Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice: The Quick & Easy Dinner You Need!
Forget takeout! This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s faster, healthier, and tastier than anything you can get delivered. If you’re looking for easy weeknight dinners that the whole family will love, look no further. This recipe is incredibly versatile, using up leftover rice and chicken, and ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies! Give this Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice a try; you won’t be disappointed! This dish perfectly combines convenience and flavor, making it ideal for busy families seeking healthy dinner ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice
- Super Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: A delicious way to get kids to eat their veggies.
- Easy Cleanup: The air fryer makes cleanup a breeze!
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your family’s preferences and what you have on hand.
- Healthy-ish: Lighter than traditional fried rice, using less oil.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice
- Cooked Rice: 2 cups, preferably cooked the day before (day old rice).
- Cooked Chicken: 1 cup, diced (leftover rotisserie chicken works great!).
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables: 1 cup (peas, carrots, corn – whatever you like!).
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons (use low-sodium for a healthier option).
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon, minced (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger).
- Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten.
- Green Onions: 2, sliced.
- Optional: Sriracha, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of honey.
Substitutions:
- Chicken: Use cooked shrimp, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Rice: Brown rice can be substituted for white rice, though it will have a slightly different texture.
- Vegetables: Use any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms.
- Soy Sauce: Coconut aminos are a great gluten-free alternative.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is an important step to make sure your air fryer Chicken Fried Rice cooks properly.
- Sauté Garlic and Ginger: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce and sesame oil. Set aside. In another bowl, whisk the egg.
- Cook the Egg: Spray air fryer basket with olive oil. Then, add the egg to your air fryer basket and cook for about 2 minutes. Remove the cooked egg from the basket and set aside to chop into small pieces. Make sure the egg is fully cooked before moving on.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
- Add Sauce: Pour the soy sauce mixture over the rice mixture and stir well to combine.
- Air Fry: Add the rice mixture to the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy, stirring halfway through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the cooked egg with the Chicken Fried Rice mixture, remove from the air fryer basket, and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Day-Old Rice is Best: Using day-old rice ensures that the fried rice doesn’t become mushy.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the soy sauce or other seasonings as needed.
- Vegan Option: Substitute tofu for chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added moisture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
This recipe is so simple. If you are looking for Air Fryer Recipes, this is a great place to start.
Serving Suggestions
This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls add a delightful crunch.
- Spring Rolls: A lighter, refreshing option.
- Miso Soup: A warm and savory complement.
- Steamed Broccoli: For an extra boost of vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the texture may be slightly softer. For best results, add a splash of water or broth while reheating to prevent it from drying out. This recipe is great for air fryer meals and will be a staple among your easy air fryer meals healthy options.
FAQ about Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice
Q: Can I use frozen rice?
A: While fresh or day-old rice is preferred, you can use frozen rice. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the air fryer. Using day old rice helps prevent this dish from becoming too sticky!
Q: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
A: Absolutely! Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice is perfect for meal prep. Prepare a large batch and divide it into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. One note: be sure the serving sizes align with whatever diet regime you’re following. This particular dish works really well as a Weight Watchers friendly meal.
Q: Can I make this without chicken?
A: Yes! You can easily make this vegetarian by using tofu or leaving out the protein altogether. You can also add more vegetables or your favorite plant-based protein source. You can also consider this an easy healthy dinner if you adjust the sodium and oil amounts.
Q: Is air frying healthier than traditional frying?
A: Yes, air frying generally uses significantly less oil than traditional frying, making it a healthier option. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, resulting in a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil.
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice
There you have it – a simple, delicious, and healthier take on a classic favorite! This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients and customize to your family’s taste. Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this recipe. Be sure to pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for easy access later!
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to subscribe to get notified of other great recipes like this. Also, be sure to check out other air fry recipes on the blog. The air fryer has become an essential tool in making cheap dinners for a family.
Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice: The Quick & Easy Dinner You Need!
Equipment
- Air Fryer,
- – Mixing bowls
- – Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Rice preferably cooked the day before (day old rice)
- 1 cup Cooked Chicken diced (leftover rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup Frozen Mixed Vegetables (peas, carrots, corn or whatever you like!)
- 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce use low-sodium for a healthier option
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Ginger minced (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 large Egg lightly beaten
- 2 units Green Onions sliced
- Optional toppings Sriracha, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of honey
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is an important step to make sure your air fryer Chicken Fried Rice cooks properly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce and sesame oil. Set aside. In another bowl, whisk the egg.
- Spray air fryer basket with olive oil. Then, add the egg to your air fryer basket and cook for about 2 minutes. Remove the cooked egg from the basket and set aside to chop into small pieces. Make sure the egg is fully cooked before moving on.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
- Pour the soy sauce mixture over the rice mixture and stir well to combine.
- Add the rice mixture to the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy, stirring halfway through.
- Stir in the cooked egg with the Chicken Fried Rice mixture, remove from the air fryer basket, and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
