ingredients and throw them into the air fryer. You can add frozen vegetables, such as carrots, peas, green beans, and corn, or fresh vegetables, as long as they are diced into small pieces. You can also include proteins like cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. For flavor, you can add butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, or coconut aminos, and spices like garlic and white pepper.
Finally, cook your fried rice in the air fryer for 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, stirring every 5 minutes, until everything is warmed through. Serve immediately, and enjoy your delicious and easy air-fried rice!
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Cook at 300°F for 30 minutes
To cook fried rice in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook it at 300°F for 30 minutes. This is the ideal temperature and time for cooking rice in an air fryer, as it ensures the rice is cooked thoroughly without becoming soggy or mushy.
First, rinse the rice under cold water for about a minute until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch, which can cause the rice to become sticky and clumpy during cooking. After rinsing, place the drained rice in an air fryer-safe pan or dish. It is important to use a pan or dish that allows for even spreading of the rice and is not too deep, as this will facilitate uniform cooking.
Once the rice is in the pan or dish, add water at a 1.25:1 water-to-rice ratio. This means for every 1 cup of rice, you should add 1.25 cups of water. You can also add a little olive oil and salt at this stage to season the rice. Give the ingredients a gentle stir to combine them evenly.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil or a compatible lid. This is important to retain moisture and steam inside the dish, which is crucial for cooking the rice properly. Then, place the dish in the air fryer and set the temperature to 300°F. Let the rice cook for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, turn off the air fryer and let the rice sit in the air fryer for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and finish cooking evenly. Finally, carefully remove the dish from the air fryer using oven mitts and fluff the rice with a fork or a rice paddle before serving.
You can also add various ingredients to your fried rice for extra flavor and nutrition. For example, you can add cooked proteins such as chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu. Vegetables like onions, garlic, peas, carrots, and bell peppers can also be added. Fresh garlic and onion provide a ton of flavor, while frozen vegetables are convenient and easy to use. You can also add eggs to your fried rice, creating a runny yolk or stirring in beaten eggs to cook with the rice.
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Use a 1.25:1 water-to-rice ratio
To cook fried rice in an air fryer, it is recommended to use cold, cooked rice that has been dried and chilled overnight in the refrigerator. Warm, freshly cooked rice will likely become soggy and mushy in the air fryer. Long-grain white rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, is the most suitable choice as it is less starchy.
To prepare the rice for frying, first, rinse the rice in cool water until the water runs clear. Shake and lightly press to drain. Then, place the drained rice in an air fryer-safe pan or dish. Add water at a 1.25:1 water-to-rice ratio. For every cup of rinsed rice, use 1.25 cups of water; for un-rinsed rice, use 1.5 cups of water. Tightly cover the pan or dish with aluminum foil or a lid.
Cook the rice at 300°F (149°C) for 30 minutes. After cooking, let the rice sit for 15 minutes before fluffing it with a fork to serve.
When preparing fried rice in an air fryer, it is important to note that the texture will be slightly more crisp or "al dente" compared to rice cooked in a pot or rice cooker. Additionally, the egg can stick to the rice, so it may be preferable to cook the eggs separately before combining them with the rice.
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Add frozen vegetables
When adding frozen vegetables to your fried rice, it's important to ensure they are diced into small pieces to promote even cooking. You can use any combination of frozen veggies you like, such as carrots, peas, green beans, corn, broccoli, or edamame. If you want to save time on meal prep, you can also add chopped frozen onion and pre-minced garlic to the mix.
To prepare the dish, start by placing your cold, cooked rice in a large mixing bowl. Then, add your chosen frozen vegetables and any proteins you may want, such as scrambled eggs, shredded chicken, or shrimp. It's worth noting that the egg is an optional ingredient, and you can choose to make the dish without it. Next, add your preferred oil and seasonings to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients until they are well combined.
Transfer the rice mixture to an oven-safe container, such as a cake pan, that fits inside your air fryer basket. If you're using an air fryer oven, simply place the container on the middle rack and select the "Air Fry" function. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically ranging from 350 to 380 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook for about 15 minutes. Be sure to stir the rice at least three times during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Once the rice is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and serve it immediately. You can garnish your fried rice with green onions or scallions for added flavor and presentation. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.
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Reheat in the microwave
If you're looking to reheat your fried rice in the microwave, there are a few simple steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to note that fried rice should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. This will ensure that it stays fresh and doesn't dry out. When you're ready to reheat your rice, simply place it in the microwave and heat it for 1-2 minutes. If the rice is dry, you may need to add a small amount of water to it before reheating. This will help to ensure that your rice is moist and fluffy, rather than dry and hard. It is also important to ensure that the rice is heated thoroughly before serving. This will ensure that any bacteria that may have grown on the rice while it was stored are killed.
Reheating fried rice in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to enjoy your leftovers. It is important to note that the texture of the rice may change slightly upon reheating. The rice grains may not be as distinct or fluffy as they were when the rice was first cooked. This is because the starch in the rice continues to absorb moisture, even after cooking. This can cause the grains to swell and become softer, resulting in a slightly chewier texture. However, this does not mean that the rice is unsafe to eat, it will simply have a different texture.
Another factor that can affect the texture of reheated fried rice is the type of rice that was used. Different varieties of rice have varying levels of amylose, which is a type of starch. Amylose is what gives rice its firm texture, and it is resistant to absorbing water. So, rice varieties that have a higher amylose content will retain their shape and texture better upon reheating. For example, Basmati rice has a high amylose content, so it will remain relatively firm and fluffy even after being reheated. In contrast, sushi rice has a low amylose content, so it will become softer and stickier upon reheating.
Additionally, the method of cooking the rice can also impact its texture when reheated. For example, rice that has been fried or stir-fried will have a different texture than rice that has been boiled or steamed. This is because the frying process causes the starch in the rice to break down, resulting in a softer grain. So, when reheated, fried rice may become even softer and chewier, while boiled rice may retain its shape and texture better.
Overall, reheating fried rice in the microwave is a safe and convenient way to enjoy your leftovers. By following the above tips and tricks, you can ensure that your rice is heated thoroughly and has the best possible texture. So, the next time you have leftover fried rice, don't throw it out – simply pop it in the microwave and enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 10 to 15 minutes to cook fried rice in an air fryer. You should stir the rice every 5 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly.
Long-grain rice varieties such as Basmati or Jasmine rice are best for air fryers because they contain less starch. It's important to use cooked and cooled rice, as freshly cooked rice will likely become soggy and mushy.
You can add a variety of ingredients to your fried rice, including cooked eggs, frozen vegetables, onion, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and meat such as chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, or bacon.
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