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Air fryer fried rice recipe topped with crunchy toasted cashews and spicy garlic chili crisp oil.

Easy Air Fryer Fried Rice Recipe

Rebecca Blumer
Skip the delivery with this Easy Air Fryer Fried Rice Recipe. Using day-old Jasmine rice and the power of convection heating, you can achieve restaurant-quality crispy edges and fluffy grains in just 25 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Asian-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 315 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • 8-inch oven-safe cake pan

Ingredients
 

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, cooked and scrambled
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups cooked and chilled rice
  • 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

green onions for garnish:

Instructions
 

Preheat and Set Up

  • Heat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) so the rice begins crisping the moment it enters the basket.
  • Prepare an oven-safe pan, such as an 8x3-inch cake pan. Ensure it fits comfortably in your air fryer with enough space for hot air to circulate around the sides.

Build the Fried Rice Base

  • In the oven-safe pan, combine the melted butter, cooked scrambled eggs, frozen mixed vegetables, diced onion, minced garlic, and chilled rice. Use a fork to break up any large clumps of rice so the grains can toast evenly.
  • Drizzle the low sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil over the mixture. Fold everything together until the rice grains are evenly coated and look glossy.

Air Fry Until Hot and Crisp

  • Slide the pan into the air fryer basket and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. It is essential to stir the rice thoroughly every 5 minutes to prevent the edges from darkening too quickly.
  • Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender, the rice is steaming hot, and the grains along the edges look lightly golden and crisp.

Finish and Serve

  • Remove the pan from the air fryer and give the rice one final toss. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately while hot and savory.

Notes

Rice Texture: For the best results, always use chilled, day-old Jasmine rice. Fresh rice contains too much steam, which will lead to a gummy or mushy texture in the air fryer.
Moisture Control: Avoid overfilling the pan. A shallow layer of rice ensures that the circulating hot air can dry and crisp the surface of the grains effectively.
Egg Preparation: If you prefer not to use the stove, you can cook beaten eggs in a greased ramekin inside the air fryer at 350°F for 4 minutes, then scramble them before adding to the rice.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F for 3 to 5 minutes to restore the crispy texture.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.
Keyword Air Fryer Fried Rice, Easy Dinner, takeout-style