How to make fried rice in your air fryer

Is there anything you can't air-fry?!

air-fryer-fried-rice

I’ve used an air fryer many times, but I’ve always been hesitant to get really creative with it. Crisping up hot chips? Sure. Roast potatoes? Yup. (There’s a theme here.) 

What can you cook in an air fryer?

After years of only ever using my air fryer for potato dishes, I discovered this collection of recipes that proves air fryers are in fact incredibly versatile and you can cook just about anything in them. Not just spuds. 

I think the misconception lies in the name, because an air fryer is so much more than a ‘fryer’. Similar to how a convection oven works, the appliance is able to do so much thanks to the fan inside that helps circulate hot air around the food. It’s known for super-quick cook times, making it a great choice for those that don’t have a lot of time on their hands (like moi).

The ultimate air fryer recipe

Contrary to what you may think, an air fryer can be used like any other kitchen appliance to cook raw meats and vegetables, eggs and pasta bakes to more complex desserts like doughnuts, puddings and baked fruit. 

But the first creative air fryer recipe I decided to master was a recipe that’s regularly on my weeknight dinner repertoire – yes, I was going to make air fryer fried rice. 

Foolproof fried rice in the air fryer

While I’m a big fan of my rice cooker, preparing fried rice means I have to plan ahead and have day-old rice in the fridge. For those times when that just isn’t an option, this air fryer version has now become my go-to.

Instead of using pre-cooked rice, this recipe uses packet microwave rice which makes things so much easier. I usually have most of the ingredients on hand (like frozen peas, ginger and chilli), and all the sauces. The addition of bacon adds so much flavour. 

My favourite part of this recipe is adding the eggs to the rice mixture, air frying for a couple of minutes until they’re just set and then bringing the whole dish together. 

Is air fryer fried rice good?

This recipe is so quick and easy, prepped in 10 and cooked in 20. If you’ve ever experienced soggy or lumpy fried rice due to using overcooked rice, you’ll also love it – the air fryer’s fan removes the moisture so it’s crispy and authentic. 

Ready to try it for yourself? Get our air fryer fried rice recipe. 

Our favourite air fryer recipes

• Air fryer roast pork belly
• Air fryer chicken rissoles 
• Air fryer apple and cinnamon fritters
• Air fryer Caramilk bomboloni 

Originally published as How to make fried rice in your air fryer